After Kuyou's match, he didn't return to the GEN Academy room. I suppose, since he secured his ticket into the next round, there was no reason for him to stick around.

I got a message on my phone. It was from Haruno, asking if Kurosaki and I wanted to hang out with him and Shiramichi before the next round started. I didn't see any harm in it, so I agreed, and we were on our way to talk to them.

"Hey, Takamine-san, Kurosaki-san!"

We could see Haruno wave cheerfully as he beckoned us over. Shiramichi was standing behind him, her back hunched over as she sipped on an iced coffee.

"Yo, Haruno-san, Shiramichi-san."

"H-Haruno-san! Shiramichi-san!"

I fist-bump Haruno while Kurosaki did a double high-five with him. Even the shy Shiramichi managed to muster enough courage to wave at us too.

"Talk about an intense first round... I can't help but feel a little bad for Christ-san, since he got revived only to get knocked out immediately afterwards."

Haruno laughed nervously. Kurosaki nodded in agreement.

"I-I know the matches are determined randomly, but I feel like even that was too cruel... he barely got to enjoy his time back in the tournament."

"At least he's gone for good now. Once you participate in the Revival Trigger once, you can't do it again." I said.

"True. That just means from here on out, we can't discount anyone who loses!" Haruno said.

"For sure. It will make me feel less bad if we ever get paired into each other. I can beat your ass without holding back!" I said.

"I was going to say same thing, Takamine-san. I won't have any regrets going all out against a guy like you!" Haruno said.

Kurosaki laughed while Shiramichi shook her head.

"Y-you guys are really getting into the spirit of it! Now I really wanna see you two fight!"

"In a way, it would be seeing who's the better Lyrical player." I said.

"Right? Oh, what about you two girls? You hoping to fight each other?" Haruno said.

"E-eh?!"

Kurosaki was caught off-guard while Shiramichi shrugged.

"...I don't care who my opponent is."

"U-uh, same here! A-anyone is fine... I'm more concerned about my sickness."

"Ah, true... it would've been nice if you guys had a rivalry though, since your decks are practically fated enemies."

I nodded in agreement.

"Thegrea versus Eva... no, Obscudeid. The knight of light versus the knight of darkness. Will she get her revenge, or will he triumph her despair?"

"T-that sounds like too much pressure! I-I don't want that happening at all! B-besides, Shiramichi-san is my friend, I don't wanna knock her out of the tournament!"

If this was the Kurosaki who still hadn't met Shiramichi yet, I'm sure she would've sworn to destroy Eva and Obscudeid in a serious voice.

"...I don't really care about winning."

Kurosaki and my eyebrows raised hearing Shiramichi say that. Haruno frowned.

"...the only one who cares about that is Haruno-san. Win or lose... it doesn't change anything to me."

As Shiramichi said those cold words, the atmosphere around us turned cold and distant.

"W-what do you mean by that, Shiramichi-san...?"

She bit down on her straw, chewing on it.

"...don't worry. It doesn't concern you."

Shiramichi's eyes went hollow as she threw the empty cup into a nearby bin.

"Shiramichi-san... are you okay?"

As Haruno asked that, Shiramichi lowered her head.

"...I'm trying my best. I really am."

Haruno's eyes widened. His expression softened.

"If you want to go back, you can. Let me get Etou-san to escort you."

I raised an eyebrow. Why would Shiramichi need someone to bring her back?

Shiramichi looked away and nodded. Haruno made a quick message, and in a few minutes, Etou strutted over.

"Oh... this is a surprise."

Etou looked over Kurosaki and I.

"Hey, Etou-san."

"Y-you..."

I waved casually at her while Kurosaki put up a defensive stance.

"Good morning, Takamine-san, Kurosaki-san. Congratulations on your school's first victory."

Etou greeted us, albeit very shortly, as she turned her attention towards Shiramichi.

"Come on, Shiramichi-san."

Etou stretched her hand out to Shiramichi. She looked up at Etou through her long bangs before sighing, taking hold of her hand. The two of them made their way back to Jinrai High's room.

"Sorry about that..."

Haruno apologised, but we were more concerned about Shiramichi.

"I-is everything okay with Shiramichi-san...?" Kurosaki said.

"She looked completely out of it, yeah." I said.

Haruno scratched the back of his neck.

"It's... not really my place to say... I'm sorry."

I guess it must be a deeply personal matter to her.

"I-it's okay... we understand. I-if she's not feeling well, we wish her a speedy recovery!"

Kurosaki put her hands together with a smile. Haruno smiled a little in return, but it felt forced.

"What I can tell you is that... yeah, Shiramichi-san meant it when she said she didn't care about winning or losing."

"R-really? Why's that?"

"She only joined the team because I asked her too. I saw how low her Category was, so I thought she would benefit from an event like this. And, since I curried good favour with Etou-san thanks to my older sister who's a bit of a local celebrity.... I managed to convince her to reserve a slot for both of us!"

"A-and she actually agreed to it?"

"She didn't seem all that enthusiastic about it..."

"Yeah, I basically had to beg Shiramichi-san to come with me... she's not here for Vanguard, she's here more or less on vacation."

"A vacation, huh... no wait, that makes total sense!"

Suddenly, I somehow felt scammed that I had to continue to fighting in the Tri-deity Circuit when I could've jobbed in the first round on purpose to spend the rest of my week on the beach. Damn, was this why Busujima scooped during the Revival Trigger?

"B-but, she's really good at the game..."

