Chapter Text
Its been 10 years since Judai graduated from Duel Academy and after he graduated for 5 years he traveled around the work helping humans and Duel Spirit connect with each other and later he choose to enter the Industrial Illusion Pro League and eventually became Yugi Muto's successor as the new King of Games.
Judai has still been in contact with most of his friends. Sho continues his brother's legacy and started his own Cyber Art League and Ryo couldn't duel in Pro-circuit anymore due to his heart failure at a young age so Sho wants to pursuade Ryo's dreams and after the older one recovered he became a teacher in Duel Academy along with Asuka. Chazz has also became a famous Pro Duelist and even started his own league known as The Ojama League without the influence of his family. Johan and Edo are also dominating the circuit and they have also became a legend akin to Seto Kaiba and Joey Wheeler. There is a huge competition between all of them and they compete as friendly rivals whenever they duel in circuit. Chumley has already became the Head of Card Designing Department in Industrial Illusion, Kenzen became a archeologist, Jim is settled in Australia and is now a geologist, Rei has moved to New York and became a ballet dancer and she even started her own dance academy, Fubuki has became a famous model and actor appearing in many lead roles, Misawa continues to stay in Dark World with Tania and eventually got married with her but would make a frequent visit to him and O'Brien has now joined his father's military and even became a army commander.
However their are some friends whom he hasn't seen for decade since graduating and it is Ryo. Judai got to know what he is up to thanks to Sho. He meets the younger Marufuji annually and would love to meet Ryo again but their hectic life prevents them from meeting each other. He did spoke with him twice through Sho's phone after he graduated but never had a physical contact.
Judai was getting ready to go to Duel Academy's annual school reunion at Domino Marquee. As a 28 year old man he has grown a lot taller reaching 5'9 and has became more muscular. He took a shower, clad in his Slifer Red Uniform and gelled his hair. Wanting to look good for the party.
Its been a while since he last went to a school reunion and he decide to go because he was hopeful he might meet Ryo
Ryo woke up early morning and before heading to school for classes, he would often take a look at Slifer Red dorm from outside. The dorm has expanded and also it has been renovated, he would often recap about his school days and Judai, still missing his good old times as student. Now he is a teacher and head of Administrative department.
"I wonder where you're Judai, it's been 10 years and I hope we meet again". Ryo said to himself hoping to see him soon. He then quietly left the dorm and head back to school for class.
Judai arrived at a Domino Plaza Marquee, where it had been reserved to celebrate reunion.
Judai then turned behind him. There stood the marquee, lights flooding through it, some were flashing indicating a duel or two was going on inside. Judai was reluctant about going in , but with a nod from Banner, he entered.
Judai was seen and welcomed in with roars of cheers and masees of old classmates form whatever dorm they used to be in hugging and shaking his hands.
He then turned around looking for more cherished friends but couldn't find anyone yet.
He then heard the sound of some pop music and Judai became pump and was soon was in party mode. As he danced with some students, he recognised two of them, Fubuki and Yusuke Ryo's two best friends. Judai walked over to them.
"Hi, Fubuki-san and Fujiwara". he soured over the music, "Where's Kaiser?"
"He isn't here, Judai!" called Yusuke, "He's busy planning his work at Duel Academy for the first term of the year".
"Oh?" cried Judai, "Sometime I tend to forget Kaiser is teaching at Duel Academy?"
"Yep". smiled Fubuki, "He achieved his goals".
"Yeah, so have many of us". grinned Yusuke.
"Yeah...like Asuryn". Fubuki interjected,
Judai seemed for some reason, dispirited. Ryo wasn't at reunion, it was dissapointing.
"Hey Aniki!" Judai turned and was glad to see someone close to Kaiser and his best friend Sho approaching him.
"Sho". They both embrace each other like they frequently did during their 3 years stay in Duel Academy.
Sho then directed Judai to buffet table and he couldn't stop boasting to Judai about his Dueling career and he was listening with interest.
"Is Kaiser still teaching". said Judai
"Yep". Sighed Sho, "Would''ve been better as a Pro Duelist in my opinion. He's now the head of Administrative department
"Cool!" smiled Judai, "Hope he encourages his students to say gotcha that was a fun duel"
"Hahha!" laughed Sho, "Looks like you are still use that catchphrase again, Aniki?"
