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Under the moonlight, the figures of two young people drew closer. This wondrous缘分 (fate/destiny) that began with a card duel was developing in an unknown yet beautiful direction...
Chapter 388 The Flame of Inheritance
The enthusiastic applause in the dueling arena gradually subsided. Yuuki packed up his Naruto card deck, carefully placing each card back into its box. Kaiser Ryo had already left the dueling stage, but many people in the audience still lingered, whispering and discussing the exciting duel that had just taken place.
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"Mr. Yuki!" A childish voice came from below the steps. Yuki looked down and saw a boy of about ten years old looking up at him, holding a homemade card album. "Could...could you sign my name?"
The boy's card album was covered with hand-drawn Naruto cards. Although the strokes were immature, each card was carefully labeled with its effect description. Yuki was momentarily reminded of himself three years ago—both of him staying up all night in the basement designing cards, both of him filled with passion for duels.
"What's your name?" You Ji took the pen and signed his name on the title page.
"My name is Kobayashi Shota!" the boy replied excitedly. "I want to become a duelist like you too! To defeat powerful opponents with my own designed decks!"
Just as Yuki was about to say something, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit hurried over and grabbed the boy's hand: "Shota, don't bother Mr. Yuki."
"You are...?" Yu Ji stood up.
Kenichi Kobayashi, from the R&D department of Kaiba Corporation. The man handed over his business card, smiling wryly, "Ever since this kid watched your exhibition match, he's been clamoring to design a Naruto card deck. His mother's practically drowning in all those hand-drawn cards."
Yuki looked at Shota, whose face was full of anticipation, and suddenly made a decision: Are you free on Saturday afternoon? I have a small lecture at the Domino City Library about deck design.
Shota's eyes lit up instantly, as if stars were twinkling in them: Really? Can I go?
Of course. Yuki took out a card from his pocket; it was a special pass that allowed him to bring one parent.
Shota's hands trembled as he took the card. Mr. Kobayashi thanked him repeatedly and left with his overjoyed son.
Yuji watched the father and son's departing figures, a smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips. Once upon a time, he was just an unknown card game enthusiast, but now he was a role model in the eyes of others. This feeling of passing the torch was more satisfying than any victory.
It seems our star duelist is quite popular. Asuka appeared beside me unnoticed, holding a tablet; the media's reviews of the previous duel were all five-star. President Kaiba wants to see you regarding the next steps in the commercialization of the Naruto card deck.
Yuki nodded and followed Asuka towards the Kaiba Building. Along the way, fans constantly asked for autographs and photos, which he patiently attended to. Three years ago, the unknown Yuki could never have imagined he'd be where he is today.
Kaiba's office was as spacious and bright as ever, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the entire city of Domino. The president himself was standing in front of a holographic projection, studying the 3D model of the Naruto card deck.
"A fantastic performance," Kaiba said without turning his head, "especially the final combination of Nine-Tails chakra and Gentle Fist. Highly original."
Yuki walked up to the projector: Thank you. But Caesar's electronic dragon was really tough; I almost lost.
Humility doesn't suit you, Yuuki. Kaiba finally turned around. Do you know why I support your Naruto deck?
You Ji shook his head.
Because it broke with convention. The seahorse's gaze is as sharp as an eagle's; Duel Monsters has evolved for twenty years, and the strategies have become increasingly fixed. But your Naruto deck... brings a breath of fresh air.
He walked to the desk and pressed a hidden button. The wall slid open, revealing a safe. He entered the password and retrieved a document: "Take a look at this."
Yuji opened the document and found it to be a market research report. The data showed that after the release of the Naruto card deck, the number of teenage duelists surged by 35%, with 70% of them saying they were attracted by the innovative game mechanics.
Players crave change, so Kaiba sat back down in his chair. Therefore, I've decided to establish a brand new department—the Innovative Duel Lab—and you'll be in charge. We won't be limited to Naruto decks; we'll develop a series of unconventional themed decks.
Yuji looked up in surprise: This... is too sudden.
Set the conditions as you like, interlock your fingers, build your team, unlimited budget, only one requirement—maintain the innovation and balance of the Naruto card deck.
Yuki took a deep breath. This proposal meant he would be promoted from a simple card designer to project manager, possessing the ability to change the entire landscape of dueling games. But it also meant facing greater pressure and challenges.
"I need to think about it," he finally said.
Haima seemed to have anticipated this answer: "I'll give you three days." Now, he pointed to the door; the public relations department was waiting for him about next week's global launch event.
For the next three days, Yuki was almost completely overwhelmed with meetings and interviews. The success of the Naruto deck had attracted the attention of the global dueling community, and the media rushed to report on this genius who had defeated professional players with his self-created deck. In between all this busyness, he also had to prepare for his lecture on Saturday.
