On a cruise, fighters that participated in the ABC Cup had been invited to a party by the Gaen Financial Group. Ryu simply looked around, trying to distract himself.

Ryu: 'It's been 3 whole days since my last fight with Azure. Meanwhile Aunt Suzumi has gone to America, and I haven't heard a single peep out of Blaze. Should an Evolution be taking this long?'

???: Hey Ryu!

He turned around seeing Karma with a smile.

Karma: Guess what?! The prize for the Buddyfight competition on the cruise is the Special Rare Card!!

Ryu: Wait you only now realized that?

Karma: O_O Huh?

Ryu: Uhhh, I thought it was kinda obvious. I don't think they would bring on a card that rare just to show off. Kyoya Gaen is rich, not stupid. If he does that the companies gonna get painted in a bad light.

Karma: ... Why do you have to take the joy out of this?

Ryu: :P

Azure was at the buffet tables, sorting out a plate for himself. Why he did, he was a bit distracted. So much to the point that he didn't completely realize how much he had put on his plate until feeling the weight.

Azure: Ah crud- I mean I guess I do eat a lot, but still.

???: You seem quite distracted Azure.

He looked up, seeing Suzuha with a small amount of food on her plate.

Azure: Geez, I'm that obvious huh?

Suzuha: What's troubling you?

They began to walk, as an annoyed expression came onto the boys face.

Azure: It's because of my last match with Ryu.

Suzuha: Are you worried about Blaze as well?

Azure: Obviously, but that's not the problem. It's the fact I beat Ryu.

Suzuha: Wait, you're upset because you won?

Azure: I'm nowhere near satisfied. Call in greedy and maybe a bit shortsighted, but a win where my opponent had to let himself lose leaves a worse taste in my mouth than single turn victories.

Suzuha: But, you obviously had him on the ropes. There was a large chance you would've been the Victor anyway.

Azure: There's truth in that, but I just can't shake the feeling that Ryu could've pulled something off if he finished that charge and draw. I wouldn't put it past the guy to be able to draw any card he needed.

Suzuha looked at Azure, before she slightly pouted.

Suzuha: Why must you over complicate this?!

Azure: O_O

Suzuha: The fact is that to me it's sounding like you believed you would have lost!

Azure: I'm just saying that-

Suzuha: Fighter's shouldn't doubt that they'll win for as long as you have!

Azure: ... Ha, man. Of all the people to get a pep talk from, you weren't the first one to come to mind Suzuha.

Suzuha then realized what had occurred, before blushing, then covering her face with her fan.

Suzuha: W-Well someone had to eventually!

Azure: Thanks, you're right. If I keep that mindset after a fight then I really will start losing.

Suzuha: G-Good. It's embarrassing for a girl like me to get so uppity.

Azure: Well, I guess from your point of view.

TIME SKIP!!

Ryu was watching a Buddyfight between Kiri and Tetsuya, seeing the Magic World user was about to deal the finishing blow.

Ryu: They've both gotten better.

Gao: Yeah, it's crazy just how much Tetsuya is able to improve during a match!

Karma: Yeah, but I think we're overlooking something.

Tasuku: What do you think that is?

Ryu: Kiri has never had a proper Buddy. You give him one of those, and he'd be more than a match for Tetsuya and Asmodai.

Kiri's life had hit zero, with the boy seemingly crushed by the loss.

Ryu: 'Hang in there.'

Tasuku: Ryu, I need to ask you something.

Ryu: What's up?

Tasuku: I haven't seen Blaze anywhere.

Ryu: He...

He pulled the Card of Blaze, showing it still was surrounded in a blue fire.

Tasuku: Huh?

Ryu: Blaze is in the middle of an Evolution. Has been for 3 days. I haven't been able to use him in fights since. I've just gotta wait it out.

Tasuku: I see...

They began to go inside, being called for the Special Rare reveal. Ryu however held the Boy Wonder back.

Ryu: Actually I need to talk to you about something too. You're not in uniform, and it's not often you aren't. That, and I caught a peak of your core deck case.

Tasuku: ... *Sigh* Can't hide anything from you. Because I utilized Future Force without clearance against Galvanic Feather Dragon, I'm on probation for a month.