"Yeah"
Judai''s expression turned sad and Sho noticed something was wrong and asked, "What's wrong Aniki?"
"Huh? Uh, nothing, Sho". replied Judai, snapping out of his daydream. Sho could tell that Judai was missing his brother
"You must be missing Ni-san...You know he also misses you as well...I suggest why don't you make a visit to island, he will be happy to see you" Sho suggested
"You got a point, maybe I will visit after two days and I can't wait to duel him again. Judai said with a smile.
Yubel on the other hand, knew exactly what was going on Judai'a mind; he missed Ryo more than anyone he had been reunited tonight.
Two days later Judai decide to make a private visit to Duel Academy still clad in his Slifer Red Uniform and wore a cap and a glasses as a disguise hoping his fans wouldn't spot him. Judai is always kind to them but he knows if they spot him they would ask for his selfie and autograph because he is now a living legend to people of Duel Academy and he won't have time to meet Ryo if he is surrounded by them.
The Duel Academy was still the prestigious school for young Duelist around the world. It had been a home for Judai Yuki, his friends, and rivals for several years. It was also a battlefield so many times over for Judai's exploits, a decade ago gainst none other than Darkness itself, and he saved not just the Academy but the entire world from him.
Today Duel Academy was still the same as it had always been. But there were some minor changes to the dueling arenas, with more seats as more people wanted to come. Plus there were staff changes. Chronos is no longer the Head of Obelisk Blue Boys dorm, as he was now solely devoted to his lessons and was hopeful to one day become the new chancellor of Duel Academy. His place for a couple of years had been Miss Emi Ayukawa, but her position as sports teacher and nurse was too much, so she was replaced by two new recruits to the staff, six years ago it was Professor Asuka Tenjoin and 5 year ago it was Professor Daigo Sorano who became the head of Obelisk girls and boys dorm respectively.
Ryo took two years to make full recovery from his heart failure and after becoming healthy once again his doctors have advised him to give up Pro Dueling because it can cause a huge stress in his body and endanger his heart. Ryo was upset he couldn't return to Pro and start his own League with Sho but Samejima encouraged him to try teaching at Duel Academy. He was hesitant at first but with the encouragement from Sho and everyone else he decide to give it a shot. He moved to USA two years after his recovery and enrolled to Duel College the same university where Asuka studied. Even though Ryo is two years older than her, but in college he was 2 years behind her. He worked hard and even obtain his degree and PhD in dueling and 4 years ago he returned to Duel Academy as a teacher and Samejima was more than impressed with his qualifications and skills. He made Ryo replace Professors Satou and became the head of Slifer Red Dorm for two years and later he was replaced by a new teacher Midori Hibiki and Samejima promoted him as the head of Administrative department two years ago. Both he and Asuka were also helping to end the feud between the 3 houses, and reminding many of their more snobbish Obelisk that the Duelist that rivalled Yugi Muto was a Slifer Red.
Ryo actually enjoyed working as a teacher and wished he could have pursuade teaching after he graduated instead of joining Pro league. Not a day went by that Ryo didn't think about his own school days at Duel Academy. Dealing the disappearance of his two best friends Fubuki and Yusuke at the start of his 2nd year, being a holder of one of the keys hunted by the Shadow Riders and his favorite grad duel against his worthy opponent Judai.
But there was one thing out of all of these things that he never fully got over..Not seeing and dueling Judai for a decade,
Ryo deeply respected Judai, dodging many fellow students offer and pleas for love, including his fangirls. He rarely admitted it to himself, but deep down he knew he loved Judai.
Every morning before he heads to school for classes and every night after bedtime, Ryo would spend 10 to 15 min standing outside the Lighthouse, remembering his adventures with Judai. He often wondered if he would ever see him again...but couldn't let it interfere with his teachings.
Two days later Judai had used his status to hire a helicopter for himself and was both heistant and exhilarated to visit his old home again. He looked out dully over the sea beneath him. It reflected beauty as the afternoon sun was getting low, dazzling the sparkly waves.
After 4 hours of open sea, Judai could make out vaguely in the distance, dry land. Above this small island, a gigantic building was just visible. Judai knew it at once to be Duel Academy island.
