Monday, 05/07/2001, 10:38 a.m.
Domino High School, second floor, Class B.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, warmly illuminating the interior of the classroom.
Several students, either in groups or alone, enjoyed idle chatter, board games, or their respective bentos. The bustle was constant, and the aroma of various types of food floated in the air.
Around a desk occupied by Yugi and Jonouchi, seated across from each other, Anzu, Hiroto, and Bakura stood watching the game unfolding between the two boys.
Yugi and Jonouchi were playing a Duel Monsters match on a black and purple board.
At that moment, Jonouchi drew a card from his deck. His hand increased from two to three cards. His gaze scanned his side of the board and then Yugi's. A slight grimace twisted his lips; his forehead was damp with sweat, and his expression tense.
On Yugi's side of the field were two face-down cards and a single monster card in attack position. Its image depicted a skeletal demon with wings and two sinister-looking horns on its head.
Summoned Skull LV6 ∆Dark∆ (Normal) {Fiend} [2500ATK/1200DEF]
On Jonouchi's side, there was a monster card in defense position. The image depicted a blue-skinned elf with purple goggles and a blue-and-yellow fighter's outfit.
Battle Warrior LV3 ∆Earth∆ (Normal) {Warrior} [700ATK/1000DEF]
Biting his lip, Jonouchi sighed and then placed a monster in defense position on his side of the field, his voice faint.
"Haaa... I summon this monster in defense position."
The image on the card showed a gray stone golem with a crown of spikes on its head and glowing red eyes.
Rock Ogre Grotto #1 LV3 ∆Earth∆ (Normal) {Rock} [800ATK/1200DEF]
Resting his head on his fist with a weary look, Jonouchi muttered while clicking his tongue.
"Tch... Your turn."
Yugi drew a card from his deck. His hand increased from one to two cards. After a brief pause, he spoke in a confident tone, his expression calm.
"I attack your ogre with my Summoned Skull."
Grimacing in resignation, Jonouchi placed his Rock Ogre Grotto #1 in his graveyard zone.
Then Hiroto spoke in a mocking tone. An uneasy smile played on his lips.
"It's not the first time I say it, but you're really terrible at this game, Jonouchi."
Glaring at Hiroto, Jonouchi muttered through clenched teeth.
"It's just that Yugi's really strong. But you'll see. One day I'll beat you, Yugi!"
Fixing his eyes on Yugi, Jonouchi smiled with confidence.
Scratching his head, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Yugi nodded a couple of times, his voice nervous.
"Of course! It's your turn."
Puffing out his chest, Jonouchi drew a card from his deck. An exclamation escaped his lips.
"Here we go! Draw!"
But Jonouchi's expression darkened upon seeing the card.
Standing behind Jonouchi, Anzu smiled, commenting with a teasing expression.
"Looks like today's not that day, idiot."
Blushing with a sheepish look, Jonouchi coughed a couple of times and slumped a little. A weak murmur escaped his lips.
"Ahem... Just a little bad luck. I summon this monster in defense position."
Tiger Axe LV4 ∆Earth∆ (Normal) {Beast-Warrior} [1300ATK/1100DEF]
The image on the card depicted a bipedal tiger, yellow and black, wearing steel armor over its torso and leather bracers on its wrists, wielding a large iron axe with both hands.
Stroking his chin, Bakura commented in a thoughtful tone.
"Can Jonouchi really fight back?"
Laughing out loud, Hiroto replied while ruffling Jonouchi's hair.
"Ha! This idiot? Nah. He only knows how to take a beating."
Gritting his teeth, his face contorted, Jonouchi suddenly threw a punch at Hiroto. A curse escaped his lips, his tone angry.
"I'll show you who's taking a beating! Get back here!"
Hiroto dodged, stepping out of Jonouchi's reach.
Yugi, Anzu, and Bakura laughed at the scene.
Crossing his arms, Jonouchi grumbled, his face red.
"You'll see! I'll show you what a real duelist is!"
Another wave of smiles took over the group's expressions.
Out of the corner of her eye, Anzu glanced at a black-haired boy elsewhere in the classroom, having his lunch. A murmur escaped her lips, her tone inquisitive.
"A real duelist?"
Meanwhile, Jonouchi spoke loudly.
"Your turn, Yugi!"
Nodding, Yugi drew a card from his deck. After a brief pause, he placed a monster card in his play zone. Then he spoke in a firm tone.
"I summon Catapult Turtle in defense position."
Catapult Turtle LV5 ∆Water∆ (Effect) {Aqua} [1000ATK/2000DEF]
The image on the card showed a massive green and black turtle with a catapult mounted on the top of its shell and wheels on its legs.
Yugi's face briefly showed doubt and regret, before he spoke again in a decisive voice.
"Now I use its effect to sacrifice my Summoned Skull and finish off the rest of your Life Points. I win."
Collapsing over the desk, Jonouchi cursed in annoyance, his expression frustrated.
"Damn it! I lost again. Huh? Where did Anzu go, guys?"
Hiroto and Bakura's gazes were fixed on the far end of the classroom. There, Anzu was speaking to the black-haired boy with a smile on her lips. That boy was Shin Osako.
With a puzzled expression, Jonouchi asked as he stood up. Yugi followed, his expression curious.
"What's she doing?"
Scratching his head, Bakura replied, confused.
"I don't know why, but she suddenly said she was going to invite Osako to play. Though... didn't he refuse the last time we tried?"
At that moment, Shin gave Anzu a small nod, then stood up and closed his bento box.
Eyes wide open, Hiroto spoke in an astonished tone.
"Wow, looks like she pulled it off."
Nodding after a couple of quick blinks, Yugi murmured in a curious tone.
"She did."
Anzu and Shin began approaching the rest of the group. A light smile curved the girl's lips, her expression triumphant and her steps skipping slightly as she led the way.
A scowl twisted Jonouchi's face. A whisper slipped from his lips, his tone uncomfortable.
"Just what we needed..."