Buddyfight Ace, Path To Liberation

Path To Liberation, Checkmate Anew (Chap 41)

Synopsis: Seiji wants to face Daryl and show him the result of his training. The Genius Chess Prodigy versus the Ace Of Study. Which side will win?

In the previous story, Hou explains why he kept Guru's passing a secret. Masato & Daijirou face off. But Daijirou is still no match for Masato and his Dragon Share. All's well that ends well.

OP: Black & White

In a flashback, it shows Seiji's days playing chess with Daryl. The two were playing chess, and Daryl won by checkmate.

Daryl: And I believe... this is checkmate.

Seiji felt devastated as he lost.....

Another Flashback reveals Seiji joining Vile Ranma's side and acquiring Nero Lance as his buddy.

Vile Ranma: His Name is Lostknight, Nero Lance. Also known as "Zero Knight".

Seiji: Nero Lance...

Seiji and Daryl faced each other three times, with Daryl winning twice and losing once. Feeling incredibly jealous, he eventually confesses and becomes friends with Daryl once again. And then another flashback reveals Seiji's training days with Guru.

Past Guru: Seiji, if I know you well, even when you made peace with your friend, you still feel inferior to Daryl's abilities, am I right?

Seiji: Ah?

Past Guru: Well, my boy. You don't need to feel insecure or compare yourself to him. Instead, my advice is to compare yourself...with yourself.

Seiji: Huh?

With all three flashbacks ending, it switches back to the present. Seiji and Daryl are about to face off at a different stage.

Seiji: Fancy seeing you here.

Daryl: Indeed. It's been a while.

Ion: Welcome, folks, to another round of the GAEN prelims. We have the Ace of Study, Daryl Hoshino, versus the Genius Chess Prodigy, Seiji Kido.

Seiji: Now...let the games begin. And you shall be forever...Checkmate. Luminize, Chessknight Control.

Daryl: Guided by the celestial stars. My Constellations shall grant me my victory. Luminize, Godful Galaxy Triangulum.

Ion & Takokichi: Buddy...Fight.

Both: Raise the Flag.

Daryl: Star Dragon World.

Seiji: Star Dragon World.

Ion: The first move goes to Seiji.

Seiji: Draw. Charge & Draw. I pay 1 gauge and Buddycall to the right.

Seiji summons his new buddy.

Seiji: Shades of Grey, Argento Lance.

Argento Lance is being summoned. His form is similar to Nero Lance but with black and white colors. His armor linings are more detailed, and he also equips a shield.

Argento Lance: Yes, Master Seiji. I shall do your bidding and execute the enemy.

Daryl: Argento Lance?

Cross: It must be his original form.

Seiji: Evolved original form.

Daryl: Sorry?

Seiji: After I was trained by Guru, I went on a side quest to train with my buddy. I'll explain more details later. Because I'm calling Giallo Mace to the center.