The helicopter finally flew in the area and landed at the wayside that Judai knew so well. He then hopped out and let the sea air and the familiar scent of his home in the distance envelop him.
"Judai? Judai-Chan?". cried a voice.
Judai was delighted to hear a friendly voice. It was Tome-san
Judai smiled as the portly Academy card shop owner ran over and pulled him into a tight, welcoming hug. Judai responded with a lighter hug; he had learned to be less enthusiastic hugging his friends after he had accidentally cracked the ex-Superintendent Kagemaru's ribs with a bearhug.
Tome-san eventually let go. "So what is the pleasure of meeting you again, Judai-chan?". She asked cheerfully. "You are not up to your old mischief again, are you?
Judai chuckled. "You might say that, Tome-san!". he said.
"I'd almost be disappointed otherwise." Smiled the kindly lady. "Come along with me, I will escort you to the Principals office".
So Judai followed Tome-san up to the grounds and they eventually reached the school itself. It looked much the same as when Judai left, except there were more trees and the older structures were repainted and Tome-San explained that her card shop had also been extended due to the increased amount of new students since Judai left and she offered him some free packs, but Judai was too comfortable with his old cards and politely declined.
They entered the building and soon arrived at Samejima's office. Judai was looking forward to see his old headmaster again. Samejima was always a kind, friendly man and was certain to give Judai a warm welcome, just as Tome-San did
Tome-san knocked on the door and it opened. Samejima was at his desk, but he was not alone. Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano were also there. They were likely in a meeting of some kind.
"Oh hi Tome-san, I thought you were Ry-"
Samejima cut off when he saw Judai accompanying Tome-san
"Judai-kun, my dear boy!" Samejima jumped up off his seat and shook Judai's hand warmly and vigorously.
Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano were also surprised at Judai's unexpected arrival.
"Judai-senpai long time no see". greeted Sorano with a warm smile. "I never thought I would see you again senapi".
"Same here Sorano it's good to see you again". Judai added while giving him a brotherly hug. "Are you teaching here?.
"Yes after I graduated I went to study at same university with Asuka-senpai and Marufuji-senpai, and came back 5 year, besides I am glad you remember me Judai-senpai". Sorano who is now a teacher in Duel Academy still looks same as Judai remembered except he has grown slightly taller and he is dressed in a professional aqua blue version of Obelisk Blue uniform with white straps.
"Hell Judai-kun". smiled Ayukawa, "My worst PE student but my most prominent patient."
Chronos looked quite happy to see Judai, but didn't seem too find it very dignified to say so, because he said, "Hello Dropout boy" and crossed his arms sniffly.
After Judai gave Ayukawa a friendly hug, he said to Chronos, "Don't looks all cold, Sensei. Last time, you tried to keep us here and was in tears at graduation! I know you're happy to see me!"
Chronos remained silent and Samejima laughed.
"Well, it's great to see you, Judai-kun!" he said pleasantly, "But I was in the middle of an important staff meeting".
"Ah, my bad sir", said Judai sheepishly while rubbing his head.
"Not at all, Judai-kun. Why if it hadn't been for you, there may have been no Academy to have staff meetings".
Judai smiled grimley, remembering his darker days.
Just then, the door was knocked on again.
"Ah, at last". Smiled Samejima and he pushed the button to let the visitor in and there stood Ryo.
"I am Sorry Principal, a student distra-"
Ryo froze when he saw Judai. His eyes widened in shock and his lungs seemed to stiffen. Judai gazed back at him. Even at 30 Ryo still looks young, his hair has grown longer reaching past his chest, he wore a professional blue teachers uniform with twin tails flaired back resembling his old Obelisk Blue uniform. His face has become more sharper and maintaining a challenging calm expression always ready duel
Ryo then noticed that Judai's eyes were swelling and they openly poured. Next thing he knew, he was being crushed by Judai's tightening hug and being drenched but flattered by the former Slifer rears and snobbing.
"Kiaser". Judai cried, "I missed you soo much!"
"Hey I missed you too Judai" said Ryo soothingly, respond in to get hug, rather to enthusiastically as observed by Samejima, Chronos, Ayukawa, and Sorano.