"That's what I told her as well! But, well... Vanguard isn't Shiramichi-san's passion. It's just not on her priority list to go out there and win, even if I encourage her to."

"That sounds like a curse almost. Being naturally good at something, but having no interest in it..."

"A curse, huh..."

A thin smile appeared on Haruno's lips.

"Do you know what her actual passion is?"

He shook his head.

"I don't think Shiramichi-san even knows that herself."

"W-what about you, Haruno-san?" Kurosaki said.

"Huh? Me?"

"Y-yes... Shiramichi-san said you wanted to win more than her..."

"Ah... ha ha ha. I'm surprised you took an interest to be honest."

"W-why wouldn't I be interested? We're friends, Haruno-san!"

Haruno was surprised at Kurosaki's enthusiasm before smiling.

"Well... it's because I love Vanguard! So of course I want to win!"

Haruno blushed, putting his arms behind his back.

"Woohoo! That's a nice lie, Haruno-chan! Ka ka!"

Both Haruno and Kurosaki froze up as a familiar and obnoxious voice echoed from behind us, drawing closer with every heavy footstep.

I narrowed my eyes and stepped in front of them, protecting them from the man that was approaching us— the Ace of Alba, Jouraku Hanma.

"Oya oya? You're here with Takamine-kun and Kurosaki-chan too? Woohoo!"

Jouraku immediately slinked over to wrap his slimy hands around Kurosaki again, but this time I grabbed him by the shoulder to stop him. I definitely wasn't going to let the same thing happen as last time...

"Hey... mind your own damn business."

"Woo! You finally got some balls, eh? Unfortunately, that won't be enough to stop me, the great Jouraku Hanma-sama, woohoo!"

Even when being impeded, Jouraku wore a shit eating grin proudly, trying to force his way past me.

"Just stop it already... you damn perv... she already told you she's not interested!"

It was getting harder and harder to keep him at bay. For a card game player, his shoulders were surprisingly sturdy...

"Woo... don't make me resort to my secret weapon, Takamine-san."

"The hell do you mean...?"

Jouraku slid his sunglasses down, letting me meet him eye to eye.

"If you don't let me through... I'll reveal to everyone your little secret."

I narrowed my eyes at him. So, he was trying to blackmail me?

"Woo-hoo?!"

I let out a cold laugh under my breath, tightening my grip on his shoulder, like I was trying to crush it.

"...fine by me. My identity is worthless compared to Kurosaki-san's safety."

Jouraku's shit eating grin widened.

"Ka ka... ka ka ka! Of course! Woohoo!"

Hearing my decisive response, Jouraku howled like he just had an orgasm.

"Ah, the great Jouraku-sama should have realised it from the start... Takamine-kun is one of those self-sacrificing hero types, woohoo! In that case... if you don't let me through, I'll expose Shiramichi-chan's secret to the whole world!"

As Jouraku said that, my mouth went agape while Haruno reared his head at Jouraku.

"What..."

Jouraku craned his head over to Haruno, nodding repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes! You heard me right, Haruno-chan! Woohoo! Your precious Shiramichi-chan's secret... the great Jouraku-sama knows every single last one of them, ka ka! I even know yours too! Like the fact you're a talentless hack only fighting in this tournament because your older sister, Haruno Yuka, had previously won the Tri-deity Circuit for Jinrai High when she was at school, woohoo!"

Haruno's face went pale as his eyes widened, a trickle of sweat running down his cheeks.

"H-huh..."

He lowered his head and grit his teeth, narrowing his eyes. Seeing him shrink, Jouraku laughed.

"Marvellous! Amazing! The best! Woohoo!"

So, that was the lie Jouraku was talking about earlier... there must have been a reason why Haruno didn't tell us. For him to say it so casually without Haruno's permission... that was beyond messed up.

Considering he also knew what my true identity was, there was a high likelihood that he legitimately knew what Shiramichi's secret was as well. If that was the case, he was forcing me between a rock and a hard place...

The real question is, how the hell did he get his hands on any of this information? Who gave him all of this? I don't understand...

"What are you going to choose, Takamine-kun? Woo!"

Jouraku stopped resisting and giggled.

"Are you going to protect your dear Kurosaki-chan?"

I gulped, reaching my back pocket for my ID medal.

"Or are you going to let me tell the world about Shiramichi-chan's suicide attempt?"

My eyes widened. Kurosaki gasped. A wash of despair ran over Haruno's face.

"Oya oya? Everyone's speechless! The great Jouraku-sama was just trying to make sure there were no lies, woohoo!"

Haruno tried to say something, tried to move forward, but his feet were planted to the ground, bound by fear. Even if I let go to stop Jouraku from saying anymore than this, it was clear he would run his mouth anyways - that was one thing none of us could stop.

"What's wrong with you..."

I stared down at him like he was vermin. Jouraku put on that same shit eating grin.

"...how do you know, Jouraku-san?"

Haruno raised his head slightly. There was a quiet anger burning in the back of his eyes.

"Woohoo! Sorry Haruno-chan, but that's a secret ☆! Woohoo!"

"Tell me who told you. Right now."

Somehow, despite all the depraved things Jouraku had done thus far, Haruno didn't raise his voice at him. It was low and threatening, yet dripping in fierce disappointment.

Jouraku, recognising Haruno meant business, turned his shit eating grin into a sly one, sighing with a post-orgasmic look. He laughed, pulling his body away from my now aching hand.

"If you must insist..."

