Hikaru Amagi felt that Haruto Kokugawa was way too careless with his plays.
Or rather, he was relying entirely on the sheer convenience and raw power of Xyz Summoning.
Take, for example, someone like Zane Truesdale. In a similar situation, Zane would've immediately calculated how to break through the opponent's defenses, considered whether the opponent was baiting an attack, and if not, done something like he had during their tag duel—popping Limiter Removal early just to help Hikaru clear out traps and pave the way for a real combo. That's why, in the past, he even stopped Syrus from recklessly activating Power Bond when it would've been suicide.
Granted, even Zane once lost his cool and fired off Power Bond prematurely when dueling Aster. But even then, he was prepared for the consequences.
Haruto, though?
Completely different story.
Bahamut? Why bring it out turn one? Especially when he also summoned Rescue Rabbit and brought out two Level 4 monsters. He clearly had enough material for something else. Why blow the boss card immediately?
The only explanation Hikaru could think of was this: He considered Bahamut his ace, so he just had to show it off.
Pure showmanship.
This kind of basic trap-reading awareness was second nature to most Duel Academy duelists—even Jaden had some intuition. But Haruto didn't even flinch. The only thing saving him was how broken Xyz monsters could be.
"Well… whatever. My ATK is still much higher than yours. Let's battle!"
Haruto snapped back to attention, pointing at Flame Swordsman and Doppler Token.
"Golden Homunculus, attack Flame Swordsman! Feel the weight of your own monster's strength!"
"I activate my Trap Card—Flame Dragon with Chain." Hikaru shrugged.
"This card equips to a FIRE monster and increases its ATK by 700. Oh, and while we're at it, I also flip your Evilswarm Bahamut face-down."
The black dragon folded into itself, crumpling under the effect.
Meanwhile, Homunculus, now attacking uncontrollably, rammed into Flame Swordsman.
"AAAH—!"
Haruto LP: 2050 → 1750
With Golden Homunculus destroyed, Necro Replica shattered too.
"Damn…" Haruto's face paled slightly.
His hand was full of Normal Monsters.
And he'd already used his Normal Summon this turn.
In the heat of any duel, no matter what style you're using, the Normal Summon is often your most limited and precious resource.
Haruto had already used his—for Rescue Rabbit.
He took a long, deep breath, exhaled, and muttered, "Guess the folks back home are gonna clown on me for this…"
In the End Phase, one of the monsters summoned with Rabbit would self-destruct. The other had 1800 DEF… but Bahamut only had 1350.
Haruto reluctantly ended his turn, hoping for a miracle on his next draw. Maybe Hikaru wouldn't have a monster…
…But when Hikaru revealed Gem-Knight Crystal, all hope died.
"Fusion Summon, huh…" Haruto sighed as his Life Points hit zero. "Guess I still have a lot to learn."
At least he was a good sport about it.
After all, in his world, dueling wasn't life or death. It was entertainment. A performance.
Still, losing like that—in a literal world-class duel—was more than a little humiliating. He just hoped this wouldn't tank his mentor's new show's ratings…
What Haruto didn't know was that many duelists in his own world were actually cheering for Hikaru.
"Enough with all the XYZ spam, man! This dude's got style!"
"YEEAAAH, HE WON!!!"
Compared to that, Duel Academy was a riot of applause.
Jaden even leapt onto a table—only to grab at his arm where he'd reopened a healing wound.
"AWESOME, HIKARU!!!"
This duel was more than just a match—it was their school representing the whole world. No actual prize, no trophy, but every student and teacher knew: if they performed well, KaibaCorp would invest more into their school. More resources. Better cards. A richer environment.
"LET'S GO, BROTHER HIKARU!"
"FUSION RULES!!"
"Look at him! That's our Fusion Division's top duelist!"
"He's not just our ace—he's our school's ace!"
For once, the common lounge wasn't split by Ra Yellow, Obelisk Blue, or Slifer Red rivalry. No snark, no elitism—just thunderous cheers.
Even some upperclassmen from the Fusion Department looked genuinely moved.
Fusion Division had always been a place for those who feared or didn't understand other summoning mechanics, a place to grow stronger through one system. To see someone like Hikaru stomp an Xyz Dimension duelist lit a fire in them.
But the biggest surprise?
Even Professor Reiji Akaba was clapping.
A light clap, subtle, composed—but unmistakable.
And his lips curled ever so slightly upward.
Several Blue third-years, standing nearby, looked at each other in shock.
Professor Akaba—smiling? For Hikaru Amagi?
But it wasn't that.
No. Reiji Akaba wasn't applauding Hikaru out of affection. He wasn't fond of Hikaru at all.
What pleased him was what the duel represented.
He knew the average level of Xyz Dimension duelists better than anyone here.
And truthfully, he hadn't expected many of them to beat Hikaru easily.
He had only convinced that fossil upstairs to authorize this exchange event for one reason: information. Not loyalty.
And this match? Gave him exactly what he needed.
From what he'd seen today, the Xyz Dimension duelists were strong—but not invincible.
And more importantly, they were direct. Aggressive. Obsessed with attack points and power.
This world—GX's world—wasn't much better. But thanks to Duel Monsters' roots—thanks to Yugi Muto—they at least had an appreciation for traps, for reversals, for defensive strategies.
If Hikaru had lost, that would've been fine too. Lowered his standing. Made him easier to discard.
But Hikaru winning?
Even better.
It confirmed everything Akaba had hoped.
The Xyz World is ripe for invasion.
A slow, crooked grin spread across his face.
Letting that old fool authorize this exchange program… it was the smartest move he'd made all year.
One more step remained.
Get rid of Crowler. Get rid of Hikaru Amagi. Get rid of Zane Truesdale.
Or at least, make sure they don't return anytime soon.
Once the broadcast ended, Akaba returned to his office and contacted his subordinate: a twisted-looking scientist with unsettling features.
"It's time. Let that thing loose."
"Yes, sir!" the scientist saluted with a wicked grin. Beside him, a massive cylindrical pod hissed open. Inside, a dark, twisted abomination pulsed with black energy.
The scientist cackled madly, mashing buttons and pulling levers as alarms blared.
Akaba burst into laughter.
Duel Academy might be yours now... but in this dimension, I rule everything.
Meanwhile…
Back at the dorms, Hikaru was doing his usual post-duel routine: checking his deck for any strange changes.
And then, he felt it—his hands trembling as he touched a single card.
The art, once like a childish sketch, was now clearer. Brighter. The violet glow intensified.
El Shaddoll Winda.
"…S-she's getting clearer!"
After the duel against Darkness, Winda's card had upgraded significantly, and now, her original form was almost completely restored!
Could dueling against DT-series monsters also empower her evolution?
Did it not have to be only Darkness-based duels?
No. He couldn't rush this.
He needed to stay the full twenty days.
He needed to duel Haruto Kokugawa every single day.