"Ahem... Yūki, please wipe that 'I've been suckered into this' look off your face."
Principal Samejima chuckled helplessly at Yūki's twitching mouth and vacant stare, waving his hands.
He picked up the teapot, topped up Yūki's cup with another half cup of hot tea, and explained with a smile.
"I said three people. I never said our Cyber Style Dojo was shabby or weak."
"To tell you the truth, the Cyber Style Dojo has stood in the dueling world for many years. At least a hundred disciples have passed through our doors."
"It's just that, under our dojo's rules, most people's relationship with us is more like attending a school run by a sect."
"They train at the dojo for three to five years, and once they've learned basic Machine Construction and tactics, they leave to enter society or the Professional League, pursuing their own paths in dueling."
Yūki raised an eyebrow, resting a hand on the leather sofa's armrest as he eyed the plump, bald principal with some suspicion.
"So, Principal, you mean those people were only 'nominal disciples'? Once they got their diplomas, they graduated and left?"
"Precisely."
Principal Samejima stroked his drooping mustache, his expression gradually turning solemn and proud.
"Although those ordinary disciples practice Cyber Style tactics and can even use some branches of Machine decks, they never gain access to the dojo's most closely guarded teachings."
"Because in the Cyber Style Dojo, truly becoming a 'Successor' requires far more than excellent dueling skills."
Samejima extended a stubby finger and tapped the table lightly.
"One must enter the dojo's Inheritance Chamber, complete the Inheritance Ceremony, and gain the recognition of the true Spirit Will of the 'Cyber Style'!"
"Throughout the long years, those capable of passing the Inheritance Ceremony, awakening that sublime mechanical will, and bearing