For some reason, Jouraku's beady eyes locked onto me, rather than Haruno.

"...it was M—"

A pop-up appeared in front of all of us, interrupting him.

<Commencing next game>
[Alba] Jouraku Hanma vs [Jinrai] Haruno Yuuki

"Oya oya?! Woohoo! This is the best match up the great Jouraku-sama could have ever dreamed of, ka ka!"

Jouraku threw his head back and cackled like a hyena. Meanwhile, grim bags appeared under Haruno's eyes as he saw who his next opponent was.

"You've got to be kidding me..."

"Woo... hoo... I've never been so happy to fight someone before, Haruno-chan! Let's a good fight out there, mmmkay~? Woohoo!"

Jouraku licked his lips, pushing up his sunglasses.

"Oh... and to make things extra interesting while we're here... woohoo! If you win, I won't say anything else about Shiramichi-chan's past. But if I win... I'll tell the whole world, live on air, every gruesome detail about her suicide attempt, woohoo!"

Haruno swallowed the lump in his throat and staggered backwards, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Y... you wouldn't dare..."

Haruno weakly spat out a response to Jouraku's incessant taunts.

"Ka ka. The great Jouraku-sama always sticks to his words."

...I had enough of this bully.

"Oi, Jouraku!"

I took out my ID medal and shoved it in Jouraku's face.

"If you even try to hurt Haruno-san, Shiramichi-san, Kurosaki-san, or anyone else for that matter, I will come and personally kill you."

"Woohoo?"

Jouraku made a confused noise, but his smile grew wider. He leaned in, nuzzling my hand before shoving his ID medal in my face too.

"I can't wait for you to kill me, Takamine-kun~ ♡"

I pulled my arm away from his face and he did the same.

"Ka ka! See you on the other side, Haruno-chan! Woohoo!"

Jouraku left, walking away with his hands in his pockets. I narrowed my eyes.

"...what a messed up guy."

I muttered under my breath. I turned to Kurosaki and Haruno.

"Are you two okay?"

"I-I'm fine thanks to you, but..."

Kurosaki glanced over to Haruno who was pulling at his bangs.

"How can he so selfishly decide something that cruel on his own... how does he know about my sister, or Shiramichi-san's depression..."

He was crying.

"Haruno-san..."

"D-do you want a hug...?"

Haruno looked up at us through his bangs, before sniffling and nodding. Kurosaki embraced him at first, before Haruno gestured for me to join as well, creating a group hug. I rubbed his back, letting him cry into our shoulders.

"I'm sorry for showing such a pathetic side of me... I should've been able to do more against him, but I was too overwhelmed with fear and shock when he talked about Yuka-neechan like that..."

"I had no clue your sister was such an incredible person." I said.

"Yeah... it must have been a lot of pressure on Haruno-san, right?" Kurosaki said.

Haruno laughed bleakly, nodding.

"I'm nothing but a little sibling with a huge inferiority complex... the only reason Etou-san listened out to my request was because Yuka-neechan put in a good word for me... they used to be senpai and kouhai, you see?"

"So that's what you meant when your sister was a local celebrity."

Haruno nodded.

"She was skilled enough to go pro... her dream was to go pro... but instead, she tossed that dream aside and pursued becoming a doctor instead."

"Why was that?" I said.

"...me. She wanted to change the world for my sake— and for everyone else who felt the same way as me."

"Is it because of your..."

Haruno nodded.

"That's such a noble thing to do."

"I'll forever be grateful for it. But, it was because of that, I felt a sense of obligation to continue what Yuka-neechan started. I loved Vanguard as well, so if she couldn't go pro... I wanted to do it in her stead. So that every ounce of effort she's putting to try and improve my life is repaid tenfold. That's why I wanted to win the Tri-deity Circuit... to make a name for myself and live up to the legacy my older sister left behind! But I didn't want anyone to know about this..."

"H-Haruno-san... the relationship between you and your sister sounds wonderful..." Kurosaki said.

"Yeah. I'm sorry your secret was forced out this way... we promise to not tell anyone else." I said.

"Thank you... I appreciate it, but right now, I couldn't care less about myself. I'm way more worried about Shiramichi-san... and what Jouraku-san is planning to do with her secret."

Haruno let go of us, breaking the hug. He raised his head, clutching his fist to his heart.

"I... I just want to protect Shiramichi-san."

He wiped away his tears, stepping forward.

"But to do that... I have to beat someone ten times more skilled than me... I don't even know if I can do it..."

"Then you just have to give it your all, right?"

As I said that, Haruno raised his eyebrows. A gentle smile appeared on his face.

"...yeah. I do."

"I know you can beat Jouraku-san, Haruno-san!" Kurosaki said.

"We're supporting you all the way. And all the members of Jinrai too, right?" I said.

Haruno nodded. He then looked at us with desperate eyes.

"Also... I must ask— no, beg of the two of you..."

He bowed deeply to the two of us.

"Please... don't tell anyone about Shiramichi-san's secret... she... she doesn't deserve something as sensitive as that to be aired out into the world..."

We nodded.

"Don't worry. We won't tell a soul."

"We promise!"

Haruno raised his body, nodding.

"Thank you..."

"Good luck on your fight, Haruno-san!" Kurosaki said.

"You've got this. Crush Jouraku-san on our behalf too, alright?" I said.

"...I'll try my best!"

Haruno put on a fake smile before leaving.

"Poor Haruno-san... and Shiramichi-san too..."

