Ryu: Alright, now for the last match.

Team Rage were all in their team room, as Azure had brought Aurora for safety reasons.

Azure: Aurora, after this match can you finally tell us what exactly Kyoya's planning?

Aurora: I could, but I doubt there's complete privacy.

Ryu: It let's us know who else we're dealing with anyway. One these teams it the one we'll be fighting in the next round. And if I had to bet, Team Purgatory is the Disaster team.

Erica: I wonder who Team Destiny's fighters are.

Paruko: Let's introduce our fighters!! First from Team Purgatory is actually a former student of Aibo Academy!! Making his return from America-

A familiar face rose up onto the platform, as once Ryu saw him, a wide smile a appeared on his face.

Azure: Is that Kitten Shirt?!

Paruko: GIVE IT UP FOR NOBURU KODO!!!

Ryu: No way, Noboru's back!!

Erica: A friend of yours?

Ryu: Yeah, I had no idea he'd be back THIS SOON! I wonder how much better he's gotten!

Noboru looked around, seeing Team Rage in their rooms.

Noboru: Ryu, I'm gonna win this so I can take you down.

El Quixote: Come on Noboru, we've got someone else to fight NOW.

Noboru: Yeah yeah, I know.

Paruko: His opponent will be another returning Aibo Student, give it up for Rouga Aragami- Huh?

The player that rose onto the stage wasn't Rouga, but the Purgatory Knight, with his Buddy being nowhere to be found.

Paruko: I've never seen a player in an outfit like that! Is he trying to intimidate his opponent, or does he just like to wear armor? Either way, he's an imposing presence. But without seeing his face, that's all I've got.

Once seeing him, Ryu's eyes went wide, with a look of horror spreading across his face. After a moment, Blaze realized as well.

Ryu: W-What kind of joke is this?

Kyoya: Attention please. His name is Purgatory Knight, and the Armor that he's wearing is actually a Core Gadget.

Hearing this, Ryu ran out of the room, shocking the other three fighters.

Erica: Ryu, where are you going?!!

Ryu ran fast, as his heart began to violently beat.

Ryu: 'NO!! PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE HAPPENING!!!'

Blaze flew beside Ryu, deeply worried.

Ryu: 'IT CAN'T HAPPEN AGAIN!!!'

A scene of a bridge being destroyed played in Ryu's mind. Before the fight began, Ryu ran out, with Blaze beside him. He was out of breath, with his head down.

Ryu: Did you really think I wouldn't be able to tell in an instant?

The Purgatory Knight looked at Ryu, and although no one could see his expression, they saw him take a step back. Ryu looked up with a look of anger not many people had ever seen from him.

Ryu: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND TASUKU?!!!

The people in the crowd gasped, as Noboru looked at Ryu like he was insane.

Noboru: Hold on Ryu, what are you talking about?!

Paruko: What in the world is today?! Ryu Mikado has barged onto the field and accused the Purgatory Knight of being Tasuku Ryuenji!! We all know the two of them are rivals and friends, but for Ryu to accuse someone of that...

Gao: Is... Is it true?

Ryu: Hiding behind a mask so no one knows who you are?!! I never thought you could be such a coward!!! If there's any trace of my friend left in there, take that helmet off right now!!!

Silence fell in the stage, as the knight didn't move an inch. However soon after, he began to raise his hands, and pull his Helmet off, revealing that it was indeed Tasuku.

Paruko: Tell me that's a hologram!! Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction!! Just as Ryu claimed, the Purgatory Knight really is Tasuku Ryuenji, the Buddy Police Boy Wonder!!

Tasuku: No. My Buddy Police days are over. After a while, I realized how corrupt they've become. The adults that are running it now... I never want to be like any of them.

While they spoke, the broadcast had received interference.

Ryu: How could you?!! Do you know what this means for you?!!!

Tasuku: ... I have a Buddyfight to win. I'm putting this conversation on hold until then.

Ryu clenched his fist so tightly that it threatened to crack his skin, before turning around.

Ryu: We're not finished. Not by a long shot.

He walked away, with Blaze staying, and looking at Tasuku. He turned, before leaving as well.

Noboru: I think I get what he meant now. That weird little guy who used to be your boss. You know, your commander I. I didn't really understand why an older kid like you who worked with adults would wanna be friends with a guy like me, but now I think I do.

Noboru brought out his Core Deck Case.

Noboru: With Golden Wings on my back I soar through the Sky!! Luminize: Noble Wind Knights!!

Tasuku: A Binding Pact made in Shadows!! Gather all Knights of Despair!! Dark Luminize: Purgatory Knights Conviction!!

Paruko: This is the end of the first round folks!! BUDDY~!!!!

All: FIGHT!!!!!

Noboru&Tasuku: It's time to Raise the Flag!!

Noboru: I fight for Dragon World!!

Tasuku: I fight for Darkness Dragon World.

Azure: Tasuku's using a new World? Where's Jack?

Tasuku: My turn. Charge and Draw.

