blogombal Page 321
Page 321
“Exactly!” Serena’s eyes lit up, as if she were overjoyed to have found a kindred spirit. “So now you understand why I like your Naruto deck so much. It has its own rhythm and language, unlike those simple and brutal meta decks that just use brute force to crush your opponents.”
As dusk settled outside the window, the streetlights gradually illuminated the room, casting warm glows on the glass. The two had been chatting for over an hour, discussing everything from deck building to tournament experiences, and how they each started playing card games.
“It all started with my brother,” Serena’s eyes softened. “He’s five years older than me and was one of the first people to play card games. When I was little, I always pestered him to play with me, but he thought I was too young and wouldn’t take my games seriously.” She gently turned a thin silver bracelet on her left wrist, from which hung a tiny card-shaped pendant. “Later, before he went abroad, he left me his first deck. It was that Magical Girl deck.”
Yu Ji noticed that she used the word "stay" instead of "send off," and there was a hint of sadness in her tone, but he did not ask further.
"What about you?" Serena asked. "Does your family support you playing card games?"
Yu Ji smiled wryly: "My parents think this is something for kids, and they say I can't play with it anymore after I get into university." He fiddled with his coffee spoon, "So I secretly worked part-time to buy card holders, and I saved all my prize money from competitions without letting them know."
Serena said thoughtfully, "So, the National Tournament might be your last chance?"
Yuji paused for a moment, then realized what she meant. Achieving good results in the national competition might prove to her parents that this was more than just a game, and perhaps even earn her the right to continue pursuing her passion.
“In a sense, yes,” he admitted.
Serena suddenly leaned forward and gently touched Yuki's hand on the table with her fingers: "Then we must achieve good results in the national competition."
Yuki felt an electric current run through the spot where he was touched: "'We'?"
Serena seemed to realize what she had said, her ears turning slightly red, but she didn't pull her hand back: "I meant... we can practice together. Your Naruto deck and my Magical Girl deck complement each other very well, so we could practice together..."
"Of course!" You Ji hurriedly agreed, afraid that she would change her mind. "Actually, I've always wanted to find someone to test the new deck, but the people in the shop are unwilling to practice with unconventional decks."
Serena smiled: "How about starting tomorrow? I know a few good practice venues."
Over the next half hour (ahfd), the two enthusiastically devised a detailed training plan. Yuki was surprised to find that Serena not only had precise skills but also a deep understanding of tactical analysis and deck building. Several of her suggestions directly pointed out issues he hadn't noticed before.
“Your Shadow Clone Technique is being used too frequently,” Serena pointed out. “While it can quickly flood the board, it consumes too many cards in your hand. You could consider adding one or two Chakra Absorption cards to replenish your hand.”
You Ji suddenly realized: "That's right! How come I didn't think of that!"
It was completely dark outside, making the cafe's lights seem even warmer. A waiter quietly came over to refill their cups with hot water, smiling as he watched them immerse themselves in the world of the cards.
“Actually,” Yuki suddenly said, “what made me happiest today wasn’t winning the game.”
Serena raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"
“It’s because I’ve discovered that someone truly understands my deck.” Yuki’s voice softened. “Before, everyone said that Naruto decks were just for fun and not up to par. But you’ve understood what I’m trying to express.”
Serena gazed at him for a moment, her eyes softening: "Because a good deck build is like an art form; every card you choose speaks to the duelist's philosophy." She gently pulled out the "Naruto Uzumaki" card from Yuuki's deck. "For example, this card, the edges are worn, but you've never replaced it. It's not just because of nostalgia, right?"
Yu Ji nodded in surprise: "How did you know? The printing on this card is a bit special, the glitter coating is thicker, and the feel when shuffling is different. I'm used to that feel."
“See, that’s the attention to detail.” Serena smiled with satisfaction. “True duelists pay attention to these details.”
The phone on the table suddenly vibrated. Serena glanced at it and frowned slightly. "I have to go. Curfew is almost here."
You Ji then realized how quickly time had flown by; the stars were already twinkling outside the window. He quickly stood up: "Let me take you back."
Serena did not refuse, but simply smiled and nodded.
The streets were much quieter at night than during the day, and the streetlights sometimes lengthened and sometimes shortened their shadows. They walked side by side, their arms occasionally brushing together, and each slight touch made Yuki's heart race.
“I had a really great day.” Before reaching a charming residential area, Serena stopped and turned to face Yuki. “It wasn’t just the match, but also the chat we had afterwards.”
Yuji nodded awkwardly: "Me too. It's been a long time since I've had such a great chat about cards with someone."
Serena chuckled: "See you tomorrow? Two o'clock in the afternoon, at the Central Card Shop?"
"Of course." Yuki felt the corners of his mouth uncontrollably turn up.
Serena took a step forward and suddenly gave him a light hug, a hug that felt even more genuine and warm on the field: "Goodnight, Yuki. Thank you so much for today."