Judai and Ryo eventually broke apart. They gazed into one another's eyes. And Ryo spoke in a more emotional voice than before.
"W-Why are you here?".
"To visit you, but seeing as I am here, how about a welcome home tour?" grinned Judai, "A chance to catch up with my friend!"
Ryo looked over Samejima.
"I don't see why not". Affirmed Samejima, similing away as broadly as ever.
"But Principal what about-?" Began Chronos indignantly.
"Our meeting can wait until later, Chronos-kun". Replied Samejima, " Besides, it's already been delayed significantly with Ryo-kun's delay and Judai-kun's unexpected arrival."
"Thanks Principal". Said Judai cheerfully.
"We will continue our meeting this evening Ryo-kun". Said Samejima
"Off course sir". replied Ryo as he and Judai departed the office.
Ryo proceeded to lead Judai across the grounds and show him every last alteration, however in his absence as they crossed the grounds, they passed the woods, where they saw Damon, whom was still living in the woods. Ryo explained he was improving and no longer depending on his nature of the seas strategy. Judai saw this first hand as Damon dueled a Ra Yellow fan of his and won without the aid of nature or luck. There was someone else whom as one of Judai is fond, Wheeler the monkey. He hopped over Judai's shoulder, swinging from branches and threw him down a banana for a snack.
But two of the biggest changes pleased Judai the most. The first of which was the Slifer Red Dorm; it had been renovated and extended, the dorm is much better and comfortable to live than before which is a far cry to the old version and it is now a 4 story dorm. Judai and Ryo then went inside for a tour, it looked from the inside, as Ryo showed Judai a home fit for an Obelisk Blue. When Judai was staying almost all the students in red have a roommate, but now only the freshman students have to have a roommate while the 2nd and 3rd year students have their own single bedroom.
The entire dorm had been renovated with modern luxury interior and design similar to Chazz's apartment style. The duo took a tour in a vacant single bedroom and notice the room is much bigger than before and it is decorated with modern furnitures and decor, the students also have attached bathrooms in their room just like the Ra and Obelisk dorm back when Judai was studying he and the other students share same toilet and showers and now they have been demolished and the bathroom is converted into study room where the students can gain access to all the study resources and they don't have to go to the school library or other dorms to use their resource, and the toilet has been converted into a student lounge decorated with comfy colorful couches, 4 vending machines which stores snacks, soft drinks, ramen, and carbonated drinks.
They then went to tour Chazz's apartment where some 3rd years live. The apartment hasn't changed much except the bathhouse has been expanded more bigger allowing the entire students to use and is upgraded with latest bathing facilities and the walls of his apartment had been repainted.
And finally they took a tour to cafeteria. The walls have been painted in red and the furnitures are decorated in modern design instead of wooden, and the foods are served much better than before while it's not gourmet high class like Obelisk but they now serve foods akin to a bistro and cafe similar to Ra. It was empty and no one was their. They then went to the common room.
"What persuaded Chronos to agree to this?" He asked joyously.
"Look". smiled Ryo, pointing to a plaque on the wall of the common room.
Judai approached it and on the plaque read:
This new and improved dormitory was affirmed and consented proudly by Principal Samejima and Vice-Principal Chronos de Medici, in loving dedications to the rival of the King of Games himself, Judai Yuki, a Slifer Red and a champion.
For once , Judai just gazed in awe, lost for words.
"Do you like it?" asked Ryo, overjoyed at his reaction
"Y-You mean...I was more or less responsible for all this? figured Judai, reobserving the beautifullly revamped dormitory he himself was the cause for.
"One of your treated achievement at Duel Academy!" Grinned Ryo happily, "You didn't just leave your friends behind, you left a leagacy to your fellow future Slifer Reds!"
"Hey..I love it!" shouted Judai in delight and he lifted Ryo in the air in excitement which made him blush extremely.
After regaining his senses, Judai put him down and turned away to hide his own blushes. Ryo picked up on this, and was secretly pleased.
Judai's stomach growled and Ryo noticed it. "You sure are hungry?"
"Yep how about we grab some lunch from Tome-san". He said sheepishly while rubing his head.
