Yu-Gi-Oh! The Pitfall Hero

Judging from their demeanor, this group seems to have been specially recruited by the Wan Zhangmu brothers; they're probably from the media.

"Hmm?...Are they going to do a live stream?" Yusei couldn't help but cast a questioning glance at the two principals beside him as he watched the crowd emerge from the helicopter and start busily setting up props.

Johnson & Samejima: "...???"

The two principals, who were being watched by Yusei, also shrugged, revealing expressions of helplessness and confusion.

It seems that this is the first time they have heard about what is happening.

"What's all this commotion...?"

Ethan Johnson called out to the man on the high platform who appeared to be the director and was giving instructions.

"Huh? Haven't you guys heard?" Hearing Johnson's question, the man's face showed surprise: "This year's Duel Academy competition will be broadcast live on television nationwide!"

"What? I've never heard of such a thing before?" As the principal of the Duel Academy headquarters, Samejima was completely dumbfounded when he heard the news.

"Uh... well, we came here on the instructions of President Kaiba... maybe you haven't received the notification yet?" The man scratched his head and said uncertainly.

"What...it was actually President Kaiba's arrangement?" After pondering the man's words for a while, Samejima, who had been looking surprised, finally showed a look of sudden understanding.

If it were Seto Kaiba, the founder of Duel Academy and the boss of Kaiba Entertainment Group, it would indeed be possible for him to do something that is incomprehensible to ordinary people...

317 My silly little brother...

"So, in other words, whether the two sides in this duel win or lose... will be known to audiences across the country?" Listening to the conversation between the group, Yusei couldn't help but rest his chin on his hand and begin to think.

If that's the case, then I have to put away my playful attitude and show my true skills to fight!

After all, besides these viewers, there are also Seto Kaiba, Kisara, Katsuya Jonouchi, Malik, Isis, Yugi Muto, Sugoroku Muto, Yui Amamiya, Ria Amamiya, Friedrich, Ryubuchi...

These familiar and unfamiliar people, those we've met and those we've never met, could all be witnesses to this duel.

Whether for the present or the future, I absolutely cannot lose this duel!

"Well... if the opponent is Manjoume, Yusei, you'll definitely win, right?" With his hands behind his head, Jaden Yuki had a relaxed expression on his face.

Both Yusei and Jaden Yuki defeated Manjoume in a duel, and as Manjoume grew stronger, they never stopped striving for improvement.

In the past, Yusei could easily defeat Manjoume, so there's no reason for him to lose this duel now.

That's why Jaden Yuki said those words.

“That’s right! I think Manjoume just came back to get beaten up~” Marufuji Sho echoed Yuki Judai’s statement.

"……makes sense."

Listening to their conversation, Yusei shrugged and revealed a relaxed expression.

For Seto Kaiba, an interesting duel is more meaningful than most events.

He once turned the entire city of Domino into a duel city, so it's understandable that he would now hold another nationally known school-versus-school competition.

but……

Thinking of this, Yusei looked towards where the Manjoume brothers were.

Judging from this, the Manjoume brothers must have been involved in guiding and directing things along the way.

……

"Brothers, what exactly are you planning to do?"

In a lounge at the Duel Academy, a slightly agitated Manjoume was loudly asking his two older brothers why they had come.

As the new king of the Northern Academy, Manjoume, who originally intended to reclaim his glory with his own hands, couldn't help but complain when he was tricked by his two older brothers.

In this way, even if he wins, some of the credit will automatically go to his two older brothers.

Even if they don't have that thought, others will subconsciously assume it.

The two thought they were helping their younger brother, but in reality, they were a huge hindrance!

If Manjoume wins, that would be fine.

If he loses... then the whole country will know his name...

You two brothers, aren't you pushing your own brother into a fire pit?

"Hmph~ My foolish little brother! Isn't this kind of thing... obvious?"

Turning his head, the eldest son, Manjoume Nagasaku, spoke with a serious expression: "This live television broadcast was specially arranged to realize part of the plan we discussed before. For this, I even humbly begged that man!"

"……plan?"

Upon hearing this word, Manjou was momentarily stunned.

It seems like... I heard about this somewhere before...

"That reaction...have you forgotten? Perfect!"

The plan that Manjoume Chosaku mentioned was to establish the so-called "Manjoume Empire".