"Yeah... I wish I was the one fighting Jouraku-san instead. There's way too many things I want to punch him in the face over."

"L-let's hope Haruno-san can win... and that doesn't come to pass."

I nodded in agreement with Kurosaki, but deep down, I felt that it would be an extremely uphill battle for Haruno. Kurosaki and I returned to the GEN Academy room, just in time to catch the beginning of the fight.

A blue card each descended in front of them, with Haruno catching his in the palm of his hand and Jouraku punching his. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising their decks.

A bluish purple crest of a complex magic circle overlaid on a grimoire appeared over Haruno's deck, while an orange crest of clustered gemstones appeared over Jouraku's deck.

The system decided Haruno would go first.

"Stand up, (the!) Vanguard!"

"Jewelias Dracokid!"

"Physical Training from Scratch, Luticia!"

"Woohoo! I can't wait for this! Don't forget about the deal we made earlier Haruno-chan, ka ka!"

"How could I forget... stand and draw! I discard to ride Staying In Even On Days Off, Luticia! I get the Energy Generator! Then, I play Cursed Sugar Sparkle! I put it into soul and soulcharge... then I call Yuika from soul! Turn end!"

Haruno:
Hand: 4
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Jouraku:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Woohoo! Let's get this party started, ka ka! Stand and draw! I discard to ride Jewel Core Dragon! Woohoo! I draw and get the Energy Generator! Jewel Core attacks! (8000)"

"I play Anathema Slap Twinkle! It goes to soul and Luticia gets +15k! (23000) Over to pass!"

"Drive check! (Steam Gunner, Tizkar) Woo, turn end!"

Haruno:
Hand: 3
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Jouraku:
Hand: 7
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Heavy Leaning on Expectations, Luticia! Luticia's skill, I return a card from hand to deck to grab Wishing Your Happiness! I call Naustria and use her skill! I scry 3, put a Sugar Sparkle into soul, and botdeck the rest! Then, I play Wishing Your Happiness! I put it into soul and grab a Slap Twinkle from soul! Then, I put a Happiness from drop into soul and Luticia gets +5k! (10000 > 15000) Luticia attacks! (15000)"

"No guard, ka ka!"

"Drive check! (Wishing Your Happiness)"

"Damage check, woohoo! (Soul Funeral Dragon, Noctursio)"

"Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! Her skill, she gets +15k! (10000 > 25000 > 33000)"

"No guard, woohoo! (Demonic Stone Dragon, Rockargour)"

"Yuika's skill, I soulblast to bounce Naustria! Turn end!"

Haruno:
Hand: 4
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
XOO

Jouraku:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Demonic Jewel Dragon, Jewelneel, woohoo! Jewel Core pops out from soul! I call Clerical Star Demonic Lady, Bifrons! Woohoo! Her skill, I counterblast to scry 3, put a Clenn to my hand, put a Drajeweled Ignis to soul, and drop Rockargour! Woohoo! Jewel Core attacks and he gets +5k, woohoo! (8000 > 13000)"

"I play Anathema Slap Twinkle! It goes to soul, my vanguard gets +15k, and since I have 4 Cursed Play, I draw! (8000 > 23000)"

"Jewel Core goes back to soul, woohoo! Boosted by Bifrons, Jewelneel attacks! (10000 > 18000)"

"No guard!"

"Woohoo! Drive check! (Wise Demonic Lordling, Varpula) No trigger!"

"Damage check! (Precious Tune, Edwige) Critical trigger... that's way too late."

"Ka ka! Jewelneel's on hit, I soulcharge! Turn end, woohoo!"

Haruno:
Hand: 4
Damage: 1
Energy: 3
OXO
XOO

Jouraku:
Hand: 8
Damage: 2
Energy: 6
OXO
OXO

"Stand, draw, and charge! Luticia's skill, I soulblast Luticia to ride up! Only the stars have the right to bear this curse! A true lead overcomes adversity with effort, and effort alone! I ride my avatar, Grimoire Etoile, Luticia! I call Naustria and use her skill! I scry 3, put one to soul, and botdeck the rest! I play Wishing Your Happiness! I put it into soul, add Reshelto to hand, put a card from drop into soul, and give Luticia +5k! (13000 > 18000) Luticia's own skill, she gets another +5k! (18000 > 23000) I call another Yuika and Naustria! Naustria's skill, once more! Let's battle! Luticia attacks! (23000) Luticia's skill, I counterblast to draw and she gets +5k! (23000 > 28000) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

"Oya oya? That's a lot of power to be dealing with turn 3! Woohoo! No guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Anathema Slap Twinkle, Demonic Fever, Garviera) O-over trigger! I'm giving 100 million to Luticia and the additional effect gives 10k to my rear-guards for the rest of the game! (28000 > 100,028,000) (10000 > 20000) (10000 > 20000) (8000 > 18000) (8000 > 18000)"

From the sounds of it, even Haruno was surprised to see the overTrigger show up this early. It was an incredible opportunity for him to cripple Jouraku, as his vanguard was only 10k, meaning it would be extremely difficult for him to guard the remaining attacks.

Not to mention, checking it now would massively increase Haruno's firepower for the rest of the game, as the longer Jouraku let Haruno live, the more he would need to contend with the extra +20k on each of his columns.

Though, I have to say... I did find it a little funny that, out of all the overTriggers checked in the tournament thus far, Jouraku was the victim to both of them. What is he, an oT magnet? I couldn't tell if it was more funny or sad.

