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Chapter 603: OMO
Rewinding time to a short while ago.
The sudden sneak attack by what seemed like assassins from Organization Doma startled almost everyone, especially Kujaku Mai and Téa, who were walking at the very back and hadn't even left the convenience store yet when they heard a loud bang outside.
Hurrying out to check the situation, the two of them only saw three figures in black suits trying to escape in a sorry state, and Joey Wheeler chasing after them, his **Gearfried the Iron Knight** having just dissipated beside him.
"What happened? Who were those guys?" Completely unable to stop Joey Wheeler, Kujaku Mai could only ask Rex and Tristan, who were nearby and might know what happened.
"Not too sure, but looking at the style of their Duel Disk, they were from Organization Doma. It seems like they just tried to attack us," Rex swallowed, his tone slightly showing fear towards Organization Doma.
Although he was now the runner-up of the American Duel Monsters tournament and could even be considered a Spirit User Duelist, Rex's age was a factor. The experience of being defeated by Valon and falling into unconscious darkness had left a considerable shadow in Rex's heart.
"Doma?! Why would they appear here?" Kujaku Mai was startled, her expression turning anxious. "That Joey Wheeler, chasing after them alone? Isn't he afraid of being led into some trap?"
"No, I'm going after him!"
Saying that, Kujaku Mai immediately ran off in the direction Joey Wheeler had gone.
"Mai!" "Miss Mai!"
Behind her, Yugi and Tristan called out, but couldn't stop her.
Yugi's unease grew stronger. He could feel that something was wrong, but he couldn't find anything specific that was amiss. Even if he wanted to tell Joey Wheeler and Kujaku Mai to stay here and not leave, there was no reason.
But he didn't need to keep thinking about what was happening, because almost the very second Joey Wheeler and Kujaku Mai left, a familiar voice rang out from behind Yugi and the others:
"Yo, everyone, long time no see~"
Honda froze, turning his head in confusion. "That voice is—?"
Just then, in the center of the Town's road, Hayato walked towards them with a swaggering, arrogant stride. As he walked, Hayato seemed about to say something, but his expression suddenly changed slightly and he remained silent, only maintaining an arrogant expression.
"Hayato!?"
"It really is Hayato!" Like Tristan, at the first sight of Hayato, Téa, who hadn't yet understood the current situation, couldn't help but show a joyful expression upon seeing her friend, who she thought was dead, appear safe and sound.
However, Rex and Yugi immediately pulled back Tristan and Téa, who were about to rush forward.
"Yugi?"
Looking at Yugi, who had reached out to stop her, Téa was full of confusion, while Tristan also looked at Rex, who was holding him back, and complained, "What are you doing, Rex?"
"Idiot, I'm saving you two idiots!" Although he was trembling upon seeing Hayato for the first time, knowing what kind of powerful Existence surrounded Hayato due to his awakening of the Ability to see Spirits, Rex still gritted his teeth and forcefully held onto Tristan, stating firmly, "Don't relax your vigilance just because Hayato Kobayashi is someone you know!"
"Don't forget what I said before! That guy has already joined Doma and is collecting Souls everywhere to tribute to something!" As he spoke, Rex also glanced at Yugi, who had a serious expression beside him. "That guy is already an enemy!"
"To achieve his goal, he's someone who can even be ruthless to his own Monsters. Even if you were his friends before, even if they were beloved relatives, close friends, or brothers, I'm afraid..."
As Hayato approached, the **Millennium Puzzle** on Yugi's chest pulsed with radiance. With a step forward, the two Souls switched, and the Soul of Dark Yugi was revealed.
"Hayato..." Looking at Hayato, who was walking towards them with unhurried steps and composed ease, Yugi asked, "You just saw the Doma people's attack on us, right? Why did you just watch?"
"Hmm? Did I not make myself clear enough last time, Yugi?" Facing Yugi's question, Hayato seemed completely unconcerned. "Compared to continuing the Game of Friendship with you, Doma can indeed bring me stronger Power. I have never betrayed Power."
