The KC Cup.
An annual winter event initially hosted solely by Kaiba Corporation, inviting duelists worldwide to compete and crown the latest Duel King!
The first-ever Duel King was Yugi Muto, the original champion, revered by duelists across all dimensions.
Later protagonists from other dimensions—like Judai Yuki, Yuma Tsukumo, and Yusei Fudo—followed suit.
After all, winning against all odds with such clunky decks was no small feat.
You could say the holy trinity of bluffs, card printing, and godly draws was indispensable.
In later years, the KC Cup became a joint venture between Kaiba Corporation and the Suzuki Group, with significant rule changes.
New, exciting elimination formats were added, like Duel Battle Royale, Duel Tests, and Masked Duelists.
With the Suzuki Group's involvement, most participants were now from professional teams.
For ordinary duelists, achieving a good ranking became increasingly difficult.
As a result, many across the dimensions grew to resent the Suzuki Group, teaming up in subsequent KC Cups to target their pro duelists.
The outcome? As the saying goes, many hands make the fire burn high. The Suzuki Group's KC Cup performance plummeted, sparking a massive public backlash.
Now, with Seiji Suzuki suddenly bringing up the KC Cup, Ryo Nakamuta knew this old fox was up to no good.
That's why he felt he'd walked into a trap.
"Ahem, Seijin-san, go ahead."
"What's up with the KC Cup?"
Ryo Nakamuta mulled it over and decided to stop dodging, taking the initiative to prompt Seiji Suzuki.
"Sigh, it's our Group's own fault, really."
"When people get money and power, they start forming cliques and bullying others."
"Ryo-chan, you've probably heard about our Group's reputation in the KC Cup. It's, well, infamous."
"This time, I invited you here to ask for your help in restoring our Group's reputation…"
Seiji Suzuki paused, flashing an embarrassed smile.
Mina Suzuki, sitting beside him, seemed unable to stomach it any longer and stood up abruptly.
"Hmph! Dad, I told you!"
"I can handle the Group's reputation myself!"
"We don't need him! Don't you trust your daughter to take first place in the KC Cup and claim the Duel King title?!"
"Besides…"
Seiji Suzuki frowned slightly, shooting Mina a look that silenced her before she could continue.
Ryo Nakamuta glanced thoughtfully at Mina, piecing together why she'd been absent from school lately.
Seems like family troubles were piling up. Was this the burden of being rich?
"Seijin-san, let me be clear upfront."
"If you're asking me to join the Suzuki Group's pro team, compete in the KC Cup, and win first place to silence the critics and restore your so-called reputation…"
"I won't do it."
"I'm a man of principles."
"I won't comment on the Suzuki Group's past actions, good or bad."
"If I enter the KC Cup, I'll represent only myself, not anyone else!"
After careful thought, Ryo Nakamuta chose a firm stance, shutting down Seiji Suzuki's pitch before it could gain traction.
Sure enough, after his spiel, Seiji Suzuki's smile stiffened.
Seeing that expression, Ryo secretly rejoiced. Good thing he reacted fast and got the upper hand.
"Sigh, Ryo-chan."
"What if I offer you a deal you can't refuse?"
"For example, any deck builds from Industrial Illusions' card packs—buy whatever you want!"
"Brand-new cards, yours to try first!"
"Kaiba Corporation's cutting-edge tech, at your disposal!"
"A million yen a month! All expenses covered! Villas, luxury cars, you name it!"
???
What the heck?!
This… this…!
Trying to buy him off with money?
Honestly, without his system, these offers would've had him hooked! He'd have agreed to anything, no questions asked!
But now, he had to think carefully. The better the reward, the more strings attached.
If he accepted, it wouldn't just be about winning the KC Cup.
As the saying goes, take their money, owe their favors. If the Suzuki Group asked for more later, he'd be hard-pressed to refuse.
Besides, Industrial Illusions' card packs were no match for his system's decks.
Kaiba Corporation's tech? Not much use to him.
As for a million yen a month, full expenses, villas, and cars…
In his pre-isekai world, maybe that'd mean something. But in this duel-driven world?
Cards trump cash, though you can't do much without money either…
"Seijin-san, how about this?"
"I'll give you a suggestion. Since the issue stems from the Suzuki Group's pro duelists, the solution should start with those arrogant pros."
"Winning the KC Cup won't fix it—it'll only fuel their pride."
"I can help humble them in the KC Cup and take down anyone targeting the Suzuki Group. Beyond that, I'm out."
"For compensation, I only want one thing."
"Cover my daily expenses, that's all."
Just daily expenses?
Seiji Suzuki blinked, stunned. He hadn't expected Ryo Nakamuta, so young, to resist such tempting offers.
Most duelists would've caved instantly!
But that wasn't all. What shocked Seiji more was Ryo's strategic retreat, offering a painless solution that left no room for further demands.
The kid only asked for daily expenses—what could he say to that?
Pushing Ryo further might backfire.
"Good, good, then it's settled."
"I'll count on you to look out for Mina in the KC Cup!"
"Looks like all these deck resources I prepared went to waste…"
Seiji Suzuki gave a wry smile and waved his hand. Servants stepped forward to clear the card boxes from the table.
Mina Suzuki, lips pursed, let her gaze linger on Ryo a bit longer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Only now did she realize she hadn't fully figured out this guy.
Those earlier offers—even imagining herself in his shoes made her heart race.
Yet Ryo Nakamuta seemed… completely unfazed?
"Hm?"
Feeling Mina's stare, Ryo Nakamuta met her gaze without flinching.
Mina's face flushed red, and she quickly looked down, grabbing her chopsticks to focus on her meal.
"Hahaha! Alright, alright!"
"Ryo-chan, dig in!"
"If it's not to your taste, I'll have the chefs whip up something else!"
Seiji Suzuki, taking in the exchange, chuckled heartily, breaking the awkward tension.
Ryo Nakamuta finally relaxed completely.
With Seiji's words, the KC Cup matter was settled.
And he'd scored the perk of fully covered expenses!
Sweet deal!