[Zigfried, LP 0]
Zigfried stared at his zeroed out LP, standing dumbfounded, completely out of sorts.
Did I... lose again?
That word "again" has a particular resonance...
Poor Zigfried Lloyd, who at least was considered a gatekeeping boss in the KC Chapter. Although he never got the chance to face Yugi in the animation, he at least eliminated Jonouchi and once drove President Haima to the brink in a duel.
But now Zigfried feels like some random side character, as if he can't beat anyone.
He started to fall into self-doubt.
Maybe, possibly, probably...
... I'm really not that good at dueling?
"Alright, I won the duel." Yusei stepped forward, "As agreed, remove the virus and leave Kaiba Land."
If Zigfried decided not to concede, it's no big deal. Yusei could easily resort to using a "Crab Ascension Fist" to physically convince him and manually dismantle the virus with his tech skills.
Strictly speaking, Yusei didn't have to accompany the opponent in playing cards. He was dueling here mainly because he'd been in this era too long and couldn't resist the craving (not really)...
...because it's an unspoken rule among duelists to solve problems through dueling whenever possible. Dodging others' challenges is considered dishonorable behavior.
Yes, that's exactly it.
Just then, from the window on one side of the corridor where they were standing, a figure was thrown inside.
"Crash!!!"
A crisp sound, like a heavy hammer shattering glass. A figure directly kicked through the side glass, rolled around, and landed half-crouched on the ground full of glass shards, wearing a billowing white trench coat like a cape.
That was President Kaiba Seto, who would die if he didn't show off.
Perhaps considering it more convenient for action, or simply because it looked cooler and more showy, President Haima had already taken off his white suit and switched back to the large trench coat he usually wore.
This Batman-like superhero entrance was indeed sufficiently cool, but if Youyu were here, he would definitely not be able to resist complaining—
—woc President, are you this wasteful? You just kicked your own newly renovated glass!
The company has money, but not for you to waste like this!
If Youyu saw this scene, he would feel the pain, literally in tears...
"President Seto Kaiba!" Judai's eyes lit up again.
Even though he's a big shot now, he grew up listening to stories about Legendary Duelists like Yugi and Kaiba, and he naturally idolized these legendary duelists.
Although slower than Yusei, Kaiba also clearly found Zigfried's position.
He stood up, with a cold gaze sweeping over Zigfried... and then at the two oddly dressed freaks next to him, frowning.
At this point, Zigfried knew this act was likely derailed. But he had a sudden idea and pointed at the two freaks: "Heh, President Seto Kaiba, you're still late.
My virus program is already bound to these two people's Duel Discs. The only way to remove the virus is to defeat them!"
The pair from the future were stunned, momentarily confused.
What the heck? How did it get tied to our Duel Discs?
Are we just spouting nonsense?
But this Zigfried was incredibly crafty. Even though the lie was filled with flaws and couldn't hold up, he cleverly targeted Kaiba's biggest weakness—
—the tournament was ongoing, and he hadn't had a chance to duel.
Not only couldn't he duel personally, but he also had to watch others duel from the audience seats, which was nothing short of a cruel torture for a duel addict.
And look at this President, wearing a Duel Disc when he dramatically crashed through was a clear sign he planned to "solve the problem through dueling."
Having realized from the duel how the two were not affiliated with Kaiba's company, as he seemed unaware of their existence, Zigfried tried to redirect Kaiba to battle them—perhaps these two oddballs had decent dueling skills and could see Kaiba embarrassed.
Plan succeeded!
However...
"Do you think I look that stupid?" Kaiba said coldly, arms crossed.
Zigfried: "!"
He was shocked to discover that today President Kaiba seemed to...
... not plan to duel?
Heavens, could it be President Kaiba really quit his dueling addiction!?
At this moment, Kaiba's security, led by Uncle Izono, arrived too—though unlike the President's dramatic entrance, they took the stairs.
Yes, it was the invincible Uncle Izono again, responsible for security at Kaiba Land this time.
This suggests that Kaiba's company might indeed be a little short-handed.
Highlighting a strategy of "leave it to Izono when in trouble"...
Unwillingly led away by a group of guards, Zigfried Lloyd still shot a venomous look at Kaiba before leaving, saying in a deep voice, "I'll be back!"
Kaiba sneered, "Heh, a defeated dog, you can only bark for a few more days."
During the KC Cup, Kaiba Group really can't afford to make any big moves. But just after the competition concludes, Kaiba immediately plans to permanently neutralize the Lloyd Consortium's threat, preventing them from causing trouble in the future.
After dealing with Zigfried, Kaiba turned, frowning as he coldly glanced at the two oddly dressed freaks once more.
"... Did Youyu arrange for you to come?" he asked.
"Oh, President, brilliant as always," Judai said, "Recognizing at a glance... you really have a good rapport!"
The president snorted.
In fact, the president had already observed that duelists with odd headdresses like rabbits, unicorns, elephants, and ponies seemed to be somewhat connected to Youyu...
"Busybody,"
Kaiba glared at the two, flicked his trench coat, and turned to leave.
Judai turned to whisper to Yusei, "Don't worry. Youyu-sensei said that the President's dueling skills are decent, just very awkward as a person..."
The President, who had intended to leave, suddenly paused and turned, eyes sharp as a blade.
"What did you just call him?"
Instantly realizing the slip-up, Judai quickly shut his mouth.
Kaiba frowned, looking displeased—though he probably always looked like this.
This guy... is he Youyu's disciple?
How come I haven't heard he had a disciple?
Kaiba couldn't help recalling the last time Youyu came to his office, talking about "educating the next generation" and "training the future of the Duel World".
At the time, Kaiba had waved it away, saying he had more important work and outright rejected it.
Could it be that guy hadn't given up?
Kaiba thought for a moment, seeming to change his mind, and turned back around.
"Interesting." He said, arms crossed, "Since he entrusted this matter to you, he must have considerable confidence in your ability and skill.
Then I'll grant you a special opportunity, challenge me in a duel!"