The three men distinguished themselves in the political, business, and dueling worlds, respectively.

In this way, the Manjoume family will be able to gain strength on par with that man—Seto Kaiba!

As an indispensable part of the plan, Manjoume himself must make a name for himself in the dueling world.

"Yes! To create the Manjoume Empire on a global scale has always been our dream!"

Manjoume Masashi reached out and patted Manjoume on the shoulder, emphasizing in a serious tone: "Our goal here today is to make you a star in the dueling world."

"I……"

"Oh, right, Jun, I heard about it from Professor Chronos!"

Just as Manjoume was about to say something, his second brother, Manjoume Masashi, waved his hand to interrupt him: "Just three months ago, you dropped out of the Duel Academy, right?!"

"That is……"

Although it was phrased as an inquiry, Manjoume Masaji's words carried an unquestionable sense of certainty.

Before the conversation, the two brothers had already gathered detailed information about Manjoume's recent situation from various sources.

At this point, it would be more accurate to call it a review meeting than an inquiry.

"Hmph... Listen up, it's approved!"

Seeing Manjoume's unnatural reaction, Manjoume Masaji, now finally convinced, stood up angrily and began to loudly berate his foolish younger brother: "...You were always the worst of the three brothers. It was only thanks to your older brother's efforts that you got this chance to stand out! Don't let us down!"

"That's right! This live television broadcast, organized by our Manjoume Group, absolutely cannot afford any failure!" Manjoume Chosaku also emphasized the importance of this duel.

For both Duel Academy and Northern Academy, this duel might just be a regular sparring match.

However, for the Manjoume brothers, this was a precious opportunity for their incompetent younger brother to rise above others!

Therefore, no mistakes are allowed in this plan!

"Don't say we didn't give you a chance, okay? We did!"

After the harsh blows are dealt, it's time for some sweetness.

Seeing that Manjoume's eyes were somewhat unfocused after their reprimand, Manjoume Masashi sighed and placed the briefcase in front of him: "Here are rare cards that my brother and I collected with money. Use these cards to build the strongest deck, and then win for us and for yourself!"

--Snapped!

Along with the sound of the box hitting the ground, came Manjoume Nagatoku's concluding remarks: "Listen carefully, yes! I'll emphasize this one last time, whatever you do... whatever you do, do not do anything that would damage the reputation of the Manjoume Group! Otherwise..."

After finishing his sentence, Manjoume Nagasaku deliberately paused and began to observe his younger brother's reaction.

After confirming that he had conveyed his words to Manjoume, he gave up on explaining further and turned to leave the room.

"Well then, that's settled. Think it over carefully."

After saying this, Manjoume Masaji followed his older brother out of the lounge.

Thus, in the empty rest room, only Manjou-moku remained.

In front of him stood the cold iron briefcase left behind by the two brothers.

"..."

"...No! Damn it! This shouldn't be happening!"

After the silence came a series of uncontrollable sighs.

After being lectured by his brothers, Manjou felt an indescribable pressure welling up inside him.

The current situation is far from what he had expected!

The king returns in triumph, only to be forced to carry a heavy burden forward...

Such an outcome...

"Victory! Victory! I shouldn't be the worst of the three Manjoume brothers!" Clutching his head, Manjoume began repeating self-numbing words over and over: "I have to win... Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and after that, I have to keep winning... Only in this way can I live up to the name of Manjoume..."

"Big brother... are you alright...?"

The illusory figure of Huang appeared beside Wan Zhangmu with a worried expression.

Seeing the pained expression on Manjō's face, Huang, unusually, put aside his mischievous thoughts and comforted Manjō.

"No one knows how heavy the burden I carry is... it will only make me keep winning, keep winning..."

"Winning is only natural, but losing is because I didn't try hard enough..."

"Hehehe..."

Lost in his despondency, Manjou didn't hear Huang's disruptive words at all.

For Wan Zhangmu, the only thought in his mind regarding his future and the upcoming matches was victory.

Only victory will allow me to see the road ahead and live up to my brothers' expectations...

Everything else is fine as it may...

……

"Alright everyone! The epic inter-college rivalry is finally about to begin!"

"Ohh ...

"Ten Thousand Eyes Lightning! Lightning! Lightning! Lightning!"