"Woohoo! Now things are getting interesting, ka ka! Damage check! (Demonic Jewel Dragon, Rystal Galer)"

"Luticia's skill! I discard Reshelto to restand with drive -1! (100,028,000/2d > 1d) Reshelto's skill, I energyblast 3 to draw! Now Luticia attacks again! (100,028,000/1d) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

"Sanctitude, perfect guard! Woohoo!"

"Drive check! (Cherish Starlight, Reshelto) No trigger! Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! She gets +15k! (20000 > 35000 > 53000)"

"No guard, ka ka! (Gambling Juggler) Woohoo! Heal trigger! I recover a damage and give power to vanguard! (10000 > 20000)"

"Yuika's skill, soulblast to bounce Naustria! Boosted by Yuika, Naustria again! (20000 > 35000 > 53000)"

"No guard (Rouse Wildmaster, Riley) Woohoo! Draw trigger! Power to vanguard and I draw! (20000 > 30000)"

"Yuika's skill, soulblast to bounce Naustria! Turn end!"

Haruno:
Hand: 8
Damage: 1
Energy: 3
OXO
XOX

Jouraku:
Hand: 7
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
OXO
OXO

"Stand, draw, and charge! Woohoo! I discard to ride Demonic Jewel Dragon, Drajeweled! Jewelneel's skill, I soulcharge and draw! Noctursio's skill, draw! Drajeweled's skill, I counterblast to soulcharge 2 and since I got two grades, I draw! Woohoo! I call Zagan and use his skill! I soulcharge, then reveal the Ignis in my hand to call from my soul... say hello to the newest addition to my deck, woohoo! Demonic Stone Dragon, Lithosargour!"

"A new stone dragon?!" Kurosaki gasped.

"Since when did he get that card?" I said.

"Lithosargour's skill! Since I have a Drajeweled vanguard, I energyblast 3 to draw, woohoo! I call another Lithosargour and Varpula! Lithosargour's skill, energyblast 3 to draw! Woohoo! Prepare yourself, Haruno-chan! It's time for the great Jouraku-sama to mount a comeback, ka ka! Boosted by Varpula, Lithosargour attacks! (10000 > 18000) Lithosargour's skill, woohoo! When he attacks a grade 3 or greater vanguard, since I have four cards with different grades in soul, he gets +10k until end of turn, ka ka! (18000 > 28000)"

"I play Anathema Slap Twinkle! It goes to soul, my vanguard gets +15k, and I draw! I also guard with Reshelto! (33000)"

"Woohoo! Boosted by Zagan, Lithosargour attacks! (10000 > 20000) Lithosargour's skill, +10k! Woohoo! (20000 > 30000)"

"Palvi guards! Her skill, +5k shield! (33000)"

"Boosted by Bifrons, Drajeweled attacks! (13000 > 21000) Drajeweled's skill! I soulblast 4 cards with different grades to reduce your vanguard's power to 1 and get +1 critical! (21000/1 > 2) Woohoo! And since I soulblast 4 cards at the same time, my Varpula and both my Lithosargour's skills activates! Varpula goes to soul, I draw, and reveal the Ignis in hand to stand Zagan! Then I counterblast 1 each to stand my Lithosargour, woohoo!"

"T-that card is literally just better Rockargour!" Kurosaki said.

"That's just Rockargour Pro Max!" I said.

Talk about unoriginal card design...

"Now, all you can do before the mighty Jouraku-sama is bow down! Woohoo! Twilight Reaper!"

"I knew it was coming. I knew what you were going to do, and still... (13000 > 1)"

Haruno looked at his hand and gritted his teeth, before narrowing his eyes at Jouraku.

"I guess I wasn't prepared enough for it... no guard!"

Jouraku grinned, pushing up his sunglasses.

"Music to my ears, ka ka! Twin Drive!! (Clerical Star Demonic Lady, Bifrons, Swanky Enthraller) Woohoo! Critical trigger! The great Jouraku-sama never misses! Power to Lithosargour without a booster, critical to Lithosargour with a booster! (20000 > 30000) (20000/1 > 2)"

Just like in his game against Momoka, Jouraku opted to put his critical on the rear-guard to ensure his remaining attacks could connect, since giving Haruno three chances to check a defensive was worse than giving him only two.

"Damage checks! (Cursed Sugar Sparkle, Precious Tune, Edwige) Critical trigger! All to vanguard! (1 > 10001)"

"Woohoo! You're full of surprises, aren't ya? Lithosargour attacks, ka ka! (30000)"

"Misa and Yuika guards! (30001)"

"Boosted by Zagan, Lithosargour attacks! Woohoo! (20000 > 30000/2)"

"No guard! (Astesice, Misa) Critical trigger! (10001 > 20001) (Fire Regalis)"

"Ka ka, turn end! Zagan's skill, Lithosargour goes back to soul!"

Haruno:
Hand: 4
Damage: 5
Energy: 3
OXO
XOX

Jouraku:
Hand: 12
Damage: 4
Energy: 3
OXX
XXO

"Stand, draw, and charge..."

Haruno took a deep breath, steadying himself. Jouraku snickered.

"Oi, oi. Don't tell me you've got cold feet of all a sudden, Haruno-chan! I thought you were going to save Shiramichi-san? Ka ka!"

Haruno narrowed his eyes, gripping his cards tighter. He raised his head and looked at Jouraku in the eyes.

"I... I don't know who told you all of this... and I don't know why you're doing all of this... but isn't it... too petty?"