"W-What are you saying, Hayato!?" Hearing Hayato's heartless reply, Yugi's expression was serious, while Tristan and Téa behind him were full of disbelief. "Could it be that what Joey Wheeler and Yugi said before was all true?"
"Could it be that you really betrayed us!?"
"Ah, that's right. What interesting expressions, Téa and Tristan. Don't you understand yet?" Hayato showed an exaggerated smile. "The real me has always been someone who only pursues Victory and Power. The Game of Friendship with you was just my disguise."
"Ta-da~ This is a shocking revelation that's only being revealed now!"
Seeing the shocked, speechless expressions on their faces, Hayato twisted the knife further: "I can even generously tell you, I just watched you get attacked? No, 'attacking' you was something I arranged entirely. Not only that, this entire Town is even controlled by us Doma. You've been walking into my trap ever since you entered the Town!"
Yugi was startled upon hearing this. "A trap? Could it be Joey Wheeler!"
"Exactly. Luring Joey Wheeler away was also part of the plan. Without **Red-Eyes** by your side, Yugi, you won't be able to Summon **Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon** anymore, right? That way, dealing with you will be even easier." Taking out a Card and placing it on his Duel Disk, Hayato laughed loudly. "I was asked to stall you, but dealing with you along the way shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Instead of worrying about Joey Wheeler, think about yourself first, Yugi!"
As Hayato played a Card, the ground rumbled, and then, walls of earth rapidly rose abruptly from the previously flat ground!
Before they could even react, walls several meters high completely separated Tristan, Téa, Rex, and Yugi!
"Téa! Tristan! Rex!" Immediately, the figure of **Dark Magician** appeared beside Yugi. A blast of magical energy was sent out, attempting to destroy the wall of earth.
But to Yugi's surprise, **Dark Magician's** Power was actually stopped by a mere wall?
A wall that could block the attack of **Dark Magician** with 2500 ATK Points, what kind of wall was this?
No, that's not right! This isn't just any ordinary wall!
This is **Labyrinth Wall**! It's a Duel Monsters Card belonging to the Paradox Brothers!
"Well, the Paradox Brothers were someone I had a hard time defeating, after all. After sealing their Souls, it's only reasonable to take a little spoils, right?" Hayato, who had taken all the money and Decks from the Paradox Brothers after defeating them, said this.
Looking at the anxious Yugi, Hayato spoke again to taunt him: "Since it's the Paradox Brothers' Labyrinth, Yugi, you should also know what kind of things will be in the Labyrinth, right? Hurry and go find Téa and the others."
"However, a sneak attack won't work on me~"
Leaving behind a taunt, Hayato's figure was blocked by a moving wall and disappeared. The sneak attack that Yugi had **Dark Magician** activate missed.
"Damn it!" He had originally planned to catch Hayato first and make him undo the **Labyrinth Wall**, but he didn't expect Hayato to anticipate his idea. Yugi clenched his fist. Looking at the dead end in front of him, he reluctantly turned around and advanced along the sole path available.
**Labyrinth Wall**, as a Duel Monster, had an extremely exaggerated DEF of a full 3000 Points. Even **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** would find it difficult to break through. Although there were ways to Summon stronger Monsters with ATK higher than that to break through the wall, Yugi didn't think he had the ability to support himself in demolishing all the walls.
Moreover, judging by Hayato's words, there were likely Traps and Monsters in the Labyrinth, so he had to save some strength.
Yugi advanced along the walls of the Labyrinth, while outside the Labyrinth, Hayato stood with an unexpected guy.
"Using **Labyrinth Wall** to stall the Nameless Pharaoh and the others? Not a bad idea."
"Heh heh, of course not." Hayato looked at Rafael, who he had absolutely no idea would appear here beforehand, and forced a cold expression. "Didn't Dartz say that dealing with Yugi was your job? I have no interest in doing work for others for free."
Damn it, I was originally planning to give Yugi a heads-up after driving away the Doma people. If Arai hadn't discovered that Guardian Aiwass was nearby, I would have almost been caught red-handed by this Rafael guy.
Seriously?! Luckily, yours truly reacted quickly!
