Friday, 05/18/2001, 8:57 p.m.
Domino Pier.
The stars sparkled in the sky with their pale light.
A faint scent of the sea drifted along with the night breeze.
Walking down a path surrounded by containers, crates, nets, and all kinds of barrels, Yugi, Anzu, Hiroto, Jonouchi, and Shin looked around with cautious expressions. Silence filled the air. Streetlights passed by, casting a yellow glow on the darkness of the harbor.
Clutching his yellow trench coat, Hiroto spoke after a slight shiver.
"Brrr… It's so cold."
Wearing a bored expression, Jonouchi murmured doubtfully.
"Is there really a ship here?"
Reaching into his pocket, Yugi pulled out a bunch of cards. Selecting one, he spoke confidently. The card's image showed a ship on the ocean.
"The date on the card is today. No doubt about it!"
The group continued in silence...
Turning around a container, the sea came into view along with the rest of the pier.
Illuminated by numerous lights, a huge metal ship lay at one corner of the harbor. Upon seeing it, the group's expressions lit up in recognition. Yugi spoke confidently.
"There it is!"
Grabbing Shin's arm, Anzu shouted as she looked toward land, next to the ship.
"Look! Over there! All those people!"
A group of teens, youths, and children had gathered in the distance. Their voices echoed between the containers. Some stood alone in silence, others were chatting in small groups, and a few were trading cards. Seeing this, Hiroto spoke calmly.
"They've got cards."
Nodding, Yugi added with a serious look.
"They're the other participants. Our rivals!"
Glancing sideways at Shin, Jonouchi pointed at a specific figure among them and spoke.
"Hey, Shin? Isn't that Ryuzaki, your opponent in the National Championship final?"
Shin nodded silently, watching Ryuzaki with a calm expression.
Jonouchi asked curiously.
"Is he any good?"
Shin smiled slightly and then answered with confidence, his eyes locked on Jonouchi's.
"He's good, but we're better. Trust in your skills, Jonouchi."
Anzu tightened her grip on Shin's arm with a smile.
Nodding, Jonouchi exclaimed firmly, his eyes fixed on the ship.
"For Shizuka. I have to win!"
They all nodded at once.
Clenching his fists, Yugi spoke with determination.
"We have to win! Everything is in our decks!"
Then, the group walked toward where the rest of the participants were gathered.
As they approached, they drew some attention. Many eyes turned toward Shin—some with admiration, others with defiance.
A murmur ran through the crowd.
"Isn't that Shin Osako, the National Champion?"
Ryuzaki noticed Shin and then walked up to him with a twisted smile on his lips. His words came out in a challenging tone.
"Well, well! You showed up, Shin. Just like I thought. But this time I won't go easy on you. Hear me?"
The group turned their eyes toward Ryuzaki.
Right after, Shin smiled and greeted him with a light nod, his voice calm.
"Ryuzaki."
Raising an eyebrow, Ryuzaki looked at the rest of the group. A comment followed, his tone sarcastic.
"I see you brought company, huh? Who are they? Your fan club? Heh. I didn't know you needed emotional support."
The group's faces showed irritation and even fury. Shin remained indifferent.
In a sudden outburst, Jonouchi shouted angrily, fists raised.
"Who the hell are you calling fan club, you bastard?! I'll—!"
Then, a high-pitched male voice interrupted Jonouchi from behind Ryuzaki.
"Are you blind? That short guy over there is Yugi Muto! The one who beat Kaiba!"
A commotion spread among the participants. Many turned their eyes to Yugi, who lowered his head, cheeks flushed. Someone whispered in surprise among the crowd.
"That Yugi…?"
Ryuzaki's eyes flew open. He then muttered in confusion, staring at Yugi.
"Huh? Yugi Muto? Who...?"
Turning his head, Ryuzaki's eyes settled on a short boy with round glasses. A murmur escaped his lips, annoyed.
"It's you, bug..."
It was Insector Haga, who smiled with a calm expression.
The group turned their gaze to Insector. He greeted them softly.
"Hello."
Everyone returned the greeting with small nods.
A second later, Hiroto frowned. His voice was curious as he looked at Insector.
"Wait a second. Aren't you the guy Shin beat at the regionals?"
Nodding awkwardly, Insector spoke quietly. His eyes turned to Shin with an unreadable expression. Shin met his gaze with a calm face.
"Actually…"
At that moment, a tall, slim man in a black suit, short spiky brown hair, and dark glasses shouted from the ship's deck. Everyone looked at him with intrigued expressions.
"Attention, duelists! Industrial Illusions welcomes you to this event!"
Cheers and whistles of celebration echoed among the participants on land. The man in the suit continued his speech in a steady tone.
"We have reviewed your records in tournaments and official duels, and we've chosen the best duelists in Japan!"
After a short pause, the man resumed. The participants watched him in silent excitement.
"The star called 'Glory' shines above your heads! And any one of you can reach it!"
Raising his voice, the man shouted with enthusiasm.
"The time has come, duelists! Cross the sea! Reach that light in Duelist Kingdom!"
A chorus of young voices rang out across the pier.
"Yesss!"