"Oya oya?"

"You're an Ace, Jouraku-san... you don't need cheap tricks like this to gain an edge over your opponents. Do you not... doesn't it... doesn't it make you feel weak?"

"Ka ka! The great Jouraku-sama has long left those pathetic feelings behind me, Haruno-chan! I'm here where I stand because I've conquered all those things before! Woohoo!"

"From where I'm standing... this so called "greatness" you hold... is nothing but a sham!"

"Woohoo! Wow, what a feisty response from such a timid person!"

"Take it seriously, Jouraku-san... because I've lost a great deal of respect for you. You're not a real Category Ace... a real Category Ace would never look down on their competition like this! A real Category Ace... they would help everyone around them to rise to the same level as they are!"

For some reason, I felt that Haruno was referring to Etou, the Ace of Jinrai.

"Woohoo! I love it, I love it~! Give me more, Haruno-chan! Show me what kind of fighter is hidden under that reserved hood of yours, ka ka!"

"Stop it... I don't need to show a guy like you anything about myself... because I'm more than already well aware of what I'm worth. I know I'm weaker than others. I know I won't ever reach the same peaks my sister did. I know I'm destined to end up losing to you, and being forgotten on the other side..."

Haruno looked up at the blinding stadium lights before narrowing his watering eyes even more.

"But even so... I just can't give up yet! Because the person standing in front of me... deserves to be forgotten on the other side even more! So I'll change my fate and engrave my name into the Vanguard world side by side with my avatar!"

Haruno's lavender circuits went berserk, causing the entire landscape to change into a raging river that swirled and jumped freely with harsh waves. It was completely different to the tranquil and peaceful river he conjured last time.

"Only the stars have the right to bear this curse! A true lead overcomes adversity with effort, and effort alone! Cross Persona Ride my avatar, Rive Etoile, Luticia! (13000 > 23000) (8000 > 18000) (8000 > 18000) Luticia's skill, I add Wishing Your Happiness to my hand! I call two Naustria (10000 > 20000 > 30000) (10000 > 20000 > 30000) and use their skills! Scry 3, put one into soul, botdeck the rest! And once more! Both my Yuika's skills, they get +5k! (18000 > 23000) (18000 > 23000) I play Wishing Your Happiness! It goes to soul, I add Riviena to my hand, put a card from drop into soul, and Luticia gets +5k! (23000 > 28000) Luticia's skill! I counterblast to give my front row +10k and get the restand skill! (30000 > 40000) (28000 > 38000) (30000 > 40000) Luticia attacks! (38000) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

"Ridicule Disrupter, perfect guard! Woohoo!"

"Twin Drive!! (Cursed Sugar Sparkle, Precious Tune, Edwige) Critical trigger! All to Naustria! (40000 > 50000/1 > 2) Luticia's skill! I discard to restand her! Reshelto's skill, energyblast 3 to draw! Once more, Luticia attacks! (38000) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

The raging river turned blood red as it splashed up and down, lunging straight at Jouraku.

"Ka ka... this is the sort of stuff that gets my blood pumping, woohoo! Double Noctursio and Riley guards! Riley gets +5k shield and Noctursio gets +15k shield when I reveal Ignis from hand, woohoo! (13000 > 53000) I'm raising you a two to pass, Haruno-chan! You think you can do it? Woohoo!"

Haruno paused, going through his public zones and counting the remaining number of triggers in his deck.

"That's a smart decision... instead of being goaded into blindly dumping everything into Luticia by Jouraku-san's provocative guard, he's taking the time to double check his remaining triggers and calculate the odds of actually doing it." I said.

"P-plus, Haruno-san knows what the bottom four cards of her deck are from using double Naustria this turn! If she saw any triggers during that, then she knows her odds would be even worse than what it looks like on the surface." Kurosaki said.

Haruno sighed, shaking his head.

"I have 9 triggers left in a 24 card deck... the odds are less than 50%... I don't think I'm getting it."

Even though it sounded like an admission of defeat, it just meant that if Haruno would pull any triggers, he would stack the power on either of his Naustria instead.

"Twin Drive!! (Sigh of Relief, Fabiola) Heal trigger! All to Naustria with the critical and recovering a damage! (50000 > 60000/2) (Snowskip, Palvi) F-front trigger... (40000 > 50000) (38000 > 48000) (60000 > 70000/2)"

Haruno's eyes widened.

"Oya oya? Woohoo! You should've had more faith in your avatar, Haruno-chan! Ka ka!"

Jouraku burst out jumping for joy as the blood red river barely missed him, skimming past his body.

"H-Haruno-san!" Kurosaki gasped.

"No way..." I said.

"Oh my gosh." Kazuraba said.

All of us were in shock that Haruno had just missed his chance at breaking through Jouraku's guard.

"If only that attack connected... it would turn the rest of his attacks into lethal swings..."

"A-and with how big her Naustria are... there's no way Jouraku-san can guard them unless he had extra sentinels in hand... but since he didn't use any for the second vanguard swing, that's unlikely, right?"

"He might be saving one for a Naustria column, but... he can just easily take the non-critical one, since he's still at four damage. That's why it was so important for this attack to hit, to push him to five...!"

"The only silver lining here is that Haruno-san got a heal, giving her a cushion to gamble for a damage trigger next turn to try and rebound from Drajeweled's power reduction." Kazuraba said.

"I guess she must be thankful for that much..."