Before You Ji could react, she had already turned around and jogged into the community gate, waving back with a bright smile on her face.
Yu Ji stood there until her figure completely disappeared from sight before slowly exhaling, feeling so light he almost floated away. He walked slowly along the path he had come from, occasionally bursting into laughter, attracting the attention of passersby.
Back in his small room, Yuuki carefully placed the deck on the table, his gaze falling on the "Ultimate Form of Magical Girl" card that Serena had given him. The girl on the card radiated a soft light, as if smiling at him.
He took out his phone, hesitated for a moment, and then sent Serena a message: "Did you get home safely?"
Almost immediately, I received a reply: "Just arrived. Today was so much fun! I was still figuring out how to counter your Eight Gates combo."
Yuki laughed and flopped onto the bed, his fingers flying across the keyboard: "Actually, that combo has a weakness. If you use an effect to remove my graveyard before I activate the Eight Gates..."
They chatted about card tactics back and forth until late at night. When Yuki finally said goodnight, the first light of dawn was already appearing outside the window.
He put down his phone, looked at the glow-in-the-dark card-shaped stickers on the ceiling, and suddenly felt that his goal for the national tournament had become clearer and more urgent. It was no longer just about proving something to his parents, but also about living up to the expectations of the girl who understood the language of his deck.
At 1:50 p.m. the next day, Yuki arrived at the Central Card Shop ahead of schedule. He thought he was early, but was surprised to find Serena already there, intently adjusting the order of her deck.
“I’m early.” Serena looked up and smiled, sunlight streaming in from the window behind her, outlining her with a golden contour. “I couldn’t resist trying out that new construction idea you mentioned yesterday.”
Yuki sat down opposite her and took out his deck: "So, where do we begin?"
Serena tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes sharpening and focusing: "Of course, it starts with cracking your Eight Gates combo. I've already thought of a possible method..."
Looking at her confident expression, Yuki felt his heart race once again. But this time it wasn't just from nervousness or shyness; it was more of an anticipation—for the upcoming showdown, for the conversation that was about to unfold, for the story that was about to continue.
He gently shuffled the deck, his fingers tracing the worn edge of the Naruto card, and smiled slightly.
"Then let's go."
Chapter 195 of the Third Month: Girlfriend Serena
Yuuki's fingers paused above the card deck, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to Serena opposite him. She was intently contemplating her next move, her tongue lightly touching her upper lip—a little habit she had only recently noticed when thinking. Sunlight streamed in through the card shop window, dancing on her dark hair as if crowning her with a halo of light.
“If you keep staring at me like that,” Serena said without looking up, a sly smile playing on her lips, “I’m going to attack you directly.”
Yu Ji snapped back to reality, his cheeks burning: "I'm sorry, I..."
Serena finally looked up, her eyes sparkling with the gleam of a triumphant prank: "Just kidding. But your expression was really cute." She reached out and gently touched Yuuki's hand across the table. "Your turn, concentrate."
This was the third week since they became a couple, but each such intimate contact still made Yuki's heart race. He coughed lightly, trying to focus his attention back on the game: "Activate 'Nara Shikamaru's' effect, retrieve 'Shadow Clone Technique' from the graveyard."
Serena nodded, feigning seriousness: "Not bad. But I have 'Magical Girl's Protection' in my back row, so you can't target my monsters with your effects this turn."
Yuki laughed: "I expected this. That's why I didn't target your monster, but instead activated the field spell 'Konoha Ninja Village'!"
The virtual projection system immediately generated a lush forest scene on the desktop, with several small ninja figures leaping among the trees.
“The effect of Konoha,” Yuuki explained, “is that once per turn, I can Special Summon one ‘Konoha’ monster from my hand. I summon ‘Hinata Hyuga’!”
A phantom image of a white-haired girl appeared on the field, assuming the starting stance of a soft fist.
Serena exclaimed, "Wow, when did you add this card? I remember you said it wasn't suitable for your deck."
“Last week,” Yuki scratched his face a little embarrassedly, “didn’t you say my deck lacked defensive measures? Hinata’s ‘Absolute Defense’ can protect my life points from direct attack damage.”
Serena's eyes softened: "You remember what I said."
"Of course I remember," You Ji replied softly. "I remember every word you said."
The air between them suddenly became sweet and thick, as if time itself had slowed down. The shop owner behind the counter coughed loudly on purpose, pulling them back to reality.
"Ahem, young man, if you want to date, go somewhere else. Don't interfere with my business," the boss said with a stern face, but the smile lines at the corners of his eyes betrayed him.
Serena stuck out her tongue and lowered her voice: "So this round is a draw? I'm hungry."
Yuki nodded and began packing up his card deck: "Where do you want to eat? I know a new ramen shop that just opened, I heard it's pretty good."
"I'd go anywhere as long as I'm with you." Serena naturally took part of the card deck from Yuki and helped him organize it. "But you have to keep practicing after you finish eating, there's only one month left until the National Tournament."