Ryu: What?!

Tasuku: Shhh! *Whisper* Keep it down, I'm not sure if I should even tell you this! Commander Shido and Nobari are overseeing Buddy Police operations right now. If I just wait the month, it'll be fine.

Ryu: Tch, something tells me things won't be that simple.

Once it was over, the people gathered inside. Kyoya had finally shown himself, as he was indeed the same ages as the rumors said.

Kyoya: I sure hope you all have a good time and enjoy the latches. As promised the player that impresses me the most out there will receive this much sought after Special Rare Card.

Once the briefcase was opened, it was revealed to be empty.

Kyoya: Come on, is this some sort of joke?

Ryu: Hm, that's pretty interesting.

Karma: The possibility of a Crime is intriguing to you?!

Ryu: Don't worry, just let me work my magic.

Ryu leapt up to the upper floor.

Ryu: Mr Gaen, can I examine that case?

Kyoya: Be my guest. It's Mikado isn't it?

Ryu: Yeah. Looks like you've been the victim of a serious theft.

He looked closer at the case, seeing the imprint of a card, and then around it.

Ryu: I know it might be confidential, but would the Special Rare happened to be a monster?

Kyoka: It indeed is.

Ryu: While I won't exclude the possibility of Buddy Monster's stealing it, I've got a feeling something else is going on.

He shrugged.

Ryu: It's pretty possible it's self conscious around people. I've met plenty of monster's that don't want to be seen around people. Hideous monsters mostly, but hey, maybe it's even weak.

???: WHO ARE YOU CALLING HIDEOUS?!!!

A golden spiral of light appeared from under a table, as it soon dispersed to reveal a monsterS

Ryu: HA!!! HOOK LINE AND SINKER IDIOT!!!

Drum: Oh that guy! I met him under the table a while back!

???: Greetings. I'm the Dragowizard Qinus Axia at your service!

Ryu: Just so you know, I don't exactly care about appearances of a card. *Snicker* That was just to lure you out in a fun and effective way.

Axia: So crude!!

Suzuha: You there, speak up! Who stole you from your case?!

Ryu: Oh he wasn't stollen. Axia, you escaped all on your own right?

Axia: Correct! Meeting your Buddy should be something magical like finding your soulmate, but they're giving me away like a carnival prize. What if I don't even like the player they give me to? I refuse to go along with this! Surely your own Dragon's think the same!

Right then, Ryu was slightly pulled by his core deck case.

Ryu: Ah- Hey settle down guys! My Hellfire Dragon's don't exactly like being compared to Dragowizard's so could you not?!

Drum: Exactly!!

Azure walked over to Ryu.

Azure: I'm sorry, what?

Ryu: Hey, I just came up with that on the fly once I heard it was a monster stollen.

Karma: But what if Kyoya was lying?!

Ryu: Then I would've look like a complete idiot, but to be fair I would've been able to tell.

Tasuku: I gotta say, those instincts are scarily sharp.

After the commotion had been settled, the entire ship had started to shake, causing panic to rise even more.

Ryu: What now?!

Ryu ran out, with his eyes widening, seeing many icebergs.

Ryu: Damn!!

Tasuku soon came out as well.

Tasuku: There isn't enough time to lower the lifeboats before impact!

Ryu: One thing to do then.

Ryu brought out his Core Gadget.

Ryu: Get out of here Tasuku.

Tasuku: Ryu, there's no way I can let you do this on your own!

Ryu: You're in hot water as it is!! If it's between you compromising your job and this, I'd rather fight alone!! And plus: This is the exact thing I talked about!

Tasuku remembered the words of Ryu, seeing that they had come to fruition.

Ryu: 'Gonna be tough without a Buddy Skill, but I'll have to make do.' FURURE FORCE UNLEASH!!!

Ryu glowed in a golden aura, as his hair grew.

Ryu: VOLCANIC HELL DRAGON, GENERAL INFERNO!!!

He called the monsters out, as they both roared.

Ryu: General, I need you to to destroy the icebergs!!

Ryu looked to the side, seeing Gao jumping for Drum, who jumped for Axia, who was thrown overboard my Sophia.

Ryu: Volcanic!!

Volcanic: Yes sir!!!

