Path To Liberation, Together Once Again (Chap 39)

Synopsis: Today's the day the Gaen Cup begins. A few familiar faces showed up. The first match features...In the previous story, Lost Ren goes on a training journey to better himself. However, Magoroku Shido appeared and challenged him. Lost Ren wins of course but at the end, however, his deck glows.....Anime Opening: Black & WhiteIt's a beautiful sunny day. Fireworks pop out of nowhere in the sky and a huge banner flies showing "Welcome To The Gaen Cup". Many citizens nearby cheers. Ion & Takokichi appears.Ion: Welcome Everyone to the Gaen Cup's Kickoff. (Points her mic) Can we have a round of applause?The citizens cheer even louder in excitement.Ion: Wow!!! Now that's a crowd. It's no surprise that this tournament is sponsored and hosted by the famous Kyoya Gaen.Takokichi: It sure is. And Kyoya invited many mysterious fighters and only one champion with their buddies will earn the title "Buddy-Visionary".Ion: Here we are at Sunway Pyramid, where the first round will take place. Until then, stay tuned for later as the fighters and rules will be revealed shortly.With that statement, the atmosphere becomes much medium. Hou Ren & Garga are there witnessing the scenery with smiles.Hou Ren: You know Garga. I don't know who else is invited but I guarantee this is going to be fun.Garga: Furthermore we have done a lot of training. We can do this.Hou Ren: Yeah. We're going to win no matter what. I can feel it.???: Hou Ren.Hou Ren: Huh? Who called me?Hou Ren & Garga turn around to respond. It's in slow motion but what they see before them is a young and pretty fighter running towards them. She's in smiles and her outfit consists of a white jacket, black t-shirt, white skirt, black socks, and purple sneakers.Hou Ren: (Calmly Astonished) It can't be.....(Happy Tears) SHILOH !?Garga feels happily surprised while Hou Ren runs towards her with tears of Joy.Hou Ren: Shiloh !!!Shiloh: Hou Ren !!!Hou Ren: Shiloh !!!Shiloh: Hou Ren !!!Immediately, the two embrace each other in super joy while spinning around. Cheerful laughs are heard. Once they stop, they look at each other with sparkly and tearful eyes while still embracing each other. Their smiles are incredibly warm.Hou Ren: I don't believe It. Is it really you?Shiloh: Of course it's me, dummy. I missed you.Hou Ren: I missed you too. (Looks away in shy) I just want to kiss you right now...Shiloh: (Blush) Come Here.The two cheerfully kiss each other. It's a beautiful sight of a strong bond and passion. They are so in love. The happy couple suddenly have their moment interrupted by Garga's Ahem. They immediately stop in cute embarrassment.Hou Ren: Oh....Sorry...Garga: Oh Hou Ren...You really should know your surroundings.Hou Ren: (Teasing) And you should know not to interrupt a beautiful romance.They all chuckle.???: Shiloh?They all hear another voice and this time even more familiar faces. The brothers react in joy as they run towards them.Hou Ren: (Excited) EY!!!!Shiloh's Brothers: EY!!!!Hou Ren joyfully hugs Shiloh's Brothers one by one while they do the same.Hou Ren: Oh My Gosh, I miss you guys so much.Elijah: Us Too. How Are You?Hou Ren: Good Good. Why didn't you tell me you're coming?Judah: We thought why not we surprise you for summer vacation, My Man.Josiah: And get this, we're staying here for a month. We get to spend time with you.Elijah: The best part is, we're also invited to the tournament. (Shows invitation)Hou Ren: (Happily Surprised) Is it? Congratulations.Garga: But are you sure? What about your channel?Micah: That's okay. We're actually going to vlog and edit our videos here. And Upload them.Hou Ren: I see. Well, I'm not going to lose alright.Micah: Same here. I challenge you to a match.Hou Ren: It's On.The two stare at each other with high intensity. They're prepared to demolish each