"Woohoo! This has been one of the must fun games of Vanguard I've played recently! There's been so many unexpected twists and turns... how exhilarating! Thank you Haruno-chan for such a wonderful experience! You've been an amazing partner!"

"Don't act like its over now, Jouraku-san... I still have two more attacks with your name written on it! Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (70000 > 85000 > 98000/2)"

"Such a desperate attack too... woohoo! You're spoiling me, Haruno-chan! Disrupter, perfect guard!"

Just as I predicted, Jouraku was saving another sentinel for that attack. Of course he would, there's no way he'd survive otherwise...!

"Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (50000 > 65000 > 78000)"

"No guard, woohoo! (Demonic Jewel True Dragon, Drajeweled Ignis)"

"And just before my turn ends, I'll use my Arcana!"

Lavender purple circuits began glowing dimly all over Haruno's body, gliding across his arms and legs before being channelled into the core of his chest in the form of a cursed soul that had transmuted into a Roman numeral.

VI.

"Lovers ability, activate."

"Demonic Charm! At the end of my turn, I bounce all of my rear-guards to hand, and since I bounced two or more, I draw! Turn end!"

Haruno:
Hand: 12
Damage: 4
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

Jouraku:
Hand: 5
Damage: 5
Energy: 3
OXX
XXO

"Time to end this, ka ka! Final turn!"

Jouraku smirked, throwing away his sunglasses. Haruno flinched.

"Stand, draw, and charge! The kaleidoscope of light shifts and spins. At the break of dawn, the seven colours will overlap and unlock a new spectrum, the laughing coffin of jewelled paradise! Transcend, my avatar— Demonic Jewel True Dragon, Drajeweled Ignis! Welcome to the Ace's dominion!"

Circuits didn't even need to appear on Jouraku's body for him to activate his Arcana. As he spread out his arms and thrust forward the palm of his right hand, the pitch black Roman numeral appeared immediately, like he had plucked it from thin air.

XV.

"Devil ability, activate."

"Chaos Brigade! I activate Persona Ride, call a card from my soul, then countercharge equal to that unit's grade, woohoo! Come on out, Demonic Stone Dragon, Lithosargour! (10000 > 20000) (13000 > 23000) (10000 > 20000) Woohoo! Since Lithosargour is a grade 2, I countercharge 2, woohoo! Lithosargour's skill, energyblast 3 to draw! I call Varpula! Ignis's skill! I put two cards from drop into my soul and give my front row +15k, woohoo! (20000 > 35000) (23000 > 38000) (20000 > 35000) Boosted by Varpula, Lithosargour attacks! His skill, +10k, woohoo! (35000 > 45000 > 53000)"

"I play Anathema Slap Twinkle! It goes to soul, my vanguard gets +15k, and I draw! (28000) I add Palvi and double Yuika! (58000)"

"Boosted by Zagan, Lithosargour attacks! His skill, +10k, woohoo! (35000 > 45000 > 55000)"

"Fabiola, Edwige, and Misa guard! (58000)"

"Boosted by Bifrons, Ignis attacks! (38000 > 46000) Drajeweled's skill, woohoo! I soulblast 5 cards with different grades to reduce your vanguard's power to 0 and get a critical! (46000/1 > 2) Varpula's skill! He goes to soul, I draw, and stand Zagan! Both of my Lithosargour's skills! I counterblast two to stand them both! Woohoo! Let's put an end to this nightmare... Twilight Reaper! Woohoo!"

"(13000 > 0) Riviena, perfect guard!"

"Woohoo! Triple Drive!!! (Demonic Stone Dragon, Rockargour, Demonic Stone Dragon, Lithosargour, Soul Funeral Dragon, Noctursio) Oya oya? Isn't this lucky for you, Haruno-chan! I didn't get a single trigger, ka ka! It seems the almighty Jouraku-sama is showing mercy upon you!"

"Triggers or no triggers, I'm still on zero base power..."

Haruno's eyes were darting between his hand, deck, and Jouraku's field.

"Don't be so nervous... you don't have to be scared around me, Haruno-chan. I'll take it nice and slow just for you, woohoo! Lithosargour attacks! (45000)"

Haruno grit his teeth, reluctantly reaching for the fifth damage.

"Looks like he has to get the damage trigger here, otherwise he won't be able to guard the last attack..." I muttered.

"C-come on, Haruno-san! You can do it! You can defend against him!"

Kurosaki screamed, cheering him on.

"N... no guard...! (Overflow Happiness, Naustria) N-no trigger..."

Haruno gulped. Jouraku smirked.

"And the clown said... game over. Boosted by Zagan, Lithosargour attacks! Woohoo! (45000 > 55000)"

"No guard... come on, heal trigger!"

Even as Haruno shouted his prayer aloud and put all his resolve into pulling the top card of his deck, it simply wasn't enough.

"(Rive Etoile, Luticia) No trigger..."

"Good game, Haruno-chan! Woohoo!"

Even as Jouraku celebrated his victory, Haruno came to a standstill. His body gently swayed while his eyes went wide in abhorrent fear.

Haruno looked up at Jouraku, biting his bottom lip, before closing his eyes and slowly sinking to his knees. Kurosaki and I gasped as we watched him resort to prostrating before Jouraku, begging for mercy.

As Jouraku loomed over the bowing Haruno, it looked just like some sort of cruel public shaming.

"Please... please don't..."

"Oya?"

Jouraku knelt down to Haruno's level, before swiftly standing back up, revealing that he only bent the knee just to pick up his sunglasses from the floor.

