Cardfight!! Vanguard

The narrative extends past the boundaries of recollection

Team Q4 faces internal conflict and a strategic plan to secure their national tournament spot.

Team Q4 arrives at the national tournament grounds and encounters Team Caesar, featuring Kenji "Koutei" Mitsusada and siblings Gai and Yuri Usui, the previous year's finalists and former champions. Although the initial meeting appears smooth, Kai’s escalating arrogance and insults prompt Kamui to quit the team. Aichi tries to follow Kamui but is stopped by the realization that leaving would disqualify Team Q4 from the competition. Following advice from Kenji, Aichi resolves to win the preliminary rounds to earn a finals spot, hoping this success will convince Kamui to return to the team and continue their journey together.

Team Q4 faces Team AL4 and the militaristic Team Jurassic Army in the national tournament preliminaries.

The national tournament preliminary rounds commence after Ultra Rare explains the rules. Team Q4 learns they share a block with Team AL4, the previous winners led by Ren Suzugamori. Aichi is surprised to find that Kai knows Tetsu from AL4 and is also acquainted with Ren. However, attention shifts immediately to the first round match against Team Jurassic Army, a militaristic group utilizing the brutal Tachikaze clan. Aichi battles Gunji Ryudo, employing Blaster Blade skills while taking damage, but finds himself cornered by the Tachikaze ace, Tyrant, Deathrex.

Ryudo and Misaki secure victories for Team Jurassic Army against Q4 members.

Ryudo defeats Aichi 5-3 using his Tachikaze deck, overcoming Aichi's Soul Saver Dragon with a late heal trigger. Misaki subsequently loses to Ryudo despite effectively utilizing Silent Tom to hinder her opponent's guarding capabilities. These consecutive losses result in Team Jurassic Army defeating Team Q4 with a final score of 2-0. Although Aichi and Misaki are devastated by their defeats, Shin comforts them by acknowledging their strong performance. The opposing team, Jurassic Army, salutes Q4 to show respect for their efforts. This gesture helps the Q4 members recover from their disappointment and increases their motivation to win the upcoming national tournament.

Team Q4 faces Team Muscle Brain in a challenging second match.

Team Muscle Brain emphasizes physical training for mental strength, yet Kai easily defeats Kicking Shu with Blazing Flare Dragon. Misaki faces Punch Ken, who uses Nova Grappler and Megacolony synergy to hinder her. Utilizing cards from her deceased parents, Misaki superior rides from Crescent Moon to Half Moon, then to Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi. Her moon-themed effects allow her to draw cards, blocking Ken's attacks and securing victory on her final turn. Despite this win, the team must immediately prepare for the next match against Team AL4, recognized as the strongest opposing squad.

Team Q4 faces AL4's Crusher Kyou Yahagi in a critical preliminary round match.

The high-stakes preliminary bout between Team Q4 and AL4 commences with Kai confronting member Crusher Kyou Yahagi, who utilizes a Spike Brothers deck. Kai initiates the duel by riding Dragonic Overlord and deploying its skill, but Kyou successfully counters the move, forcing Kai into a defensive posture. Kai regains control by activating a heal trigger, which restores three unflipped damage points. He then leverages Overlord’s effect to dismantle Kyou’s defenses, securing the win. Ren observes the outcome with a manic grin, noting the result was predictable, while a panicked Kyou flees the scene.

Asaka Narumi defeats Misaki with Pale Moon deck, setting up Aichi's match against Tetsu

Despite Kai securing the first victory for his team, Misaki faces Asaka Narumi, the skilled user of the Pale Moon deck. Asaka anticipates Misaki’s strategies, dismantling her plans while establishing her field. She employs the Deadly Shadow Beasts tactic, summoning units from the soul to execute an unavoidable three-pronged attack supported by a draw trigger. This decisive move defeats Misaki, tying the score between the teams. The outcome now rests on Aichi’s performance against Tetsu, known as the General of AL4. Tetsu utilizes a Dark Irregulars deck and inflicts 3 damage on Aichi during his initial turn. However, Aichi has prepared a counter-strategy to address this early disadvantage in the critical fourth quarter match.

A general from the Demon World

Team Q4 watches finals where Ren defeats Kenji with Blaster Dark, motivating Aichi to train harder.

Team Q4, excluding Kai, gathers at Card Capital to view the national tournament finals. Due to delays, they witness only the final match between Ren of Team AL4 and Kenji of Team Caesar. Aichi recognizes the nature of Ren’s power, prompting Ren to summon Blaster Dark, a black variant of Blaster Blade. Ren swiftly defeats Kenji, securing the championship for Team AL4. To lift the spirits of the demotivated group, Shin plans a beach trip, but Aichi remains disheartened. Miwa persuades Kai to talk to Aichi, whose advice restores Aichi’s motivation. Energized by this interaction, the team requests an intensive training session from Shin to improve their skills.

The narrative centers on the summer season, a camp setting, and the Vanguard group.