other.???: Hey Hou Ren. Over here.Hou Ren hears his name again and turns again. A fellow samurai-like warrior waves his arms excitedly. Immediately, Hou Ren recognizes him.Hou Ren: Kanessada !!!The two friends hug each other in joy.Hou Ren: It's been a while man. How are you?Kanessada: I'm good, forsooth. It's been a while.Kurogane: Hello, Gargantua Dragon.Garga: Kurogane. Likewise.Meanwhile, Shiloh & her brothers are confused.Shiloh: Who's that????: Kanessada Kaji.Lost Ren walks in.Lost Ren: He's a competitor of the playoffs long ago and a katana world user. As bonus, a fellow samurai.Shiloh: Lost Ren....You don't say.???: Don't forget about me.Another voice is heard and he is shorter than the two as he walks in.Hou Ren: Note!!!Note: It's been a while, Hou Ren. Kanessada. How are you?Kanessada: I'm good.Hou Ren: Same. Doing good with your music?Note: You bet.Lost: And that's Note Hibikase. A magic world user and also a former competitor of the playoffs. A rockstar.Shiloh: I see.Suddenly they hear a mic screech. It came from Ion Nanana. Everyone gather around to hear the announcement. And by everyone, it's all the invited players present. The other Aces, Gwen, Natalie, Ranma, Eden, Alec and many more.Ion: (On Stage) Thanks for your patience, everyone. Wow, we have a lot of fighters here today. I see the Ace Of Study, The Ace of Sports, and even the competitors of the playoffs long ago.Takokichi: Just How many did Kyoya Invite?Ion: From what I received, he invited 42 competitors. But it looks like some declined so yeah...Never mind. All of you please register yourselves and show your invitations one by one.After 5 minutes.Ion: Alright. With everyone registered, you may be wondering why you also have to receive a special watch. (Shows her watch) This watch keeps track of your records.Takokichi: And by records, we will explain how it works with a match.Ion: (Holds out a box) And I will select two fighters from this box right here.Ion draws a card from a box.Takokichi: First fighter....Teng Hou Ren.Hou Ren: (Surprised) What?Ion draws another card.Takokichi: His opponent....Kanessada Kaji.Kanessada: (Impressed) Huh. Would you look at that forsooth?Hou Ren: (Smiles) Just like old times.Kanessada: I won't lose forsooth.Both of their auras are shown. Intense heat in their very soul. Everyone feels amazed as they witness their spirit.At the stage, the two fighters assembled. Their smiles are determined as they look at each other eye to eye.Hou Ren: A deity dragon brigade expects the unexpected. Luminize, Dradeity Exspecta.Kanessada: Infusing my soul to every blade it strikes. Luminize, Rise of Kanessada.Ion: Buddy...Fight.Both: Raise the flag.Kanessada: Katana World.Hou Ren: Dragon World.Kanessada: Hmm? What happened to your Dragon EIN flag?Hou Ren: It would be a bit unfair if I use it so...Kanessada: Meh. Not gonna lie, I watched your battle against your teacher.Flashback...Kanessada: Literally, you're on a whole new level. Able to do the impossible. I was literally on the edge of my seat.Flashback End.Hou Ren: In the word "Impossible", if you split it up it spells I'm Possible.Kanessada & Garga felt impressed after hearing that.Hou Ren: Uh by the way, who goes first?Ion: Oh right. Kanessada will go first.Kanessada: Alright. Draw. Charge & Draw. I call Silver Orchid Swordsman, SUZU to the center.SUZU appears and suddenly a screen appears on Kanessada's watch.Kanessada: What's this forsooth?Ion: In this screen, you can see points. Every time you use a card, you will be given 10 points.Takokichi: HOWEVER!!! If you use the same card more than once during the fight, no points at all.Ion: Furthermore, if you win a match, you will be given 100 points. Knockouts are not included.Takokichi: We'll explain more once the match ends. Resume the match, please.Kanessada: In that case, I buddycall Steelframe