"Please don't tell the world... what Shiramichi-san has been through..."

Putting his shades back on his face, Jouraku turned his back on the desperate Haruno, giving one last look of pity over his shoulder.

"Ka ka! Are you stupid, Haruno-chan? It was all just psychological warfare to make you play worse."

Haruno raised his head from the floor, his skin pale and his mouth agape.

"I have a bright future ahead of me, so there's no way I'd make myself a villain by doing as something as heinous as that. I may be the Reaper, but I'm not that cruel, woohoo!"

Jouraku cheerfully waved goodbye, exiting the arena and leaving Haruno gobsmacked.

"W-what... you did all of that... for this...?"

Haruno stood, wobbling as he also took his leave. He ran a hand through his hair, before planting it firmly onto his mouth to hide his wounded expression and feelings of disgust.

"...I can't forgive this."

Seeing how cruel and unnecessary that entire set-up was, I muttered that to myself.

Maybe it was on impulse, or maybe it was because these ego-headed Aces were getting under my skin...

But without thinking, I stormed out of the GEN Academy room to confront Jouraku for what he had done.

"T-Takamine-san! Wait!"

I could hear Kurosaki call after me, trying to catch up, but I didn't wait for her.

I knew that if I did, I would miss my chance to give him a piece of my mind.

"T-Takamine-san, please wait..."

Kurosaki's voice began fading away as I stormed closer and closer to the exit of Alba Academy's tunnel.

"Oya oya?"

And meeting me on the other side of that gate was Jouraku, his hands in his baggy pants and his lips twisted in a cruel and unforgiving smile.

"And what business do you have with me, Takamine-kun? Woohoo!"

I stepped towards him, getting into his personal space as I gazed past his orange sunglasses and straight into his hollow brown eyes.

"I won't let you get away with this, Jouraku."

Jouraku matched my tenacity, grabbing me by my shirt and pulling me in closer so our foreheads were touching.

"Woohoo... I haven't felt a thrill like this in such a long time... you really do get mad on behalf of your friends, ka ka!"

"Of course I would! Who wouldn't? It's only natural to want to stand up for them!"

"Even if they're your enemy in this tournament? Y'know, we both mutually benefit from their downfall, woohoo!"

"That doesn't matter! Whether or not Haruno-san and Shiramichi-san go to the same school as me is irrelevant! I like them, so they're my friends! And that's even more reason why I won't let a guy like you push them around by hanging their secrets over their heads like that!"

"Ka ka! What a naive paragon of justice! I love it! You've barely known them for two days and you're already sticking your neck out and batting for them... woohoo! Don't you realise just how fortunate you must be to even make that decision?"

"Huh...? Don't act like you aren't privileged either! You're an Ace and you even somehow know other people's secrets without their consent! You're like a street rat digging up dirt on others for no good reason!"

"You've never been burnt before in your life and it shows. No wonder you can't get along with Kuyou-san, woohoo!"

I'm not usually the type to be swayed by what other people say to me.

Sure, it stings, but I know that I would never agree with what other people say about me because my circumstances are so much different than theirs.

Even from when I was young, I was self-aware of the fact I was born in a position higher than others. And there was nothing I could do reconcile that gap in status except trying to not be the type of person who continues to perpetuate that disparity.

But in this moment, my eyes widened at Jouraku's brazen words. He stuck his tongue out, licking his lips in a taunting manner.

My type of "hell" is different to other people. I understood that. I knew that. I was aware of that.

The bitter drop of despair that landed on my tongue when I was young forced onto me the perspective I needed to breakaway see the world for what it was.

Even if my thoughts on reality were black, I tried to keep my hope for the future bright. That's why who I am today.

So, for this guy to so boldly claim that I've never been burnt before in my life... I first tried to rationalise it in my head, saying that Jouraku's experience of pain was different from mine, or that he didn't know what my struggles were like...

...but I knew it was a pointless exercise. It was just my own ego clinging onto the hope that not all people are completely bad. But it seems Jouraku was one of these completely unforgivable people.

The fact of the matter is, Jouraku doesn't know a damn thing about me. No one does. Only I know better than anyone else who I am.

"Where the hell do you get off saying something as condescending as that..."

"I dislike being treated like a bad guy, you know? Woohoo! You only think it's condescending because we both know who your mother is. If the others knew about that fact... I think they would agree with me, woohoo!"

Jouraku let go of my shirt and pushed me away. I grit the back of my teeth.

"I really did mean what I mean earlier about killing you, Jouraku."

"Ka ka! If you really can't bare to see me trample all over your friends, then come meet me in the semi-finals or finals, Takamine-kun! Woohoo! That's when we'll settle the score once and for all!"

"Ah, you don't have to tell me. I was always planning to reach the summit from the very beginning! But can you and your flimsy rock dragons can make it to the top as well?"

"Ka ka! Drajeweled is an S tier deck, so you don't have to worry about that, woohoo! You should be more concerned about whether or not your precious Sagitta can carry you and all that baggage your holding!"

"She can— and I know she will! So, when we inevitably clash... I'll kill you and become the winner of the Tri-deity Circuit!"

"Woohoo! I can't wait to crush all your hopes and dreams then, ka ka! I'll be the one who wins this Tri-deity Circuit!"

We both narrowed our eyes at each other.

I'll bring judgment down upon you, Jouraku.

And I'll beat you enough times on behalf of all the people you've trampled along the way with your smug attitude.