Is this the poker world?Ada thief!

Chapter 1722 The Reason for the Duel

Although Mr. Sato warned Judai and the others to be careful of possible traps set behind the entrance gate.

However, after Judai, Asuka, and John cautiously advanced for about five minutes, they still hadn't encountered anything that could be considered a trap. Even the [Jewel Beasts] that John sent out to scout didn't encounter anything suspicious.

"Although bringing this up suddenly might be a bit troubling for you," Judai, who was still being helped along by Asuka despite claiming he could at least walk normally on his own, chatted with the two of them, "Asuka, and John, what are you dueling for?"

"Why are you asking about this all of a sudden?" Asuka looked at Judai with some surprise. "Is it because of what Professor Sato said earlier?"

"Well, it's impossible to say I don't care at all." Judai touched his brow, using a small gesture to cover up his embarrassment. "One thing that can't be denied is that Sato-sensei probably sees it very clearly. As for me, it's just because it's interesting."

"No, I was surprised and happy, but I guess I like dueling because it's fun."

"Was it for that reason, Jaden?" John looked at Jaden, a little embarrassed. "But it's always a bit embarrassing to say the reason for your duel in front of other people, like letting a little girl lift up her skirt in the street."

"What was that weird analogy? It's not that bad." Asuka retorted, but paused before saying it, then showed the same shy expression, "...Okay, I take back what I said before. It is indeed a little embarrassing to just state my reasons for dueling like that."

"Huh? You two only said sorry after I finished speaking? How could you do that?" Judai complained somewhat resentfully when John and Asuka remained silent. Noticing that Asuka had glanced at John while speaking, Judai thought for a moment and immediately understood why Asuka wasn't speaking. Perhaps it was because she wasn't actually very familiar with John.

After all, reality isn't like Europa Universalis where "my daughter's daughter is still my daughter." A friend's friend doesn't necessarily mean they're friends. I'm friends with Asuka and I have a good relationship with John, but John and Asuka are just acquaintances at best, not very close.

"Don't worry, Asuka, John isn't the kind of person to blabber. He would never spread secrets he heard from friends to others without permission." To make her words more convincing, Judai gave an example: "Last week I told him that I was the one who tore Sho's Dark Magician Girl poster when he was a freshman, and he's kept it a secret ever since."

"Although the main reason is that Marufuji has been doing his best to avoid the dinosaur guy's duel all this time, and it was two years ago, so he may have forgotten about it by now," John complained, but still raised his hand and solemnly promised, "However, I really don't have the habit of gossiping, and I would never laugh at other people's dreams."

"John has already put it this way, Asuka, you should consider it." Judai, with one arm still draped over Asuka's shoulder, leaned closer to her and said, as if egging her on.

But when Asuka met Jaden's gaze, she clearly saw the lingering confusion that troubled his heart beneath his feigned cheerfulness. Clearly, although he had won the duel, Sato-sensei's words were still haunting Jaden; he genuinely needed a reason to duel with someone else as a reference point to dispel his confusion.

Thinking of this, Asuka could only sigh helplessly: "Judai, if you say so, of course I will believe John. Okay, but you guys have to swear that you will never laugh at me."

"Although I want to keep this story short, I think it really starts from when I first encountered Duel Monsters as a child. The trigger was during Duel City. My brother was completely captivated by the duels of the four finalists of Duel City—Hayato Kobayashi, Yugi Muto, Seto Kaiba, and Katsuya Jonouchi—which were broadcast live on TV. He even took it upon himself to have a hairdresser cut our hair to resemble those of the two legendary duelists."

Pointing to her hairstyle, Asuka complained, "Even though I was young back then, I'm still a girl, so I definitely have my own sense of style. What my brother did made me really angry, but it also made me curious—just how captivating are Duel Monsters that they could make my brother so obsessed?"

"Then, I saw an incredibly vast world. Here, you can be anyone you want to be and walk any path you want to take. For me, who had been oppressed by my brother's shadow at the time, this was undoubtedly an unprecedented experience of freedom."

Asuka had already confided in Jaden about her hidden inferiority complex and sense of inadequacy. Although John wasn't very clear about the part about "Tenjōin Fubuki's shadow," Asuka didn't explain too much, since she mainly wanted to share her reasons for the duel with Jaden.