Aichi Recovers His Deck After Training Camp Challenges

Aichi wakes from a nightmare about his cards and finds Kai and Kenji already cardfighting. After eating leftover curry, he reports his failed deck edits. At the beach, Kamui trains Aichi, Morikawa, and Izaki to visualize themselves as Vanguards on Cray. Shin provides rare cards for Q4 to strengthen their decks. Aichi hears his Royal Paladins speaking to him and unconsciously rebuilds his deck. Yuri challenges Aichi to a rematch, where Aichi uses High Dog Breeder, Akane, and Pongal to retrieve Soul Saver Dragon. Morikawa interrupts the duel. The group departs the camp satisfied, though Morikawa forgot to swim.

Miwa spies on Kai in underground cardfights to find Jun Mutsuki, leading to a high-stakes duel.

Miwa observes Kai participating in illegal underground cardfights to locate Jun Mutsuki, the king of these matches. Upon finding Jun, Miwa is captured, prompting a duel where Kai’s freedom is the wager. Jun employs a Dark Irregulars deck, attempting to play his key card Edel Rose. Kai counters with the perfect-defense card Wyvern Guard, Barri. Jun adapts by riding Demon Eater to force Kai to use Barri, then reveals a second Edel Rose to execute a critical strike. Kai nullifies this final attack using another Barri he had reserved. After defeating Jun, Kai and Miwa depart, with Miwa realizing Kai manipulated him to draw Jun out.

Card Capital hosts a team tournament where Aichi sees a vision of Soul Saver Dragons before Q4 faces Team Overthrow.

A team tournament takes place at Card Capital due to high participation. While reviewing his deck, Aichi experiences a vision of two Soul Saver Dragons appearing side by side. Team Q4 advances to the finals, with Kai opting out. Their opponents are Team Overthrow, featuring Miwa, Izaki, and Morikawa, who wears a costume donated by the retired Ninja Master M. In the first round, Morikawa is defeated by Misaki. The second round pits Kamui against Princess Maiden, an Emi disguise using a Bermuda Triangle/Oracle Think Tank deck. Kamui’s reluctance to fight seriously leads to his loss. Finally, Aichi must face Miwa, who is making her debut appearance in a Vanguard tournament.

Miwa's Ability

Aichi faces Miwa, who utilizes a Kagero deck to retire units and restrict Aichi's options. Despite Aichi deploying Pongal, Young Pegasus Knight, Solitary Knight Gancelot, and Soul Saver Dragon, Miwa counters with Dragonic Overlord and its Eternal Flame ability. Miwa announces a final turn, but Aichi defends using Flash Shield and Iseult to block the attack. Aichi then secures victory by summoning another Soul Saver Dragon, fulfilling his strategy. Afterward, Miwa reveals to Kai that Aichi hears the call of card spirits, causing Kai significant concern about this development.

Team Q4 faces Team Fragrance in the regional tournament battles.

The regional tournament resumes with competition between Team Q4 and Team Handsome. While Team Handsome progresses to the next round, Team Q4 must confront Team Fragrance, a formidable group that asserts they can detect opponents' emotions through scent. Demonstrating significant self-assurance, Aichi secures the initial position for Team Q4 and enters the arena to begin their match against this unique adversary.

Aichi and Misaki advance while Team Q4 faces unexpected defeat by Team Avengers.

Aichi defeats Parfum using Gancelot and Alfred, while Misaki beats Toilette with a strategic deck combination. Exhausted from his match, Aichi collapses and cannot continue. Kamui and Kai win their subsequent fights, advancing Team Q4 to the final round against Team Handsome. However, Gouki and the others are defeated by Team Avengers, led by "Crusher" Kyou Yahagi, who seeks revenge against Kai. This unexpected loss prevents Team Q4 from reaching their hoped-for final opponent, altering the tournament's progression significantly. The narrative highlights the physical toll on Aichi and the sudden emergence of a vengeful rival group that disrupts the remaining competition structure.

Kyou Returns Seeking Revenge Against Team Q4 and Kai After His Past

Kyou seeks revenge against Team Q4 and Kai after being banished from AL4 following a loss at the national tournament. Rejected by other teams, he formed Team Avengers with two former AL4 members. Aichi leads the match to gain Kai's acknowledgment, utilizing new powers and the card Young Pegasus Knight. He mirrors Ren's confident demeanor, declaring victory early. Kyou is intimidated by Aichi's resemblance to Ren and assumes the retired card was a bluff. However, Aichi reveals a second Young Pegasus Knight to secure the win, displaying the same aura and attitude as Ren, leaving Kyou stunned by the familiar presence.

Aichi's Psyqualia Discovery and Kai's Rejection After Victory

Aichi secures victory against Kyou using Young Pegasus Knight after a stand trigger, prompting Suiko to identify his unique ability as Psyqualia. Kyou collapses after a vision of defeat on planet Cray, while Aichi is taken to the infirmary by Kai. Misaki wins her match, but Suiko determines she lacks Psyqualia. Later, Emi visits Aichi, noting his frightening demeanor, though he remains unaware of any change. Kai confronts Aichi, dismissing his desire for strength as weakness and abandoning Team Q4 after Aichi challenges him. Meanwhile, Kyou pursues revenge until Team Brilliant Stars arrives to order the arrest of Kyou and his companions.