The city library's meeting room was much more lively than expected. Yuki had thought there would only be a few scattered enthusiasts, but he was shocked by the scene before him when he pushed open the door—nearly a hundred people filled the room, with even the front row packed with reporters. And right in the center of the first row was Kobayashi Shota, his eyes sparkling.
It seems I underestimated everyone's enthusiasm. You Ji walked onto the stage, eliciting laughter and applause.
The lecture went smoothly. Yuki shared the design philosophy of Naruto card decks, from energy management of the chakra system to tactical coordination of ninjutsu chains. The audience actively asked questions, creating a lively atmosphere.
For the last question, the host looked around and pointed to Kobayashi Shota, the little boy who was raising his hand frantically.
Shota stood up, his voice trembling with nervousness: "Mr...Mr. Yuki, do you think ordinary people can design good decks? I mean...not like a genius like you..."
The hall fell silent. Yuji looked at the boy with an expectant face and seemed to see a reflection of his younger self.
Shota crouched down to the boy's eye level. Three years ago, I was just an ordinary person fiddling with handmade cards on my bedroom floor. No one is born a genius.
He pulled a card from his pocket—his first Naruto card design, its edges worn and the surface faded: this was his starting point. Clumsy craftsmanship, unbalanced effects, even the card art was drawn by himself.
A few good-natured laughs filled the room. You Ji continued: "What matters isn't the starting point, but perseverance. If you have passion, keep going. Perhaps one day, we'll meet on the professional stage."
Shota's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded vigorously: I definitely will!
After the lecture, Yuki was surrounded by enthusiastic audience members. After signing the last autograph, he noticed that Shota and his son were still waiting in a corner.
Mr. Yuki, Mr. Kobayashi stepped forward. Excuse my intrusion, but Shota has a gift he'd like to give you.
The boy carefully took out a handmade card box with Naruto illustrations on it. Inside, dozens of hand-drawn cards were neatly arranged.
"This is... my Akatsuki deck design," Shota explained shyly, though it might be terrible...
Yuki carefully examined each card. Although the effects were somewhat rudimentary, they were incredibly creative—Pain's Universal Pull could change the monster's position, Itachi's Tsukuyomi could skip the opponent's turn, and Konan's Paper Release could defend against all attacks...
These designs have great potential, Yu Ji said sincerely, especially the chain effect of the Earth Explosion Star, which is very ingeniously conceived.
Shota's face turned as red as an apple, and he was too excited to speak.
Actually... Yuji suddenly made a decision, took out a document from his bag: "Hippocampus Corporation is about to establish an Innovation Duel Lab, specifically to cultivate young designers. If your parents agree, I'd be happy to recommend you participate in the youth development program."
Mr. Kobayashi took the document in shock: This...I'm so honored!
Shota jumped up immediately: Really? Can I really do it?
The condition is that Youji must complete his studies and limit his design time to no more than two hours per day, if he raises one finger. Do you agree?
"Agreed! Absolutely agreed!" The boy nodded frantically, almost twisting his neck.
After seeing off the father and son, who were expressing their deepest gratitude, Youji stood alone at the library entrance, the setting sun casting a long shadow. His phone vibrated; it was a text message from Haima: "What's your decision?"
Yuki watched the children playing in the distance, some of them imitating dueling moves, shouting Shadow Clone Technique and Rasengan. This scene solidified his resolve.
He replied, "I accept. But on one condition—establish a youth innovation fund to support children like Shota."
Haima's reply was almost instantaneous: "Deal. Monday morning at nine, rooftop conference room. Bring your (okay, okay) team ideas."
On his way home, Yuji made a detour to the card shop he used to frequent. The owner was still the same chubby middle-aged man, who immediately greeted him warmly: "Hey! Isn't this our star duelist? The Naruto card decks are selling like hotcakes, kids come asking about them every day."
Yuki smiled and walked towards the secondhand card box in the corner—it was here three years ago that he found the inspiration for designing his Naruto card deck. His fingertips traced the old cards, and he suddenly touched something hard. He pushed aside the cards, revealing a small ninja doll underneath, probably left behind by a child.
"Keep it," the boss waved generously, "nobody wants it anyway."
Yuki put the doll in his pocket. As he walked out of the store, the stars were already shining in the night sky. He thought of the bright eyes in the lecture, of Shota's meticulously designed Akatsuki deck, and of Kaiba's words about changing the landscape of dueling games.
The story of the Naruto card deck has only just begun. And he will lead more young people onto the path of innovation. Just like the ninja doll symbolizes—the flame of inheritance will never be extinguished.