"Do I want to surpass my brother? Maybe I have thought about it, but that's not the reason for my duel. As for protecting everyone, for justice, or becoming the strongest, I don't have such lofty thoughts. After all, in Hayato-sensei's words, I am like many other people, my soul is bound by gravity."

“I think it should be ‘recognition’. What I’m pursuing in the duel is something called ‘recognition’. Recognition of my abilities, not calling me ‘Fubuki’s sister’ because of my brother’s existence; recognition of my talents, not being swayed by my appearance; recognition of my thoughts, not looking down on me because of my inferiority complex.”

Looking at Judai, Asuka's eyes burned with determination. "The person who can give me that kind of 'sense of recognition' is the person I want to protect, the person who is the justice for a selfish person like me, the motivation for me to become stronger, and the reason for my duel."

After listening to Asuka's story, John looked at Judai with a gossipy gaze, but Judai had an approving expression: "Asuka, you really chose a difficult path. It must be hard to find someone like that."

"It's not that difficult."

Asuka said softly, while John teased from the side, "It's more like it's both far away and very close—Goo-wa!"

Although she was supporting Judai, Asuka still managed to free her hand to give John an elbow. Seeing John shut his mouth in time after being hit by her, Asuka raised an eyebrow and said, "Now that you've heard what I and Judai have to say, it's your turn, John. Now it's your turn to tell us your reasons for the duel."

"Well, I'll just say it if you ask me." John was actually a little regretful; he'd been so enthusiastic about watching the show and joining in the fun, and now he had to pay for his gossip. Asuka felt embarrassed, but he felt the same way—a little ashamed to reveal his reasons for the duel in front of others.

However, with the groundwork laid by Judai and Asuka, it was indeed much easier for John to speak.

"My reason for this duel—no, I think it should be called my purpose. Just like Asuka asked, Judai, you have to keep it a secret and not tell anyone, and please don't laugh at me either."

John rarely showed a serious expression. "That happened before I met the [Jewel Beasts], during my adoptive father's trip to America. One day, I was strolling around the street when I accidentally discovered a [Gummy Bean] card sprite wandering around."

"Out of curiosity, I followed him into the alley, only to find a child lying on the ground with many Duel Monster cards scattered around him, as if he had just lost a duel."

"Upon inquiry, I learned that the child's most cherished 'Gummy Bean' card had been stolen. The person who stole the card suddenly challenged him to a duel and proposed a card bet, but he lost the duel and also lost the chance to win back his beloved companion."

"The Gummy Bean's sprite disappeared before I arrived, but I think it was the Gummy Bean who, even after being taken away, could not forget his friends and wanted to help that child. That child did not have the vision of a 'Sprite Master,' but his heart was undoubtedly resonating with the heart of the Gummy Bean."

"Because of the 'Spirit Master' ability, I've always been thinking about the responsibility behind such an ability. After that duel, I think I understand. The communication between duelists and cards doesn't necessarily have to rely on such a rare ability as the 'Spirit Master.' Even if you can't see the cards, duelists can still communicate with spirits. But I think the 'Spirit Master' ability exists to make it possible for more people to do this."

"To paraphrase a quote from Sato-sensei, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' As for me, I want to become a 'bridge,' a bridge that bridges the invisible chasm between humans and spirits, enabling them to understand and communicate. That is the reason for my duel."

After listening to John's explanation, Asuka said earnestly, "John, your dream is wonderful." "I believe you will succeed, John," Jaden replied, giving John a thumbs up.

"Haha, I'm already so glad you didn't laugh at my dream as being unrealistic." John mimicked Jaden and gave a thumbs up. "I'll thank you for your blessings in advance."

"It's not a blessing, it's just stating a fact in advance, because John, you're sure you'll achieve your dream, right?"

"You're making me like you more and more, Judai."

Walking ahead with a grin, John happened to see another group of the [Jade Beasts] who had gone ahead to scout the way returning. He waved and asked with a smile, "How did it go, Ruby?"

"Chirp chirp!" The response to John came from the [Jade Beast - Ruby Beast], whose expression showed a hint of anxiety.

Although Jaden understands some of Kuriboh's language, he struggles with the language of the Ruby Beast. However, he can tell from the Ruby Beast's expression that something seems amiss. John's translation further informs Asuka of the situation.

"Sapphire has been arrested!?"