Aichi's Dark Transformation Through Psyqualia and Shadow Paladin Deck

Concerned by Aichi's absence from Card Capital, Kamui finds him at Card Shop PSY. Aichi asks Ultra Rare members about his tournament strength until Ren arrives. Ren explains Psyqualia, noting Kai only respects strong fighters, and gives Aichi a Shadow Paladin deck. Aichi perceives the deck's power through Psyqualia, feeling invincible. Kourin challenges him, believing he is arrogant. Aichi defeats Kourin easily using Blaster Dark and his new Shadow Paladins, showcasing the terrifying nature of Psyqualia. Ren watches from the shadows, smiling as he encourages Aichi to embrace this new dark power.

Kourin seeks Kai to address Aichi's Psyqualia while Aichi prepares for nationals.

After losing to Aichi, Kourin visits Card Capital and enlists Miwa to locate Kai in the underground fighting area. There, Kai is battling opponents to vent his frustrations. Kourin challenges him, utilizing a Royal Paladin deck against Kai’s modified Kagero deck focused on Amber Dragons. During the match, Kourin blames Kai for Aichi’s descent into Psyqualia, noting Aichi sought strength for Kai’s approval. Kai admits he witnessed Psyqualia’s effects but lacked a solution, suggesting one must simply exceed such power. Kourin asks if he can stop Aichi, and he agrees. Defeated, Kourin hands over Aichi’s deck, hoping Kai will succeed where she failed. Meanwhile, Aichi spends the night mentally preparing for the national tournament. Upon arrival, he reassures Kamui of victory, revealing his new Shadow Paladin deck to his shocked teammates.

Aichi battles Ryudo with his new deck while Ren monitors his Psyqualia limits.

Team Q4 enters C Block alongside Team Jurassic Army and Team Brilliant Stars. Kiriya Bidou receives a conditional offer from Ren to join AL4 if he handles Aichi. Before the match against Jurassic Army, Team Caesar offers their well-wishes, prompting Aichi to confidently assert their guaranteed path to the finals. Aichi then faces Ryudo, who questions his growth. Frustrated by the repeated inquiries, Aichi declares he will demonstrate his power directly. Utilizing his new Shadow Paladin deck, Aichi defeats Ryudo despite drawing a heal trigger again. Ryudo acknowledges the improvement but deems it unworthy of a salute. Ren observes that Aichi has not yet unlocked his true potential. After Aichi collapses due to Psyqualia strain, Kamui and Misaki decide he must rest until the finals. Kourin returns, hoping Kai arrives in time to assist Aichi.

Team Q4 faces Team Spyder in intense battles to advance past C Block.

Following their victory over the Jurassic Army, Team Q4 prepares for a match against Team Spyder. Misaki and Kamui decide to fight without Aichi, who is resting. Team Spyder attempts to exploit their weaknesses by using psychological tactics. Kamui confronts an opponent disguised as a girl resembling Emi, only to discover it is a man in a smock. He defeats this foe using Stern Blaukluger. Meanwhile, Misaki faces an opponent who has analyzed her past battles and questions her mastery of Goddess of the Full Moon, Tsukuyomi. Her opponent uses powerful Megacolony cards like Elite Mutant and Death Warden to restrict her rear-guards. On her final turn, Misaki miraculously rides Tsukuyomi, utilizing its Counterblast to draw cards and refresh her units. She secures the win, allowing Team Q4 to advance toward the final team of C Block, the Brilliant Stars.

Another Foo Fighter

Team Q4 battles Team Brilliant Stars, with Kamui defeating Hiromi, who utilized multiple skill units. Hiromi notes the team's victory is lost. Aichi wakes to see Misaki lose to Seal Dragon, Blockade, which disabled her rear-guards. He approaches the Motion Figure System for the third fight. Shin, Misaki, and Kamui are shocked by his arrival. Aichi expresses disappointment in them, offering a confident, evil smile. His opponent, Kiriya Bidou, expected Aichi to flee, but Aichi claims no fear is needed. The match begins immediately.

Kiriya battles Aichi while Kai observes, leading to Aichi’s decisive victory and Ren’s indifference.

As Kiriya and Aichi engage in combat, Kai watches from a distance. Emi rushes to Team Q4, finding Misaki and Kamui shaken by Aichi’s previous words. Kiriya, aiming to prove himself before Ren, uses his Pale Moon deck to gain an advantage with Juggler cards. Aichi taunts Kiriya, suggesting Ren gave him the Shadow Paladin deck due to his strength. After riding Dusk Illusionist, Robert, Kiriya deals three damage, but Aichi counters by riding Phantom Blaster Dragon and calling Blaster Dark. Kiriya defends well, limiting damage to one, and calls his Final Turn. However, Aichi completely blocks the attack, taking no damage. Aichi then declares his own Final Turn, calling two grade 3 units to soundly defeat Kiriya. While the stadium cheers for Team Q4, Ren congratulates Aichi but forgets Kiriya. Meanwhile, Kai walks away, vowing to stop Aichi.