Ryu and Genma were in the air with the Buddy Skills active and the former holding Shido in his hand by the back of his collar blasting through the roof of the Aibo Stadium interrupting the match between Gao and Zanya.

Gao: Ryu!!

Zanya: Genma. He made it.

Paruko: What an entrance!! Genma Todoroki who's supposedly been missing is now here with Ryu!! INTERRUPTING THE SEMIFINAL MATCH!!!

Testuya: Gao, we found them yo!!!

Ryu looked over to see the others in the stands.

Ryu: Thanks again guys.

Azure: Just don't go missing like that again.

Karma: We would've had to sub for the finale if you didn't show up.

Ryu: Well it doesn't exactly mean much right now.

Genma: Yes. Because of recent events that I will explain later, as Seifukai Leader I cannot approve this Semifinal match.

Paruko: Are you kidding?! First you don't bother showing up and now you want us to redo the entire tournament?!

Ryu/Genma: NO!!!

Paruko: AH!

Ryu: Genma was being held against his will by Shido the entire time while yesterday he-

Shido scrambled to grab Paruko's microphone.

Shido: Now now!! Let's not exaggerate, he's such a joker! I'll make an exception since you were in the finals last year! Genma can compete today and I'll be his opponent! Then for the rest we can redo the Semifinals and then the real finals can start!

Azure: What the hell?!!

Karma: Then that makes the work Team Rage did to be in the final match useless!

Ryu: Grr, if it means that Genma can at least get a chance to participate then I'll do my match over again. But if by some miracle you win President Shido you've already been disqualified from the tournament, so the matchings will go the same.

Shido: I-I suppose that's reasonable!

Zanya: You're really ok with this?

Ryu: Shut up before I change my mind Zanya. You've got a score to settle with both of us remember.

Zanya thought back to when he and Ryu had a Buddyfight.

Zanya: Yeah.

Ryu flew down to Azure and Karma deactivating his buddy skill.

Ryu: Sorry guys, I fell into a pretty dumb trap.

Karma: Well you're here now so it's all fine!

Azure: How did he get you?

Ryu: I... Believed that he and Sophia were checking my deck for ware and tear and didn't outright just leave.

Azure: PFFT!!! You're joking right?!!

The usually calm and stoic boy began to hold back laughter hearing that. Karma especially couldn't hold back as she began laughing hard.

Karma: I never thought you were that gullible!!!

Ryu: -_- I'm never living this down.

TIME SKIP!!

Ryu and Zanya were on the fighting stage as Genma had easily defeated Shido. Everyone seemed the most excited for this compared to any other match before.

Kiri: Hey guys, can you shed some light on why everyone is so hyped up for this?

Baku: I'm not surprised you don't know, this happened before you came to Aibo.

Gao: Ryu and Zanya have been in a Buddyfight before. I never saw it but everyone swore it was almost as back and forth as Ryu's match against Genma last year.

Kuguru: That's an understatement.

Testuya: Back then the homies never got to finish their Brawl because it was set on a time limit by the principal!

Drum: A time limit?

Baku: It was to test both of their skills. The timer was set for 8 minutes and they had to defeat their opponent within that time or the match would be a draw.

Kuguru: Zanya was one of the few people Ryu hasn't beaten in a Buddyfight for that reason.

Gao: Man, I never knew that they only had a limited time! Those two are totally awesome!

Ryu: This time there won't be a time limit to save you Zanya.

Zanya: I could say the same for you.

Paruko: Alrighty folks, it's time for the Semi Finals to play out once again!! This time it will be between Zanya Kisaragi and Ryu Kaizen, both who are in Grade 6!

Blaze: Age doesn't matter when it comes to battle.

Tsukikage: Nin (A tough opponent.)

Ryu: Let's do this! I'll burn you down until you're a crisp!! Hellfire Dragons Plus: Luminize!!

Baku: Hellfire Dragons Plus?

Kuguru: It looks like he's improved his deck.

Gao: I think I might've caught a glimpse of it but I forgot what cards were there other than General Inferno. He might've fit him in and added cards to boost him up.

Zanya: Sword of Destiny, pierce Hearts of Darkness and Evil! Luminize! Behold the Kisaragi Ninja Arts!

Paruko: How does it go now folks?! BUDDY~!!!!

All: FIGHT!!!!