Tasuku
Life: 10
Gauge: 3
Hand: 6

Tasuku: I pay one Gauge and call to the Center Purgatory Knights Mad Halberd Dragon!!

The the center entered a white dragon similar in appearance to Thunder Knights Halberd Dragon.

Purgatory Knights, Mad Halberd Dragon
Size: 2
Power: 6000
Defense: 6000
Critical: 2

Gao: An Armor Dragon in Darkness Dragon World?!

Drum: But they're Dragon World Monsters!

Tasuku: I set Crush that Body, and Sustain Mind.

Tasuku put a Set Spell onto the field.

Tasuku: Now, attack the fighter!

Halberd spun with weapon, before flying in and slicing Noboru.

Noboru Life: 8

End of Move

Noboru: I'm not losing this fight. Whatever it is going on between you and Ryu, that will just have to wait. Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Noboru
Life: 8
Gauge: 3
Hand: 7

Noboru: I Call to the Left, Dragon Knight Alexander, and to the Right, I Buddy Call Dragon Knight El Quixote!!

Noboru Life: 9

Noboru: You know something Tasuku? You're a similar mistake to one I once did, but much worse.

Tasuku: ...

Noboru: Whatever is going on, it's obvious you're running away!!

Tasuku gritted his teeth at this.

Noboru: Ryu and the others would be there to help you, but you're trying to keep them safe, like an adult would! You need time to grow up. Being a kid teaches us a lot about the world, and how we should try to fit into it as grownups, but you're not really there yet, so you shouldn't pretend to be! And like your commander I told me, you need MY help!!

Tasuku: ... How dare you... How dare you treat me like a child?!

Noboru: The old me wouldn't have had an answer to that, but I do!! It's because I'm not afraid to speak my mind in these situations anymore! And I'm not gonna back down in this fight!! I Equip! Carry me and Fly!!

Noboru consumed 2 Gauge, as he began to glow. Ryu arrived back in the waiting room, looking on in amazement.

Ryu: Woah...

Noboru finished glowing, as he adorned armor and a Spear, now riding a blue dragon.

Noboru: Cavalry Dragon, Hyperion!!!

Erica: He's riding a Dragon?!

Azure: I can't believe he found a way to become a Dragon Knight.

Ryu: ... This fight may not be as clean cut as we first thought.

Noboru: Here we go! I attack Mad Halberd Dragon!! GALE ASSAULT!!!

Noboru flew in on the back of Hyperion.

Mad Halberd: Young Knight from my home land, your courage to fly into battle is nothing short of admirable! Though I will not bring dishonor to the Purgatory Knights by not fighting back!!

Noboru: I'd expect nothing less!!

The two began to clash blades, with sparks going out. Seeing an opening, Noboru pulled his lance back, before destroying Mad Halberd, and getting 1 Gauge.

Noboru: Now El Quixote, attack Tasuku!!

El Quixote: An Assault of Forge Steel and Courage!!

The Dragon Knight dashed towards Tasuku, connecting an attack, and giving Noboru another gauge, but Tasuku also got one from his set Spell.

Noboru Gauge: 3

Tasuku
Life: 8
Gauge: 3

Noboru: Now, Dragon Knight Alexander!!

The Dragon Knight flew in, as Tasuku held his arms up, taking the hit.

Tasuku Life: 5

End of Move

Erica: It's surprisingly even right now. Noboru really has gotten better.

Tasuku: My turn. Draw! Charge and Draw!!

Tasuku
Life: 5
Gauge: 4
Hand: 6

Noboru: Where even is Jack?! He's always by your side!!

Tasuku: I Call to the Center, Purgatory Knights, Needle Claw Dragon.

A Size 0 dragon appeared on the field.

Purgatory Knights, Needle Claw Dragon
Size: 0
Power: 3000
Defense: 1000
Critical: 1

Tasuku: To the right, I call Purgatory Knights Iron Gerd Dragon!!

Another dragon was summoned, confusing Ryu.

Ryu: 'He's burning through hand cards like crazy. What's he up to?'

Tasuku: Now, I pay 2 Gauge to use the Set Spell Purgatory Knights Army!!

Tasuku threw a card up into the air, with an orb containing four dragons appearing. Upon seeing this, Keith was confused.

Keith: I know about the Purgatory Knights, but that's a new one.

???: That's cause it was only recently made.

Karma and Leith turned around, seeing a boy with jet black hair, and yellow eyes.

Karma: Where have you been?

???: Kyoya said he'd make it worth my while to be here, not that I would have to play nice.

Tasuku: With this card, the Size Limit on my field becomes 4!

Noboru: It's like Ryu's card then?

Tasuku: To the left, I call Purgatory Knights Leader: Demios Sword Dragon!!

A gray armor dragon with a sword appeared.

Demios: It seems like the time has come.

Tasuku held up another card, as his eyes went slitted. The dark was surrounded by a hollow white aura, as purple lightning shone from it.

Tasuku: Reawaken within the shadows, and emerge in your new form. I BUDDY CALL!!!