Swordsman, KUROGANE "HAYABUSA" to the right.Kurogane: (Appears) I am Kurogane. Here to aid my lord with his wish.Garga: I see. Kurogane also has gained a new power.Hou Ren: Muy bien.Kanessada: I pay 2 life and equip, Excelblade, Godslash Kanessada - SIN UCHI -. (Equips his item)Kanessada holds his new sword up high.Kanessada: Behold it's magnificent beauty. Never before seen is a very extraordinary craftsmanship. And the one, only worthy to wield it is...Ion: Kanessada?Kanessada: (Realize) Oh...I did it again...Hou Ren: (smiling awkwardly) Uh yep....Garga: He hasn't changed...Kurogane: I'm incredibly sorry...Kanessada: Ahem...Kurogane's ability.Kurogane slashes two swords to his opponent.Hou Ren's Life: 10 -> 8Kanessada's Life: 8 -> 10Kanessada: Kurogane. Attack the fighter.Hou Ren's Life: 8 -> 6Kanessada: My turn is over forsooth.Hou Ren: Draw. Charge & Draw. I set Temple of Endurance. Simultaneous Equip. Garblade Exspecta. Gargasabre Exspecta (Equips items)Kanessada: Two New Items?Hou Ren: There's a lot you don't know about me. I buddycall Garga to the right.Garga: (Appears) All are powerless before my blade.Kanessada: So that's Garga's new power.Hou Ren: Gardog Exspecta to the left.Gardog: You howl, I answer dog.Ion: Right off the bat, Hou Ren summoned his allies.Kanessada: But with Kurogane's ability, You receive damage.Kurogane slashes his sword, dealing damage again.Hou Ren: You fell for it. (Stabs the ground)Kanessada is electrocuted by divine lightning from below.Kanessada: How the?Hou Ren: Sorry but when I take damage, you also take damage too.Kanessada: Aww man. You got me.Hou Ren draws a card and reacts in small shock. Lost Ren notices this and his eyes become sharp.Hou Ren: Garga. Attack SUZU.Garga destroys SUZU.Hou Ren: Get him.Garga and Gardog deal damage successfully. Hou Ren also deals damage with Garblade. He attacks again with GargaSabre.Kanessada: You fell for it. I cast. Pinnacle of Iai, Godspeed "HAYABUSA".Kanessada draws his sword and knocks him back. Luckily he lands safely.Hou Ren: Ahhh....Hou Ren's Life: 11 -> 6Ion: Whoa. What just happened?Kanessada: It's my new impact. During the opponent's turn, I can nullify the opponent's attack and deal damage equal to the number of times he attacked.Hou Ren: Say what? Your Impact evolved?Shiloh: I didn't know those cards exists.Ion: Hou Ren attacked 5 times but all of a sudden, he's been swung back. Both exchange damages among each other in one turn. Impressive.Kanessada: You're as strong as ever.Hou Ren: So are you.Kanessada: Although...Are you doing okay?Hou Ren: (Surprised) Yeah I am. Why?Kanessada: It's just that I saw what happened 6 months ago. Why didn't you tell me about your tough times?Hou Ren: Well....I don't know how to tell you about it. Besides...I don't want to drag you in. I'm sorry if you feel left out or anything.Kanessada: It's okay. Believe me. You'll always have a place here. Remember that day when you bought the flag?Hou Ren: Of course. (Flashback) It was when you and I met for the first time.Kanessada: (Nodded) Despite using ninjas, you made me the happiest man when you also used Katana World. Even you made an impact in my life.Hou Ren: I didn't know...I don't know about you but I'm sure he would have said the same thing.Kanessada: He?Hou Ren: (Abit Sad) Our old master.Kanessada: (A bit surprised) You don't mean...Hou Ren: Guru Bunbuku...Everyone feels surprised when they hear that name.Ion: Wait...Hou Ren, what did you say?Garga: It's true...Kanessada and Hou Ren were students of Master Guru Bunbuku.All (minus Lost Ren): WHAT?Josiah: Wait, who's Guru Bunbuku?Lost Ren: You mean you guys don't know? He's a famous Hall-Of-Fame Buddyfighter. He's a legend among legends.Shiloh: Seriously?Daryl: Wait so...the two of them met Guru Bunbuku In Person?Note: That's right. Me included.All: WHAT?Ion: Note as