Ryu/Zanya: Time to Raise the Flag!!

Zanya: I fight for Katana World!

Tsukikage had become full sized holding the flag.

Ryu: And I fight for Dragon World!

Ryu stuck the flag into the ground as Blaze roared beside him.

Paruko: Ryu's up first!

Azure: Ryu, I think it'd be smart to charge the second copy of Blaze in your hand.

Ryu: Yeah. Charge and Draw!

The card Ryu drew was a surprise to all of Team Rage.

Karma: Ah sweet!! That was the perfect card for Zanya!

Ryu: Alright, let's start things off with a little ultimatum. I pay three gauge and cast the Set Spell: Hellfire Calling!

This was a new set spell shocking everyone.

Zanya: What in the world?

Baku: He actually got it?!

Kiri: What's Hellfire Calling?

Kuguru: It's something that limits Zanya by a whole lot!

Ryu: You see, if I chose a card, an Impact, an Item, or a Spell, my opponents card effects won't effect it so long as a copy of that card is in this Spell's soul. Also, an extra affect for later too.

Gao: A Spell Card having a Soul?

Baku: It's a seriously deadly play bro.

Ryu: But you see the best part, I don't have to declare which it is.

Zanya: You've got to be joking.

Ryu: Downside is that the cost of those cards are increased by 3. Depending on which it is this Buddyfight could go south for either one of us. But as long as this card is on the field, it's effects remain. Now, I call Hell Ash Dragon to the Right! Due to his effect I can gain 1 Gauge and add a card of my choosing to my hand.

Ryu grabbed a card before his deck was shuffled.

Kiri: Intense. Ryu's using Zanya's tricks against him. He did it first so now it's practically a guessing game.

Gao: Not just that, with Hell Ash he's got what he must want. For just a size 2, it's a real pain.

Baku: Not as much as you think. Hell Ash Dragon can only activate that effect once per Buddy Fight. Other than that, he's pretty standard.

Ryu: Hell Ash, attack the fighter!

The Dragon fired a stream of ash towards Zanya.

Zanya Life: 8

End of Move.

Zanya: This'll be difficult. Draw! Charge and Draw!! I call Electron Ninja Shiden to the right!

A small armor ninja appeared in Zanya's right position.

Electron Ninja Shiden

Size: 1

Power: 3000

Defense: 3000

Critical: 1

Zanya: I pay one gauge and discard one Ninja Arts card to add two cards to my hand! Next, I pay one gauge to call Phantom Ninja Kashin Koji to the Left!

And old man with a flaming Dragon appeared in the Left position.

Phantom Ninja Kashin Koji

Size: 2

Power: 1000

Defense: 5000

Critical: 2

Zanya: With him on the field, now I can search your hand.

Koji: With eyes everywhere, and all knowing powers! Phantom Ninja Clairvoyance!!

The ninja's left eye glowed, as Ryu's cards where revealed. Colossus Punisher, Blaze, Caliburn, General inferno, Green Dragon Shield, and Dragon Emperor's Kingdom.

Ryu: You knowing my cards can work as a double edged sword Z.

Zanya: Maybe, but you've gotta risk to gain!! Now I Buddy Call!! Nanomachine Ninja Tsukikage to the Center!!

The ninja beside Zanya disappeared, before reappearing in the Center position.

Nanomachine Ninja Tsukikage

Size: 1

Power: 5000

Defense: 1000

Critical: 2

Zanya Life: 9

Zanya: Tsukikage, Attack Hell Ash!!

Tsukikage ran in, before cutting Hell Ash in half.

Zanya: Now, Shiden, Link Attack the fighter!!

Shiden disappeared, before reappearing behind Ryu, slashing at him.

Ryu Life: 9

Zanya: Now Kashin Koji, attack Ryu!!

Ryu: I cast: Green Dragon Shield!!

A green shield appeared in front of Ryu, blocking the attack and healing him.

Ryu Life: 10

Ryu: Here it comes.

Zanya: Final Phase!!

Blue circle with the Katana World Emblem appeared in front of Zanya as he held up a card.

Zanya: Lethal Formation!!

Three glowing cards appeared from his Sword Core Gadget, before turning into scrolls. They shuffled, as Zanya grabbed one, and set it into the circle.

Azure: Lethal Formation is the problem here. One wrong misstep, and something goes horribly wrong.