Volcanic flew off the sides, catching Drum and Gao.

Gao: Drum, Ryu's using that awesome Real World force again!

Ryu: Now, Meteor Hell Dragon!!

Ryu summoned Meteor climbing onto his back. The dragon flew off, as he grabbed another card.

Ryu: CALIBURN!!!

Ryu equipped the blade, as Karma and Azure watched as well, seeing the icebergs being destroyed one after another.

Drum: Now that's what I'm talking about.

Ryu pulled his arm back, before slashing with Caliburn, blowing up three Icebergs.

Drum: I'd give anything for the power the Hellfire Dragons have.

A final massive Iceberg was before them.

General: Damnit, I don't have the power to destroy that thing!

Ryu: Can one of you get me close enough to destroy that thing with Emperor's Slash?!

Meteor: Are you nuts?! We won't be able to give you nearly enough stable footing!

Ryu: Oh come on!!

Ryu looked at his pocket.

Ryu: Blaze if you can hear me, just help me out a little bit here! I know what you're trying to do, and it's on me, but please!

After a moment, Ryu's Core Gadget glowed again.

Ryu's Core Gadget: Buddy Skill: On!!

Ryu began to float up, with the armor pieces showing up.

Ryu: Yes!! Thanks pal!!

He looked at the iceberg, before pulling out a card with a serious expression.

Ryu: NOW!!! EMPEROR'S SLASH!!!!

He swung Caliburn down, as the black flame slash went towards the iceberg, completely destroying it.

Ryu: *Sigh* And safe.

From the steam, Ryu could see the silhouette of a monster.

Ryu: Him?

General: Master, that was definitely Azi Dahaka!

Ryu landed back on the ship, going back to normal. However before anyone could approach him, Blaze's card began to glow brightly.

Ryu: Blaze? What are you trying to tell me?

The card glowed in blue electricity, before a portal opened up in front of Ryu.

Ryu: It's the same thing that happened with you General.

General: Ryu, I believe Master Blaze wants us to meet him in Dragon World.

Gao: Ryu!!

Ryu looked to the side, seeing Azure Gao and Tasuku running towards him.

Azure: Dude, what's happening?!

Ryu: ... Blaze is calling me.

He looked at the card, seeing the image had started to become useable.

Ryu: Blaze's Evolution is about to finish. If he's calling me over, I have a feeling that he'll need me.

Azure: W-Wait, you can't just leave!

Ryu: Sorry Azure, but I can't leave my Buddy hanging at a time like this.

He smiled at the three.

Ryu: I'll be back before you know it!

The three Hellfire Dragon's followed Ryu into the portal, as it soon closed.

Tasuku: He...

Azure clenched his fist.

Azure: Great, now we have to explain this mess to the others.

In a different room on the ship, Kyoya and Sophia watched the entire scene play out.

Kyoya: Just astounding. His Future Force seems different from Ryuenji's from what I can see.

Sophia: Yes. It looks like he can access it at a whim.

Kyoya: He was able to do all this without the aid of his Buddy or Impact.

He held up a familiar looking core deck case.

Kyoya: He could handle a Dark Core, that Ryu Mikado. But not just him.

He looked down, seeing Azure, Gao, and Tasuku.

Kyoya: I do believe I found some other potential candidates.

ELSEWHERE!!

Ryu: REGRETS!!!! I HAVE SO MANY REGRETS!!!!

Ryu was falling through the sky, with General Inferno, Meteor, and Volcanic rushing to aid him.

Meteor: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD BLAZE BE MORE CAREFUL WITH YOUR SPOTS NEXT TIME!!!!

Volcanic had barely grabbed ahold of Ryu, as the four slowly descended onto the ground.

Ryu: Man, I get how you're super busy right now, but I'm gonna kill you if you ever mess up that bad again Blaze!! *Sigh* What matters is that we're okay. Where exactly are we?

Meteor: From the looks of it, we're near the Drum Bunker Clan.

Ryu: Mm. Blaze must've brought us here for a reason. How long is the flight there?

Volcanic: It'll take us about an hour to arrive there.

They all flew, as Ryu looked at Blaze's card.

Ryu: 'Soon Blaze.'

CHAPTER END!!