well? How come you didn't tell us this?Kanessada: Cause you all wouldn't believe that he still exist, forsooth. Does he?Hou Ren: (Sad) Sadly....he's in a better place now.Kanessada and Note are shocked.....Hou Ren: Let's...not speak of this right now. It's best to not ruin the fight.Kanessada: Oh...Okay, Tell me later. Draw. Charge and Draw. I cast Samurai's Craftsmanship. (Draws 2 cards) I also move Godspeed back to my hand.Shiloh: What? It's back in his hand.Kanessada: I cast. Clear Serenity. (Gain 3 gauge) I call Young Alloy Swordsman, SHAKUDO to the left.SHAKUDO appears.Garga: I've never seen that monster before.Kanessada: I cast, Blossom Of Bladedancing. I gain 5 life.Ion: Oh. It looks like Kanessada's Life increased to 8.Kanessada: Kurogane's ability.Once again, Hou Ren receives damage but...Hou Ren: How did I receive 3 damage?Kanessada: SHAKUDO increases effect damage by one.Hou Ren: Even still. (Stabs the ground)Kanessada is electrocuted once again.Ion: And Hou Ren strikes back. With Gardog's ability, Kanessada's gauge goes down.Kanessada: Kurogane. Attack Garga.Kurogane and Garga duel. Both are on par with each other but in the end, Garga loses a soul card.Hou Ren: Counterattack.Now Kurogane loses a soul card.Kurogane: Double attack.Hou Ren: Cast. Deity Blue Dragon Shield.Kurogane: Triple attack.Hou Ren: Cast. Exspectas Never Die. (Takes 2 damage)Hou Ren gets in front of Garga at high speed. Kurogane swings his swords but Hou Ren blocks them constantly with his swords. Now it's Kurogane & Hou Ren are dueling and barely anyone can keep up with his intense speed.Kanessada: What?Shiloh & Ion: He's So Fast.Garga: Counterattack.Kurogane loses another soul card.Kanessada: SHAKUDO, finish him.Hou Ren: Cast. White Dragon Shield. (Blocks the attack)Ion & Shiloh: He Survived.Kanessada: Wha.....Doesn't matter. (Thought) Hou Ren has two cards left. I have four. Our life difference is huge. He can't cast Deity Gargantua Punisher. I can win.Hou Ren: Final Phase. (Pays 2 gauge)All: WHAT?Hou Ren: Garga.Garga: Understood. Assist.Once again, Garga becomes pure energy and passes himself onto Hou Ren's soul. Hou Ren powers up and summons Punisher out of his chest. Kanessada's shocked.Hou Ren: Impact. Deity....Expsecta.....Punisher!!!!!!!Kanessada: No....way!!!!Punisher hits his opponent and Kanessada's flag is defeated.Ion: WHAT? Wha.....WHAT? What just happened????: I knew it.Ion: Huh?Lost Ren: Once he equipped his item, and after he takes damage, he draws a card. He drew his impact.Ion: But how did he win instantly?Lost Ren: Deity Exspecta Punisher deals 10 damage and can only be cast during the opponent's final phase.Ion: WHAT? 10 damage? Insane.Kanessada: (Laugh) You got me. I accept defeat.Ion: Well if that's the case then GAME END, winner, Hou Ren.The crowd cheers and claps their hands.Elijah: Yeah!!!! That's Our Hou Ren.Judah: My man. You never cease to amaze me.Shiloh feels glad. The two fighters shake hands.Kanessada: You outplayed me. How did you get so good?Hou Ren: Well....let's just say luck plays a part.Kanessada: You know....you changed a lot. (looks at Shiloh) And it seems to me you're in good hands.Hou Ren: Yeah....Suddenly, a screen appears above their watches.Ion: As you can see, the amount of cards you used gives you points. Winning the match gives you more. Hou Ren, you have 190 points. Kanessada, you have 80.Both: I see.Ion: Keep earning points to be in the rankings. Once the top 16 have been decided in a week, the first round will come to a close and the second round will begin.Garga: So the more cards and matches we win....Hou Ren: We can move on to the next round.Kanessada: Interesting forsooth. Anyways.....do you think.....Hou Ren feels surprised but then suddenly his expression turns to guilt. Later at Guru's hut, Hou Ren, Kanessada, Note, along with their buddies and Shiloh