Karma: The question is, what's Zanya worried about the most.

End of Move.

Paruko: And just like that, both opponents have each other guessing!! Just what on earth could either of them be thinking in this game of whits?!!

Ryu: My move. Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

He looked at the cards in his hand, smiling.

Karma: Ryu, I don't like that look in your eye.

Azure: But the cards he drew definitely support something.

Ryu: Trust me Karma, this'll be good. Let's start things off with a classic. Dragonic Charge!!

Ryu's gauge increased by 2, giving him 4.

Ryu: Now I call to the Center, Hellfire Dragon Sage!!

Ryu called the wise Dragon into the center.

Paruko: HELLFIRE DRAGON SAGE?!! COULD RYU BE ABOUT TO DO WHAT I THINK HE IS?!!

Ryu: I pay 1 Gauge and Destroy Sage! With that, the cost of my items drop to 0. And now I Equip!!

Gao: He's going for it!!

He broke the chains, and swung Caliburn to his right.

Ryu: Emperor's Hell Blade: Caliburn!!

Zanya was a bit surprised at this.

Ryu: I'll let you all in on a Secret. I know for a fact Zanya didn't set Shooting Star as his Impact!

The declaration shocked everyone in attendance.

Ryu: You see believe it or not, the threat of me having two size 3 monsters on my field is a big one. And even then, if Dragon Emperor's Kingdom out of the picture, so is Colossus Punisher. That, and Caliburn can't be destroyed by Card Effects! In conclusion: Star Crusher is the one you set!

Zanya kept a poker face on, but Ryu didn't buy it for a moment.

Ryu: And if I'm wrong, let's test that theory. I pay two gauge and discard 1 Card to call Hell Dragon General Inferno to the left!!

In a tornado of flames, General Inferno took the field.

Zanya that's a problem.

Ryu: Alright, I attack Tsukikage with Caliburn!!

He ran in, leaping into the air before slashing down at Tsukikage.

Zanya: Nanomachine Body Replacement!!

Tsukikage reappeared.

Ryu: He may be alive, but that doesn't stop Penetrate!!

A wave of energy hit Zanya, making him step back.

Zanya Life: 6

Ryu: Now, I'll attack again against Shiden!

Ryu leapt forward, cleaving Shiden in half.

Drum: Hold on, why'd he go for Shiden?

Kuguru: He must not want Zanya to get any other Cards in his hand. And if that's the case-

Ryu: Now General, attack Kashin Koji!

General: As you wish young master!! Hellfire Slash!!

He rose his blade, before slashing down and destroying Koji.

End of Move.

Paruko: Just what you expect from the top Buddyfighter in Aibo Academy!! Ryu Mikado has completely outwitted Zanya Kisaragi!!

In the cockpit, Karma seemed to be at a loss for words.

Karma: O_O Huh?

Azure: What? Power alone isn't enough to be as good as him.

Zanya was looking at Ryu, shaking slightly.

Zanya: 'By this was around the time our match ended.'

The fighter seemed to glow in a crimson red aura.

Zanya: 'So this is why he's best at Aibo. Facing him now is completely different compared to the last time.'

Ryu: So Zanya, how do you plan to overcome me?

Zanya: I'm not the same as I was before!! Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

He looked at a card and then at Tsukikage.

Zanya: Sorry Tsukikage, but I've gotta take the chance!

Tsukikage held up a scroll.

Tsukikage: Nin Nin (It is necessary)!

Zanya: Sending Tsukikage to the drop zone, I call to the Left, Extermination Ninja: Slashing Asura!!

He summoned a large ninja with multiple weapons.

Extermination Ninja Slashing Asura

Size: 3

Power: 6000

Defense: 4000

Critical: 3

Zanya: Next I equip Ninja Blade Kurogachi!!

A mechanical looking Katana appeared in Zanya's hand, before it fired up.

Zanya: Now Asura's effect, I can destroy all monsters on your field by paying One Life Point: AND MY ENTIRE HAND!!!

He slashed as his life and cards, as they were sent to the drop zone.

Zanya Life: 5

General inferno was set ablaze, before looking back at Ryu and Blaze.

General: My time May near it's end, but I still swear that my spirit will remain to help aid the Hellfire Dragon's to victory young Master!

He glowed before being destroyed, and a crimson light remaining.