Rewinding time to a short while ago.
The sudden sneak attack by what seemed like assassins from Organization Doma startled almost everyone, especially Kujaku Mai and Téa, who were walking at the very back and hadn't even left the convenience store yet when they heard a loud bang outside.
Hurrying out to check the situation, the two of them only saw three figures in black suits trying to escape in a sorry state, and Joey Wheeler chasing after them, his **Gearfried the Iron Knight** having just dissipated beside him.
"What happened? Who were those guys?" Completely unable to stop Joey Wheeler, Kujaku Mai could only ask Rex and Tristan, who were nearby and might know what happened.
"Not too sure, but looking at the style of their Duel Disk, they were from Organization Doma. It seems like they just tried to attack us," Rex swallowed, his tone slightly showing fear towards Organization Doma.
Although he was now the runner-up of the American Duel Monsters tournament and could even be considered a Spirit User Duelist, Rex's age was a factor. The experience of being defeated by Valon and falling into unconscious darkness had left a considerable shadow in Rex's heart.
"Doma?! Why would they appear here?" Kujaku Mai was startled, her expression turning anxious. "That Joey Wheeler, chasing after them alone? Isn't he afraid of being led into some trap?"
"No, I'm going after him!"
Saying that, Kujaku Mai immediately ran off in the direction Joey Wheeler had gone.
"Mai!" "Miss Mai!"
Behind her, Yugi and Tristan called out, but couldn't stop her.
Yugi's unease grew stronger. He could feel that something was wrong, but he couldn't find anything specific that was amiss. Even if he wanted to tell Joey Wheeler and Kujaku Mai to stay here and not leave, there was no reason.
But he didn't need to keep thinking about what was happening, because almost the very second Joey Wheeler and Kujaku Mai left, a familiar voice rang out from behind Yugi and the others:
"Yo, everyone, long time no see~"
Honda froze, turning his head in confusion. "That voice is—?"
Just then, in the center of the Town's road, Hayato walked towards them with a swaggering, arrogant stride. As he walked, Hayato seemed about to say something, but his expression suddenly changed slightly and he remained silent, only maintaining an arrogant expression.
"Hayato!?"
"It really is Hayato!" Like Tristan, at the first sight of Hayato, Téa, who hadn't yet understood the current situation, couldn't help but show a joyful expression upon seeing her friend, who she thought was dead, appear safe and sound.
However, Rex and Yugi immediately pulled back Tristan and Téa, who were about to rush forward.
"Yugi?"
Looking at Yugi, who had reached out to stop her, Téa was full of confusion, while Tristan also looked at Rex, who was holding him back, and complained, "What are you doing, Rex?"
"Idiot, I'm saving you two idiots!" Although he was trembling upon seeing Hayato for the first time, knowing what kind of powerful Existence surrounded Hayato due to his awakening of the Ability to see Spirits, Rex still gritted his teeth and forcefully held onto Tristan, stating firmly, "Don't relax your vigilance just because Hayato Kobayashi is someone you know!"
"Don't forget what I said before! That guy has already joined Doma and is collecting Souls everywhere to tribute to something!" As he spoke, Rex also glanced at Yugi, who had a serious expression beside him. "That guy is already an enemy!"
"To achieve his goal, he's someone who can even be ruthless to his own Monsters. Even if you were his friends before, even if they were beloved relatives, close friends, or brothers, I'm afraid..."
As Hayato approached, the **Millennium Puzzle** on Yugi's chest pulsed with radiance. With a step forward, the two Souls switched, and the Soul of Dark Yugi was revealed.
"Hayato..." Looking at Hayato, who was walking towards them with unhurried steps and composed ease, Yugi asked, "You just saw the Doma people's attack on us, right? Why did you just watch?"
"Hmm? Did I not make myself clear enough last time, Yugi?" Facing Yugi's question, Hayato seemed completely unconcerned. "Compared to continuing the Game of Friendship with you, Doma can indeed bring me stronger Power. I have never betrayed Power."