Tasuku threw the card out, as Iron Gerd Dragon was stabbed through the back, before being turned into blue light, and being absorbed. The eyes of all spectators widened, with a dragon roaring loudly.

Tasuku: Purgatory Knights, Jackknife Dragon!!!

Tasuku Life: 6

Purgatory Knight, Jackknife Dragon
Size: 2
Power: 5000
Defense: 6000
Critical: 3
Soul guard.

Blaze: Jack? Th-There's no way that can be right.

Azure: Jack is from Darkness Dragon World now?!

Jackknife: ...

Adamantine: He must have evolved again... But this evolution can't be natural.

Tasuku: Now I Equip: Purgatory Sword Fatal!!

With one gauge, Tasuku equipped a sword that was eerily similar to Dragon Blade Dragobrave.

Tasuku: Now Needle Claw, go attack El Quixote!

Aurora: It's a smart move. This way Noboru's increase in gauge will be stunted.

The monster went in, slicing through the knight.

Tasuku: Demios, attack Alexander!

Noboru: What are you doing?

Demios: Young knight from my beloved homeland, I am honored to do battle with you!

Alexander: Yours? It's mine!

Demios flew in at great speeds, circling around Alexander, taking out his dragon first.

Demios: Demios Retribution!!

With the swing of his blade, he destroyed the knight.

Tasuku: Demios, use your effect!

Needle Claw: Lord Demios, I am ready!

Demios: Very well. Death is our Honor! Kanonas Katharterio!!

Demios held his hand out, as it glowed in an orange light. Needle Claw was destroyed, before returning to Tasuku's hand surprisingly.

Tasuku Gauge: 2

Noboru: What just happened?

Tasuku: Demios can destroy one of my monsters to attack again, and Needle Claw when he's destroyed in an attack phase returns to my hand!

Noboru: Are you kidding?!!

Tasuku: And not just that, Fatal's critical increases to 3 when one of my monsters is destroyed! Demios, attack the Fighter!!

Demios flew in, slashing Noboru.

Noboru: AHHHH!!!

Noboru Life: 6

Tasuku: Now Jack! Attack Noboru!

Jackknife glowed in a dark aura, before flying it.

Jack: Purgatory Battle Blade!!!

Jack slashed Noboru.

Noboru: ARGH!!!

Noboru Life: 4

Tasuku: NOW FATAL!!!

Noboru: I Cast White Dragon Shield!!!

Noboru Life: 3

Tasuku: ... I end my turn. And Purgatory Army's effect. I can draw cards equal to the amount of monsters destroyed on my field this turn.

Tasuku drew two cards.

Noboru: My turn! Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Noboru
Life: 3
Gauge: 4
Hand: 4

Noboru: I'm not going to give up!! I call to the Left and to the right, Dragon Knight Masamune!!

He called two knights.

Next I Cast: Dragonic Medic!!

Noboru Life: 6

Paruko: With that attack, Noboru and Tasuku Ryuenji are back on even footing!

Noboru: Now, I attack!!

Noboru went in with Hyperion, hitting Tasuku.

Tasuku Life: 4

Noboru: Now Masamune on the right, attack!!

The monster his Tasuku, damaging him again.

Tasuku Life: 2

Noboru: Finish it!!

The other Masamune went in to land the final attack.

Tasuku: I Cast: Black Dragon Shield!!

The last attack was blocked.

Tasuku Life: 3

Noboru: Final Phase!!

Noboru and the two Alexander's glowed, flying in.

Noboru: Dragon Cavalry Arts!! ULTIMATE SMASH!!!

Tasuku was unfazed, holding up a card that consumed 2 Gauge.

Tasuku: Counter Final!! I Cast!!!

Noboru stopped dead in his tracks, as seemingly everyone else in the building was frozen as well.

Tasuku: Let the World be thrown into Chaos!!

Tasuku stabbed Purgatory Sword Fatal into the ground.

Tasuku: Turn back the sands of time, and slaughter all wickedness of man!!! Sword of Devastation!!!

A dark sword with a silver edge and dragons etched into they side appeared through a red crest.

Tasuku: GENOCIDE!!!! PUNISHER!!!!!

The sword divided to the ground, with no one being the wiser. Once hitting Noboru, the ground shook, with lightning cracking through the sky. Noboru's flag was destroyed, as time began to move once again.

GAME OVER

Winner: Tasuku Ryuenji!!

Paruko: What... What happened here? Am I losing it? It looked like Noboru was about to clinch it with his Impact, but then... Somehow the tide drastically changed!

Aurora: I-Is this real life?

Erica: I'm not sure anymore...

Azure: A Impact card that COUNTERS another Impact Card? I've never heard of anything that ridiculous.

Ryu: ... I don't think it's just that. You all realized how high Noboru's life points were right?

Erica: Wait... You're right, that Dragonic Medic boosted him up to 6.

Aurora: How do you survive a card like that?!!

Azure: You... Don't?

Ryu: Tasuku... Is this even the limit to your new power?

CHAPTER END!!