Ryu: Thanks General.

Zanya: What's that?!

Ryu: General's Spirit. When General Inferno is destroyed: His spirit lives on to boost the defense of Hellfire Dragon cards by 2000.

Zanya was shocked to hear this, along with everyone else.

Gao: You mean the only real weakness of the Hellfire Dragon's-

Kiri: Has been cut down by General Inferno?!

Zanya: I won't give up! Asura, do a Link Attack with me on Ryu!!

The two leapt in, before slashing through the boy.

Ryu Life: 5

End of Move.

Paruko: Even without a Monster, Caliburn's double attack could end that match right here!! Are we about to see Ryu's total victory?!

Ryu: Not Quite. Sage's Ability doesn't let me attack the next turn with an item unless I pay 3 gauge.

Gao: But that means can't attack!!! Zanya might have just won!!

Drum: Calm down, Blaze is still-

Kuguru: No Drum, Blaze cost 3 Gauge to even Buddy Call.

Drum: OH CRAP!!

Baku: He has to draw a Monster or a card to increase his Gauge to win. If not, Zanya does.

Blaze: Think you can pull something off?

Karma: You've gotta pull something big here man.

Azure: Slashing Asura was a big play from Zanya.

Ryu: Guys, relax. Believe it or not, I'm not losing this.

Ryu smirked with complete confidence.

Ryu: Draw!!

He put a card in hand.

Ryu: CHARGE AND DRAW!!!

He drew a card, with a trail of light coming from it.

Gao: Did he draw a monster?!

Kuguru: Or a spell?!

Ryu: Believe it or not, I don't put my a whole lot of faith in the luck of the Draw. Which is why I set something up earlier. Remember that little trick I said Hellfire Calling had?

Zanya: What trick?

Ryu: You see if I destroy it, and it has a spell card inside, I can put both of them into the drop zone to get a single gauge.

Zanya: WHAT?!!

Paruko: UNBELIEVABLE!!! AND FROM WHAT RYU INSINUATED EARLIER, THE CARD INSIDE HELLFIRE CALLING IS-!!!!

Hellfire calling started to burn in a purple flame. That's when a card was revealed inside of it. That card was revealed to be Dragon Emperor's Kingdom. Soon enough it burned as well, as a Gauge was added to Ryu's, making it 3.

Ryu: NOW I BUDDY CALL!!! CHAOTIC EMPEROR: BLAZE DRAGON!!!!

Blaze roared, as he leaped to the right of Ryu.

Ryu's Life: 6

Zanya was in complete disbelief.

Ryu: NOW BLAZE, ATTACK ZANYA!!!

Blaze flew in, slashing flashing at Zanya with his claws.

Zanya Life: 2

Ryu: FINISH THIS!!!

Blaze: BURNING HELL STREAM!!!!

Blaze Fire a blast of fire, as it headed straight towards Zanya. He looked at it, before smiling and crossing his arms. The attack his, causing a large explosion.

Zanya Life: 0

The Katana World Flag dispersed in a red light, as Zanya was on his back in defeat.

Winner: Ryu Mikado!!

Paruko: WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE CLASH OF SKILLS!!! THE ONE TO PROVE THEY COULD SEE FURTHER WAS NONE OTHER THAN OUR REINING CHAMP: RYU MIKADO!!!!

The crowd cheered wildly, as Ryu jumped over to Zanya.

Ryu: You know, it's not very likely for a ninja to be on his back after defeat.

Ryu held his hand out to Zanya with a giant grin. He took the hand, being pulled back up.

Zanya: I gotta say Ryu, I never expected you to outwit me as bad as that. You deserve to be number one.

They shook hands.

Ryu: Haha, to be honest I was shocked YOU didn't predict me better. I'm not that complicated of a guy.

Karma and Azure came up from the cockpit.

Karma: We're in the finals!! For real this time!!

Zanya: Go all the way.

Team Balle Du Soleil looked at the battle shocked.

Gao: H-He's...

Gao smiled in excitement.

Gao: Ryu's even better than I thought he was!

Baku: If and when we get past Genma, he won't have a thing on that monster.

Ryu: GAO!!!!

They looked down at Ryu holding his fist up.

Ryu: I'LL BE WAITING!!!

Gao held his fist up as well.

Gao: MEET YOU THERE!!!

CHAPTER END!!