When Youyu and the others arrived at the airport, the Kaiba Group's men in black suits had been waiting for quite some time.
All the procedures had been arranged, and once everyone arrived, they simply had to follow these men in black suits to board the plane directly.
Unsurprisingly, Youyu saw that today's company representative was the ever-reliable Uncle Izono. Youyu couldn't help but think to himself that Kaiba probably didn't have many people under him, as Izono seemed to be the go-to person for judging, managing affairs, organizing fights or gun battles, always leading the way...
Before boarding the plane, Youyu jokingly said to Kaiba's loyal subordinate, "Why is it you again? Does President Haima give you a raise for all the running around he has you do?"
Izono stood and replied, "It's my responsibility as a subordinate!"
"No need to be so serious," Youyu waved his hand. "I'm not Haima, nor am I your superior. Just relax."
Izono gave a perfect salute, "Yes, sir!"
Youyu: "..."
Alright, as long as you're happy.
The plane took off with a deep hum, carrying the group on their journey to Egypt.
However, the thought of "flying to Egypt to battle the boss" gave Youyu an odd sense of unease, as if he always had to worry about the plane possibly crashing from the sky mid-flight...
"No doubt it's a Kaiba Company jet, pretty nice!" Honda began to praise.
"So much good food!" Jonouchi's eyes lit up.
The betting god kept muttering bad things about Kaiba before boarding, but now seemed completely overwhelmed by the sweet temptations. As he stuffed his mouth with food, he began to mumble that "Kaiba's not bad either."
"We owe you this time, Youyu," Yugi said politely. "Thank you for taking us along."
In the animation, they flew to Egypt on a normal flight buying tickets like regular tourists, without VIP treatment or special jet service.
Youyu smiled, "It's no big deal, I was headed there anyway for work, it just worked out that way. Friends should help each other, right?"
"Mm!" Yugi responded with a hearty smile and nodded vigorously.
Actually, Youyu thought he didn't need to say anything. If Yugi asked Kaiba to lend them a plane to Egypt, Kaiba would probably agree.
The difference is, Yugi and Kaiba Company don't have any particular connections, so it might not be as easy as it is for Youyu.
But in Youyu's eyes, it's not a problem, it's just a test of how thick-skinned you are.
And he happened to have confidence in this aspect...
...
A moment later, the plane landed at an airport in Egypt.
Ishizu and her brother, who had just said goodbye to Youyu not long ago, returned to the airport to greet them.
"Mr. Yugi," the siblings approached and bowed slightly in respect, "Honored Pharaoh."
Even though Dark Yugi was hiding in the Millennium Pendant, they still showed respect.
This time, however, there weren't professional receptionists lining up to welcome them like when Youyu arrived.
By rights, he is still the Pharaoh of Egypt, isn't he? However, compared to that, the current Egyptian government seemed more interested in Youyu, who had some influence within the Kaiba Group.
What? The Pharaoh?
Who cares about this?
After all, his kingdom has long fallen...
Of course, Dark Yugi didn't mind at all. After wandering for three thousand years, having forgotten his own name, he wasn't interested in power. He only wanted to recover his past, to find out who he was.
But also, this inevitably brought some worry, some fear.
He feared that his past self and his current self might be two completely different people, feared that he wouldn't be able to accept it—especially feared that AIBO—wouldn't be able to accept his past self.
What if his self from three thousand years ago was a tyrant who kills indiscriminately?
Or perhaps he committed some heinous mistake three thousand years ago?
Or worse, what if finding out his real name reveals it to be infamous, a name that history has condemned for eternity...
But the night before, the attentive AIBO noticed his partner's unrest.
"It's okay." In their spirit room, Yugi had smiled and said, "No matter what your past is like, you are who you are now. You are another me, our companion! Whatever happened in the past, the present won't change!"
"AIBO..." Dark Yugi was deeply touched.
Yes, whatever happened in the past, it is long gone.
The awakening in modern times, three thousand years later, is both a curse and a gift, allowing him the opportunity to embark on this completely different journey.
The now him is no longer just the Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Now he has new partners, has formed new bonds, and has created new memories through shared experiences and battles.
Even if he sets aside his past, he is no longer empty-handed.
Thanks to Yugi's guidance, Dark Yugi finally found clarity, no longer lost, no longer afraid of facing his past.
Indeed, AIBO is the best...
The first to approach was Ishizu.
Youyu shook hands with her, smiling as he expressed his gratitude for the fundamental alchemy she taught him last time. After all, relying on this skill, Youyu had also made some small profits recently.
Ishizu replied graciously, saying she's happy to help Youyu, and if there's anything else she can assist with, he should let her know. She would do her best to fulfill any request within her abilities.
After exchanging few pleasantries, Youyu finally noticed her younger brother Marik.
...Well, it's not intentionally ignoring Mr. Malik.
It's just that he isn't as noticeable as his sister.
Bigger things naturally draw more attention.
While Marik had appeared slightly reserved in his greeting with Yugi, he seemed much more at ease in Youyu's presence.
Evidently, after Youyu's final duel with Ishizu, Mr. Malik successfully overcame his past shadows.
"Mr. Youyu." He smiled as he stepped forward, and even seemed a bit happy.
A stark contrast to their last meeting, as if seeing Youyu again was something he eagerly anticipated.
Youyu noticed another difference, this time Marik was wearing a Duel Disc accompanied by a Card Deck.
Is he really preparing to reclaim his kingly glory and return to the Duel World?
Noticing Youyu's gaze, Mr. Malik didn't seem nervous, instead, he smiled calmly and raised the Duel Disc on his hand.
"Yes, I've decided to continue dueling." He smiled and said, "Thanks to Mr. Youyu, I've been able to pull myself together.
Next time, join us in a duel, Mr. Youyu. My sister and I hope you can witness my growth!
If I still lose, you can take this Duel Disc!"
Youyu: "???"
Youyu was surprised.
What's with this kid... what got into him?
Then he was even more surprised to find that today, Mr. Malik's gaze upon him seemed altogether different.
—Something's off with you!