"It's my fault."

The one who spoke was the [Jade Beast - Yellow Jade Tiger] who was traveling with them. He had just formed a reconnaissance team with [Jade Beast - Red Jade Beast] and [Jade Beast - Azure Jade Pegasus]. The other team that had been reconnaissance earlier was [Jade Beast - Amethyst Cat] and [Jade Beast - Cobalt Spinel Eagle]. The reason why [Jade Beast - Emerald Turtle] and [Jade Beast - Amber Mammoth] did not join the reconnaissance should be self-explanatory.

“We’ll discuss the details as we go. Let’s hurry to Sapphire—that is, the place of the [Jade Beast - Azure Pegasus]!” Although anxious about his family’s situation, John still explained to Judai and Asuka behind him, “Topaz—that is, the [Jade Beast - Yellow Tiger]—said that the [Jade Beast - Azure Pegasus] has been captured!”

"Why were the Card Spirits caught?"

Jaden was completely bewildered. He knew that although John's [Jewel Beasts] all had awakened card Pokémon, they were at most at the second stage in Hayato's classification of Pokémon abilities. That is, they could interfere with reality with a certain amount of power, but could not materialize independently. When going out to explore, the [Jewel Beasts] could basically only be considered as first-stage card Pokémon.

In other words, in most cases, there is no threat or danger whatsoever, and the most harmless and safe state exists. There is no entity that can interfere with them. Not to mention that ordinary people cannot see these [Jade Beasts], how exactly are they "captured"?

Despite their many questions, finding the [Jade Beast - Azure Pegasus] was the priority. Judai and Asuka followed the anxious John, running ahead. The [Jade Beast - Yellow Jade Tiger] and the [Jade Beast - Red Jade Beast] led the way, explaining the situation along the way.

After passing through a long corridor, John arrived at a spacious area inside the underground laboratory. John, who was the first to enter, saw a man launching a capsule-shaped device from a motorcycle. The device was suspended in mid-air by steel cables extending from both ends, making it appear as if the capsule device was floating in mid-air.

John, with his sharp eyes, clearly saw that although these capsules appeared to be empty, each one actually contained a card spirit under the "Spirit Master's" vision. The capsule device that had just risen contained none other than his family member—[Jade Beast - Azure Pegasus]!

"Sapphire!"

"Oh? I was a little annoyed that my prey had escaped, but it turns out it went back to call its master? Thank you for delivering this to my door, [Jade Beast] John Anderson."

"Who are you?! Do you recognize me?" John looked at the man as he turned around, his face full of anger. "Although I don't know the principle, you are undoubtedly someone who can see the spirits! What unforgivable things are you going to do to my important family?!"

"Hey, are you asking a whole bunch of questions right off the bat?" The middle-aged man smirked impatiently. "Well, since you're about to give me a whole bunch of rare cards, I'll mercifully tell you since you've asked so sincerely."

"I am Keith Hunter, and I've come to obtain all seven [Jewel Beasts], as well as that card!"

(In the voice actor list provided by the ending theme, he is really only called "Keith Hunter". There is also a translation called "Keith Hunter". I will choose "Keith Hunter".)

(The voice actor for Ken Narita is Keith Hunter. Why is Sesshomaru so evil? (Kou-chan.jpg))

"Duel."

Keith Hunt: 4000LP, 5 in hand

In John's vision, a terrifying shadow appeared behind Keith, and at the same time, his Duel Disk was already open. This move clearly meant that John wouldn't be able to reclaim the [Jade Beast - Jade Pegasus] unless he defeated this guy in the next duel!

After checking his deck, John noticed that while the [Jade Beast - Jade Pegasus] card looked the same as usual, the lack of a spirit abode made it look awkward, giving it a strange emptiness and a sense of falseness. Nevertheless, he kept it in his deck and opened his Duel Disk, declaring, "I won't let you take away my important family members without my permission!"

"Duel!"

John Anderson: 4000LP, 5 in hand

　No witty remarks today, please vote!
　　In the promotional video for FGO's 10th anniversary, ten quartz? *Sneer*; thirty quartz? Who are you trying to fool?; sixty quartz? What a bunch of idiots; one hundred quartz? The marketing team is completely clueless.

　　A thousand stones?

　　Kudos to the operations team! (Limited time offer)

(End of this chapter)