My phone vibrated again. It was a message from Asuka: "I just received an invitation from the International Illusion Society. They want you to participate in next month's All-Star exhibition match. Your opponent is... Yugi Muto."
Yuki stopped, gazing at the starry sky with a slight smile. A new challenge, a new journey. The path of the ninja is endless.
Chapter 389 Kakashi
The night sky over Domino City was ablaze with vibrant purple neon lights, and the central dueling arena at Kaiba Park was illuminated as if it were daytime. Tonight's exhibition match was particularly special—Innovation Star Yuuki would be challenging Judai Yuki, a legendary graduate of the Duel Academy, with his Naruto deck. The media hailed this duel as a clash between the old and new generations.
"I heard that Senior Judai came all the way back from North America to participate in this duel," a boy wearing the Duel Academy badge said excitedly from the audience.
His Elemental HERO deck is textbook-level, his companion replied, wondering if Yuki's Naruto deck could withstand the pressure.
On the dueling platform, Yuuki was adjusting his specially made dueling disk. This young man with short black hair and calm eyes seemed completely unaffected by the enthusiastic atmosphere. His dueling disk had been specially modified to perfectly support the unique ninjutsu effects of the Naruto card deck.
Across from him, Jaden Yuki was ready. This legendary duelist still possessed youthful energy, his brown eyes gleaming with excitement: "Yuki! I watched your duel video against Kaiser Ryo, your Naruto deck was so much fun!"
Youji smiled slightly: It is my honor to be able to duel with the pilot of the elemental heroes.
The referee raises his right hand: The duel rules adopt the new Master Rules, with 8000 health points and the first strike determined randomly!
The numbers on the big screen scrolled rapidly, eventually stopping on the tenth generation.
I'll go first! Jaden energetically draws five cards from his hand and activates the Spell Card Fusion! He fuses Elemental HERO Wingman and Elemental HERO Hot Girl from his hand!
In the vortex of fusion, a hero clad in golden armor descends—Elemental Hero Flash Flame Wingman (Attack 2500/Defense 1800)!
Jaden explained that the effect of the Flash Flame Winged Knight is an attack power increase of 300 points based on the number of Elemental Heroes in the graveyard. Since there are currently two in the graveyard, the attack power is 3100!
Yuki nodded, carefully observing Jaden's actions. This legendary duelist lived up to his reputation, summoning a powerful monster right from the start.
Cover two cards, end of turn! Jaden has completed his opening move.
Yuuki's card-drawing action was clean and efficient: My turn! Activate the field spell Konoha Ninja Village!
Website: www.53dushu.com QQ Group: 284251450 The dueling arena instantly transformed into a lush ninja village, with the massive Hokage Rock overlooking the entire arena. A gasp of amazement rose from the audience.
The effect of Konoha Village allows me to Special Summon a ninja of level 4 or lower from my hand. Yuuki places a card on the Duel Disk to Special Summon Naruto Uzumaki - Genin (ATK 1800/DEF 1000)!
An orange figure appeared amidst the smoke; the young Naruto stood on the field, forming hand seals.
Normally summons Uchiha Sasuke - Genin (Attack 1700/Defense 1200)! The black-haired boy appeared coldly beside Naruto.
Activate Naruto's effect: When there are other ninjas on the field, you can add one ninjutsu card from your deck to your hand. Yuuki retrieves Shadow Clone Jutsu, then activates Sasuke's effect, discarding one card to add Chidori from his deck to his hand.
Judai rubbed his hands excitedly: Wow! Resource scheduling is so smooth!
Activate Shadow Clone Technique to Special Summon Two Shadow Clone Tokens (ATK 900/DEF 300) for Naruto! The adventure continues, battle phase! Naruto attacks Flash Flame Wingman!
Activate the Trap Card Hero Barrier! Jaden reacts quickly: My hero will not be destroyed by battle this turn!
Naruto's shadow clones crashed into the transparent barrier and returned empty-handed.
Sasuke attacks directly! Chidori!
Jaden's HP dropped from 8000 to 6300, but he still smiled broadly: What a brilliant offensive!
Set one card face down; turn ends. Yuuki has completed his turn.
During Jaden's turn, a glint flashed in his eyes as he drew a card: Activate the Spell Card Miracle Fusion! Banish Wingman and Hot Lady from the Graveyard and Fusion Summon!
In the vortex of fusion, a brand new hero has arrived—the Elemental Hero, the Shining Phoenix (Attack 2500/Defense 2100)!
"The effect of Shining Phoenix!" Jaden loudly proclaims, "You can destroy one card on the field once per turn! I choose your face-down card!"
The Phoenix Man shot out a flame, burning Yuki's Faceless Substitution Jutsu to ashes.
Fight! Flash Flame Wingman attacks Naruto!
LRAB