They walked out of the card shop side by side, the afternoon sun warm but not scorching. Serena naturally took Yuki's hand, her fingers gently intertwining with his. This gesture had become so familiar and natural, yet it still warmed Yuki's heart every time.
“Actually,” Serena suddenly said as they walked to the ramen shop, “my brother wrote to me yesterday.”
Yu Ji turned to look at her. This was the first time Serena had brought up her family on her own initiative, and he cautiously replied, "Really? Is he alright?"
“Hmm.” Serena nodded, her fingers unconsciously stroking Yuki’s hand. “He saw the reports about the regional qualifiers abroad and specifically asked me if I knew the champion who used the Naruto deck.” She laughed. “I told him that he not only knew me, but he was also my boyfriend.”
Yuki felt his heart skip a beat: "Really? What...did he say?"
"He said he really admires your creativity and even asked me for your cassette." Serena's eyes curved into crescents. "Looks like my brother has become your fan."
Yu Ji breathed a sigh of relief, followed by a surge of pride: "Actually, I've always admired your brother's deck-building ideas. His magical girl deck three years ago pioneered a new approach, and I've studied it many times."
Serena's eyes widened in surprise: "You've studied my brother's deck?"
“Of course.” Yuji nodded. “He’s one of the few people who truly understands deck synergy. You see, he never pursues the strength of individual cards, but focuses on the integrity of the combo chain…” He suddenly stopped and smiled sheepishly. “I’m starting to ramble on again.”
“No, go on.” Serena squeezed his hand. “I love hearing you talk about these things.”
Amidst the steaming ramen, the two ate and chatted, discussing everything from deck building to amusing anecdotes from matches and childhood memories. Yuki found that time always flew by when he was with Serena, as if every minute was given double the value.
"So you really hid trading cards under your pillow when you were little?" Serena laughed so hard she almost fell over. "That's so cute!"
Yu Ji blushed and nodded: "Back then, I always felt that this would build a bond with the cards and improve my luck in drawing cards." He paused and added in a low voice, "Actually, I still do this occasionally now."
Serena suddenly stood up, leaned over across the table, and gently kissed Yuki on the cheek: "This is a reward for your honesty."
Yu Ji froze on the spot, feeling as if the spot where he had been kissed was branded with a hot iron. The guests at the next table chuckled good-naturedly, and he finally snapped out of it, his ears turning almost transparently red.
After finishing their ramen, the two didn't immediately return to the card shop, but instead decided to take a walk in a nearby park. The setting sun painted the sky orange-pink, creating a beautiful contrast with the newly blooming cherry blossoms in the park.
“Actually, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.” Serena suddenly said as they sat down on a bench beside a cherry blossom path. Her tone became unusually serious, making Yuki involuntarily nervous.
"What is it?" he asked cautiously.
Serena took an exquisite card box out of her bag and handed it to Yuki: "Open it and take a look."
Yuki opened the card box with a puzzled look, his breath catching in his throat. Inside was a complete Naruto card set, but unlike his badly worn set, this set consisted entirely of foil cards, each one perfectly preserved. Even more surprisingly, the set also contained several rare cards he had always dreamed of, including the "Six Paths Naruto" card that he thought he could never obtain.
"This...this is..." Yuki was so shocked that he couldn't speak.
“I asked my brother to bring this back from abroad,” Serena said softly. “I know you’ve been reluctant to replace your old deck, but you need the best card combinations for the national tournament.” She held Yuki’s hand. “This isn’t a gift; it’s an investment. I believe you can go far with this deck.”
Yuki's eyes welled up with tears. He knew the value of this card set wasn't just monetary, but also sentimental. Serena not only understood his passion for cards, but also supported his dream with concrete actions.
"I don't know what to say..." Yuki's voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, Serena. Really..."
Serena shook her head and leaned on his shoulder: "I'm the one who should be thanking you. Before I met you, although I also liked cards, I always fought alone. You made me realize that sharing passion doubles the joy."
As dusk deepened, the streetlights in the park lit up one by one. Yu Ji mustered his courage and gently put his arm around Serena's shoulder; she nestled into his embrace. The movement felt so natural, as if they had embraced like this countless times before.
“After the national tournament,” Yuki said softly, “no matter the outcome, I want to continue playing cards with you. No, not just playing cards, I want to do everything with you.”
Serena looked up, her eyes reflecting the warm light of the streetlamp: "Is this a confession, Yuuki-kun?"
Yuji took a deep breath and looked earnestly into her eyes: "Yes. Serena, I like you, I like you very much. I want to be worthy of you."
Serena didn't answer immediately, but smiled and drew a card from her card case—it was the "Six Paths Naruto" card Yuuki had given her. She gently placed the card in Yuuki's hand, then took his hand in hers:
“You don’t have to become someone worthy of me, Yuki. You have to become someone worthy of yourself.” Her eyes were gentle yet firm. “And I will always be by your side, witnessing every step of your growth.”