stand before Guru's grave. All of them are feeling sad.???: So you all came.They hear a voice and outcomes two familiar faces as they turn their attention.Hou Ren: Daijirou....Kanessada: Seiji...????: Us too.Mamoru Sekai, Rei Urameshi and Kei Jingunji joins in.Note: Mamoru...Rei...KeiShiloh: Wait are they....Rei: We are also Guru's students.Mamoru: We came as soon as we heard...Why didn't you tell us, Hou Ren?Hou Ren: (Saddenned and guilty) I just don't know how to tell you guys. And knowing Guru, he wouldn't want his death to frown all of us.Kei: True...Daijirou: Guru was a wise mentor. A strange one too because of his weird nature.Seiji: But because of Him, we have become who we are today.Kanessada: How did he pass away exactly?Hou Ren: Well.....(Flashback) One day, Garga & I came for a visit. The moment the door was opened, he was on the ground. We were shocked. Not a single pulse. His body is freezing. We tried to wake him up countless times but.....(Flashback)Hou Ren's tears are showing as he grips his left wrist. His eyes went from calm to demonic sadness.Hou Ren: He was gone. Like really gone. I didn't even get to say goodbye and he just left like that. WHY GURU? WHY?Shiloh feels incredibly worried and comforts him.Shiloh: Oh Hou Ren...Kanessada: (taps him on the shoulder) It's okay...Don't blame yourself. Destiny is cruel sometimes.Garga: (taps his back) Kanessada's right. None of us knew this would happen. Fate can be cruel. Overcome them we must.Note: What happened to his buddy? Giant Tanuki?Hou Ren: He laid with him to rest. I tried to stop him but he said he is Guru's BFF. Bonded together, flesh and soul.Note: No...Hou Ren: (Sigh) Guru was more than just a mentor. He's like a father to me. We spend time together. Exchanging stories. Those times felt amazing.Garga: He gave us a lot of life lessons and advice. He even allowed us to read his books so that we could gain more knowledge in Buddyfight.Shiloh: I see...Daijirou: You're not the only one. Guru made me realize strength alone can never overcome what's ahead of me.Seiji: It doesn't matter that I wish and need to be the best. I should not compare myself at all.Note: He often gave me advice on how to improve my career.Seiji: Some lessons on being a better Samurai help a lot.Mamoru: My skills in defeating illegal monsters have improved.Kei Jingunji: I was able to get past my guilt and become a better person thanks to him.Hou Ren: What about you Rei?Rei: Uh...Me?The students stare at him suspiciously while the buddies and Shiloh think they are weird.....Rei: Okay fine....I've learned that I should stop seeing people suffering as enjoyment. Guru made me realize that I should just make those around me happy.Seiji: Hmmmm.....Sure.Shiloh: I guess you all share a lot with your Master.Hou Ren: Yeah.....Oh Right. I want to give him this. (Holds out a pack of fried buns)Note: Are those...Hou Ren: His favorite old-fashioned nostalgia-inducing school lunch-style fried buns. Back in the day, we both ate these and they were delicious.He holds out a plate and places those buns on it before placing them softly in front of Guru's gravestone. Hou Ren even lights up 3 joss sticks and prays before his master's tomb.Kei: I'm sure he's squealing in joy right now.Hou Ren: Probably...This didn't cross my mind earlier but I'm going to win this tournament for him. So that I can pay homage. For everything he has taught me.Daijirou: Is that so? I respect that.Seiji: So will I.Note: We all will.Hou Ren: No surprise there. Let's do this...for Guru.Everyone nods. Everyone then leans their arms on each other's shoulders as they pay respect to their old master.Anime Ending: Gonna Be Right.Preview.....Daijirou: It's been a while since I'm in a tournament and my opponent is none other than Masato. Next time, "Wrath of MAX". Join us for a buddyfight.Story End.