"W-What are you saying, Hayato!?" Hearing Hayato's heartless reply, Yugi's expression was serious, while Tristan and Téa behind him were full of disbelief. "Could it be that what Joey Wheeler and Yugi said before was all true?"
"Could it be that you really betrayed us!?"
"Ah, that's right. What interesting expressions, Téa and Tristan. Don't you understand yet?" Hayato showed an exaggerated smile. "The real me has always been someone who only pursues Victory and Power. The Game of Friendship with you was just my disguise."
"Ta-da~ This is a shocking revelation that's only being revealed now!"
Seeing the shocked, speechless expressions on their faces, Hayato twisted the knife further: "I can even generously tell you, I just watched you get attacked? No, 'attacking' you was something I arranged entirely. Not only that, this entire Town is even controlled by us Doma. You've been walking into my trap ever since you entered the Town!"
Yugi was startled upon hearing this. "A trap? Could it be Joey Wheeler!"
"Exactly. Luring Joey Wheeler away was also part of the plan. Without **Red-Eyes** by your side, Yugi, you won't be able to Summon **Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon** anymore, right? That way, dealing with you will be even easier." Taking out a Card and placing it on his Duel Disk, Hayato laughed loudly. "I was asked to stall you, but dealing with you along the way shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Instead of worrying about Joey Wheeler, think about yourself first, Yugi!"
As Hayato played a Card, the ground rumbled, and then, walls of earth rapidly rose abruptly from the previously flat ground!
Before they could even react, walls several meters high completely separated Tristan, Téa, Rex, and Yugi!
"Téa! Tristan! Rex!" Immediately, the figure of **Dark Magician** appeared beside Yugi. A blast of magical energy was sent out, attempting to destroy the wall of earth.
But to Yugi's surprise, **Dark Magician's** Power was actually stopped by a mere wall?
A wall that could block the attack of **Dark Magician** with 2500 ATK Points, what kind of wall was this?
No, that's not right! This isn't just any ordinary wall!
This is **Labyrinth Wall**! It's a Duel Monsters Card belonging to the Paradox Brothers!
"Well, the Paradox Brothers were someone I had a hard time defeating, after all. After sealing their Souls, it's only reasonable to take a little spoils, right?" Hayato, who had taken all the money and Decks from the Paradox Brothers after defeating them, said this.
Looking at the anxious Yugi, Hayato spoke again to taunt him: "Since it's the Paradox Brothers' Labyrinth, Yugi, you should also know what kind of things will be in the Labyrinth, right? Hurry and go find Téa and the others."
"However, a sneak attack won't work on me~"
Leaving behind a taunt, Hayato's figure was blocked by a moving wall and disappeared. The sneak attack that Yugi had **Dark Magician** activate missed.
"Damn it!" He had originally planned to catch Hayato first and make him undo the **Labyrinth Wall**, but he didn't expect Hayato to anticipate his idea. Yugi clenched his fist. Looking at the dead end in front of him, he reluctantly turned around and advanced along the sole path available.
**Labyrinth Wall**, as a Duel Monster, had an extremely exaggerated DEF of a full 3000 Points. Even **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** would find it difficult to break through. Although there were ways to Summon stronger Monsters with ATK higher than that to break through the wall, Yugi didn't think he had the ability to support himself in demolishing all the walls.
Moreover, judging by Hayato's words, there were likely Traps and Monsters in the Labyrinth, so he had to save some strength.
Yugi advanced along the walls of the Labyrinth, while outside the Labyrinth, Hayato stood with an unexpected guy.
"Using **Labyrinth Wall** to stall the Nameless Pharaoh and the others? Not a bad idea."
"Heh heh, of course not." Hayato looked at Rafael, who he had absolutely no idea would appear here beforehand, and forced a cold expression. "Didn't Dartz say that dealing with Yugi was your job? I have no interest in doing work for others for free."
Damn it, I was originally planning to give Yugi a heads-up after driving away the Doma people. If Arai hadn't discovered that Guardian Aiwass was nearby, I would have almost been caught red-handed by this Rafael guy.
Seriously?! Luckily, yours truly reacted quickly!