Ryo moaned softly as he sniffed the cup of tea in his hand before gently placing the edge of the cup against his lips, allowing the warm liquid access to his mouth. After a few moments he pulled the cup away before placing it back down onto the small, wooden table at which he sat across from Judai, the two former students enjoying a lunch together at the islands new outdoor cafe opened by Tome, a new addition that had been made to the academy grounds along that adjoined two new buildings; the Guest and Faculty Accommodation building as well as the new dueling arena complex with the eatery itself forming a courtyard that joined the three facilities. Judai smiled, looking at his Golden Eggwhich sandwich before taking a bite.
"It's nice having somewhere a bit more open and furnished to eat," Ryo stated, looking around at other returning students enjoying the new amenity, "…So what brings you here?." Ryo looked into Judai's brown eyes, smiling a little.
"I honestly missed you a lot and I want to have a duel with you so I am glad I finally got the chance to meet you." Judai winked at him. "You have been working for 4 years now? And how is teaching going on for you is it better than being a Pro Duelist?"
Ryo's expression relaxed as Judai giggled. He joined him with a chuckle. " I even missed you alot JudaI and to be honest I have been thinking a lot about you and I am also craving a rematch from you." He replied.
"As for teaching I am honestly enjoying it and its better than being a Pro Duelist I wished I could have pursuaded teaching earlier instead" Ryo smiled. Judai leaned back into his chair.
Ryo interjected "When my doctors told me I can't go to Pro I was shattered back then but Sho wants to continue my legacy and I didn't like to burden him. But he was being adamant, initially I thought he couldn't do it all by himself but he is doing and managing everything better than I expect,"
"Sho loves you a lot and he has became very responsible since becoming an adult," Judai quickly replied, Ryo smiling. Kaiser put his tea down…causing Judai to, without a moment's hesitation, drop another cube of sugar into Ryo's tea. "You take two sugars in your tea." He smiled back at Judai, the pair staring into each other's eyes as they recalled their adventures together.
Ryo finished stirring the tea again before taking another sip…to his delight, Judai had been correct to add the second sugar cube. They looked down for a few moments.
"…So, Kaiser I know you're feeling better and Sho always talks about you so I want to know how is your heart? ," Judai said, looking up at Ryo who frowend as he was caressing his chest. remembering his heart attack trauma 10 years ago "My heart is in a much better shape now, it wasn't easy to make a full recovery and I am no longer in medication but I still go for checkup every month and make sure my heart is beating regular once again" He then looked at him and smile. "As long as I don't stress myself I am fine"
"Where is Asuka?" Judai asked,
"Some students in her class were chosen to represent our school for the tournament in USA so she has gone there with them as their homeroom teacher." Ryo replied.
"I see she would have been happy too see me and we could have lunch together and when is she coming? and if you speak to her give my regards to her".
" By next week and sure I will".
"By the way did you heard Edo is going to face against Espa Roba for his upcoming match. Me, Sho, Chumley, Chazz, and Johan are going so would you like to join us? Its during winter break"
"No I think I will pass, it's not that I don't want to Judai, I'd honestly kill for the opportunity to go." He smiled, looking down. "But I do feel kind of bad for ditching the boys, even Sho, so early into the school break. And for so much of it." Ryo closed his eyes. "So I feel like I do have to kind of make up for that by spending time with Sho, my parents and Yusuke" Judai nodded.
"And Fubuki-san?" Judai questioned, a teasing tone in his voice.
Ryo facepalm as he recalled his and Yusuke's first shopping trip with Fubuki 7 years ago, he'd taken him and Yusuke to stores to buy Hawaiian shirts or pop idol suit…and musical instruments, saying that theye could make waves in the world as a Dueling Pop Idol. Or rather that he, Yusuke and Fubuki could make waves as Elite Boy Band.
"the less said about spending time with Fubuki, the better…" Ryo teasingly muttered. Judai chuckled as Ryo sighed. "I would love to go to the match with you," Ryo reiterated, looking up and smiling, "But I do, kind of, owe it to my family to hang around with them…at least for a while."
"What was the last thing you wanted to show me?" Judai said facing his tour guide once more, but still slightly red
Ryo was too, but he stood up and said, "Follow me".
Judai followed Ryo down to the main building where the duel arena was. And once inside, Judai could see that it was dramatically extended and revolutionized.