Duel Academy, Principal's office.
After knocking on the door, a voice from inside said, "Come in."
Jaden Yuki pushed open the door to the Principal's office and entered.
"Ah, it's Jaden, still class time, right? What brings you here?"
The Middle School Principal was a middle-aged man with a goatee and a thin build.
Seeing that the visitor was the famous top student in the first year, the Principal smiled and asked kindly.
Jaden Yuki didn't speak, but solemnly handed over an envelope.
"Hm? This is..."
The Principal took the envelope Jaden handed him, opened it and his expression immediately turned strange.
"Withdrawal application? Jaden, you're going to participate in the Professional Duel League?"
"Yes, I hope you can approve it, Principal."
Jaden Yuki said with his hands behind his back, his face unchanged.
"This..." The Principal instantly became troubled, "Jaden, do your parents know about this?"
Jaden Yuki remained calm, "It doesn't concern them, they won't interfere with my choice."
"But... your admission letter was personally written by Kaiba Corporation President, Kaiba himself... I can't make a decision about this at all."
The Principal wiped the sweat from his forehead.
If it were an ordinary top student withdrawing, the Principal would only feel regret, and wouldn't have much emotional involvement.
But Jaden Yuki was different.
His admission letter was personally written by the founder of Duel Academy, Kaiba Corporation President, Seto Kaiba.
With this connection, Jaden Yuki's position was completely different from the other students at Duel Academy.
The Principal simply didn't have the authority to approve Jaden Yuki's withdrawal.
"Don't worry, Principal, I'll explain it to Mr. Kaiba."
Jaden Yuki understood the Principal's predicament, but he was determined to participate in the professional league.
"Even so... you can take a leave of absence from the academy and be on the roster..."
The Principal opened his computer and flipped through Jaden Yuki's academy records.
"...Two-thirds of your classes are absent, Jaden."
"Sorry." Jaden Yuki said without any shame.
The Principal was about to lose it, he was practically sweating beads.
Two-thirds of his classes were absent.
That means out of the three months since the start of the semester, Jaden Yuki had only attended one month of classes.
Taking away the weekend breaks, he had only attended about two weeks worth of classes.
The key is that, despite the so many absences, Jaden Yuki's exams over the past few months were all perfect scores.
Both the written test and the practical exam were impeccable.
This kid... really is a genius.
Although he was a little annoyed by Jaden Yuki's absentee rate, looking at these outstanding results, the Principal couldn't say anything.
Heaven is just so unfair.
You know, if this kind of talent could be given to a well-behaved child, then...
Sigh.
"With so many absences, even according to the school rules, you should be expelled..."
The Principal sighed, then looked at Jaden Yuki, "But the opening date of the Duel League is September this year, right?"
"The first half of the semester ends in a month, if you can attend every single class for a month, then I will grant your request for withdrawal."
The Principal closed his computer, rested his hands on his nose, and said to Jaden Yuki.
"What do you say?"
Not skipping classes for a month...
"Alright."
Jaden Yuki thought for a moment, then slowly nodded.
After all, as an adult who had lived two lives, Jaden Yuki was more than familiar with the middle school curriculum.
Big deal, I'll just play on my phone, sleep in class, and spend my days leisurely.
"Yes, that's great..." The Principal nodded reassuringly.
He could turn a genius into a good student in the month before he dropped out, he considered this a win as Principal.
Seeing Jaden Yuki about to leave.
The Principal quickly got up and called out to Jaden Yuki again.
"Wait a minute, Jaden."
"Hm?" Jaden Yuki stopped, seeing the Principal walk over and hand him a tablet screen.
"Next month is the day the third-year students advance to the Upper School."
"The third-year student, Ryo Marufuji, has specifically requested a duel with you, across year levels."
"Hopefully you can also satisfy this third-year senior's wish before you drop out."
The Principal patted Jaden Yuki on the shoulder and smiled.
Ryo Marufuji...
Jaden Yuki looked at the screen and fell silent.
In the original storyline, Ryo Marufuji did indeed have a 'graduation duel' with Jaden Yuki.
But that was after advancing to the Upper School.
Unexpectedly, Ryo Marufuji chose him as an opponent in the Middle School this time...
Is this something destined to happen...
Or am I unknowingly walking back on the old path of Jaden?
"I understand."
Jaden Yuki nodded.
"I'll duel him before I drop out."
...
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