Jaden had long speculated that there were many different worlds.
So when Atem mentioned an "otherworld," Jaden immediately thought of several possibilities.
One Piece.
Dragon Ball.
And others like them.
If it were the One Piece world, completing the old man's mission might actually be smoother.
But if it was Dragon Ball-
That would be troublesome.
Very troublesome.
The old man had already explained that the time spent traveling to another world and returning through the Royal Family's ability was fixed.
Traveling to the past took around ten minutes to half an hour.
Traveling to an otherworld took anywhere from one to half a month at most.
That was for the old man and Erina.
For Jaden himself-
He had already mentally prepared for a prolonged fight.
If it really was Dragon Ball, then he planned to train properly.
At the very least, he would aim to reach Golden Great Ape.
And then Super Saiyan 4.
Jaden had made these preparations.
Then, when he met Atem, the old man controlled a KaibaCorp employee and spoke to him.
"The situation in the otherworld has already been investigated. There are no strange phenomena. It's mostly martial artists and combatants. They may be stronger than the ones in our world, but the pressure shouldn't be too great for you."
Hearing this, Jaden thought for a moment.
Then he nodded.
Atem seemed to recall something and suddenly added a warning.
"Oh, right. According to the Duel Spirits, the strongest entity in that otherworld is named Hanma Yujiro. Be cautious if you encounter him."
...
Hmm?
Huh?
Jaden froze for a moment.
Hanma Yujiro.
The otherworld he was being sent to-
Was Baki?
Realization dawned.
Then Jaden slowly smiled.
He had already fought Hanma Yujiro and Kaku Kaioh countless times in his imagination training.
But the real versions would undoubtedly be stronger.
That was his first thought.
Then he assessed his current condition.
His expression returned to calm.
"Mhm. I understand."
To Jaden, with his current Haki and Saiyan bloodline, if he truly fought Hanma Yujiro seriously...
There was a real possibility he might erase him with a single energy wave.
Atem noticed the brief shift in Jaden's expression and smiled.
"Jaden, if you want to fight the strongest in that world, that's fine. I'm neither a fighter nor a martial artist, but as a Duelist, I can understand that mindset. And your fighting him won't interfere with our plan."
Jaden didn't explain anything.
He just nodded.
"Atem, what exactly is our plan?"
"And what should I do once I get there?"
"Once you arrive, just follow your instincts and make some noise," Atem replied calmly. "Whether that means participating in the 'Strongest on Earth Tournament' that's about to be held, or directly fighting Hanma Yujiro-it doesn't matter. As long as you prioritize your own safety."
As he spoke, Atem raised his hand.
Golden light shimmered on his fingertips.
He marked two points in the air and drew a line between them.
"The primary purpose of sending you to the otherworld is to establish a connection channel between the two worlds."
"Your Royal Family ability allows you to pass through directly, but it's absolutely impossible for others to cross without a channel."
"You don't need to worry about creating it."
"You just need to draw enough attention."
"Participate in world-class events. Challenge the strongest."
"Once you generate enough 'noise,' the channel will naturally be completed on my side."
"What I need is a catalyst."
"And that catalyst is you, Jaden."
Hearing this, Jaden nodded.
"So once the channel is established, you'll contact me."
"Before that, I just need to find and fight the strong ones there."
"That's not an inaccurate way to put it," Atem said. "But Jaden-be careful."
Atem knew Jaden was strong.
But he didn't know how strong.
He didn't know the extent of Jaden's Haki.
And he knew nothing about the Saiyan bloodline.
If he did-
He probably wouldn't have said that.
-Shouldn't the ones who need to be careful be the people on the other side?
But Jaden didn't say any of that.
Talking to elders was like this.
You agree.
As long as it doesn't matter.
Most of the time, they were just expressing concern.
Explaining everything would only create trouble-and worry.
"I understand."
Seeing Jaden's response, Atem nodded.
"Then you can prepare to cross over."
"Traveling to the otherworld mainly relies on the Throne in the Royal Family's Court."
"The previous cycle's residual influence only allowed a Royal Family member seated on the Throne to travel to the past."
"But now, if you sit on it again, you should be able to select the destination within a controllable range."
"I'll guide you to the coordinates."
"And when you need to return, you can use the same method."
"After all, the Royal Family's Court exists outside the world."
Jaden nodded.
Under Atem's gaze, Brunhilde opened a gate.
Jaden stepped through and teleported to the Royal Family's Court.
Atem released control over the KaibaCorp employee as well, preparing to guide Jaden from his side.
Jaden was finally heading to another world.
-
Baki World - Underground Arena
Tokugawa Mitsunari, the thirteenth head of the Tokugawa Zaibatsu, was obsessed with fighting.
So obsessed that he had used his family's wealth and influence to build an underground arena.
Normally, he invited powerful fighters from all over the world to compete there.
But recently-
Things were different.
Tokugawa Mitsunari had sent invitations across the globe.
He was preparing to host a tournament.
-The Strongest on Earth Tournament.
The winner would be granted a single title.
Strongest on Earth.
Because of this-
The underground arena had become exceptionally lively.
And the arrival of any kind of person was no longer surprising.
Former arena champions.
Leaders of dark organizations.
Martial gods and saints with legendary histories.
Street-fighting kings.
Successors of rare or famous martial arts styles.
They all came.
So-
Jaden stood at the entrance of the underground arena.
He looked ahead.
Then he smiled slowly.
"It's not strange for me to be here."
"Right?"