George Gore

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George Gore
George Gore
Names
English
  • George Gore
Japanese translated
  • Go Onizuka
Other
  • The Gore
  • Goゴゥ おにづか
  • Dark Onizuka
  • Grim Gore (dub)
Japanese
Japaneseおにづか ごう
Base鬼塚 豪
Furiganaおにづか ごう
RōmajiOnizuka Gō
Other languages
Italian
  • George Gore
Personal
Age19
Gender
  • Male
  • Career
OccupationProfessional Duelist
  • Duelist
Anime Deck
Appearances
Anime debutYu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0011: "Link into the VRAINS"
Appears in
Anime
Voice actors
English
  • Daniel J. Edwards
Japanese
  • Daiki Hamano
Gore, George

George Gore, known as Go Onizuka (おにづか ごう, Onizuka Gō) in the Japanese version, is a character appearing in the Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS anime. He is a Celebrity Duelist under the same name (this time stated as The Gore, but still often simply called Gore (written as Goゴゥ おにづか in the Japanese version)), in LINK VRAINS. Gore serves as a rival to Yusaku Fujiki, who he sees as usurping him of his status as the number one Duelist in LINK VRAINS. These feelings come to a head during the second season, where he becomes a Bounty Hunter for SOL Technologies in an attempt to defeat Playmaker, accepting an A.I. chip in his brain to become stronger. In both versions, Gore is usually referred to by his last name.

Design

Appearance

Full body view of Gore.
Young George.

Gore is a tan-skinned young man with a built and bulky body. He has two-toned hair, fashioned in a flattop/hi-top fade: brown from his forehead down, including a neatly trimmed brown chin beard, and blonde on top of his head, fashioned in the flattop style and featuring red-striped highlights. As a kid, Gore's two-toned hair had a small spiky crown on the blonde upper portion, sans the highlights, and the brown parts were that of a mullet, and this hairstyle was even messier before he was placed in the orphanage. As a young adult, he wears a greenish-grey jacket with a separate collar that is lined with yellow (which glows when he uses his Skill) and a gold, animal-head-shaped necklace. Gore is shirtless, with only dark pants and a golden belt with a red stone in the center. His boots are buckled with gold plates. On his arms and abdomen, he also wears gold plates and dark, finger-less gloves. The Gore's Avatar in LINK VRAINS remains the same as his appearance in reality.

When he takes on the appearance of Grim Gore (Dark Onizuka in the Japanese version) Gore wears the same outfit, but with added black shoulder pads with yellow outlines, purple spikes on his knees and a black and white wrestler's mask that covers his eyes, ornamented with a purple spike, small yellow details, and a mop of long teal hair.

Gore after becoming a Bounty Hunter.

During the second season, Gore dons a different outfit as a Bounty Hunter for SOL Technologies. As with his first outfit, he wears this outfit both in and out of LINK VRAINS. His blonde hair loses its highlights and becomes messy, and he wears a green visor with a thin black lens. He wears a form-fitting forest green leotard with grey shoulderpads that is belted at the cuffs under olive green torso armor fastened with straps over the shoulders and the SOL Technologies logo over his heart, which is decorated at the torso with a grey plate in a similar manner to the "muscular" plate he wore on his abdomen. He also wears sand green leggings, and olive green boots and gloves with grey soles and hands that are lined by red. He uses a more standardized Duel Disk.

After being implanted with the Duel A.I. Implant Chip and undergoing training to access Brain Hack, Gore's appearance becomes more ragged and unkempt. He becomes thinner with sunken cheeks, his hair lengthens slightly, and he discards his visor, outer shoulder pads, gloves and gauntlets; instead he wraps bandages around his forearms. He initially conceals himself in a charcoal hooded cape with a gold lining before revealing himself. When using Brain Hack, the veins around his eyes bulge and his eyes glow orange. Following his Duel with Earth and the implantation of his data into his A.I. chip, his condition deteriorates even further; his eyelids droop and the skin around his lips, eyes, and hands tightens, and he becomes even thinner. His irises develop the ability to swell into balls resembling Earth. He begins to recover after he has the chip removed in the third season, gaining more weight and returning to his normal state.

Personality

Gore is shown to have a big ego and pride for being a popular Celebrity Duelist and was angered when Playmaker was (unwittingly) stealing his spotlight. However, this stems from his need to donate his winnings to his former orphanage. He has a soft spot for children, as he often volunteers and donates to them at the orphanage where he grew up. He repeatedly makes it clear that he doesn't Duel for money, as he donates most of it and lives in a rather small warehouse. He also vowed to protect LINK VRAINS in order to make the children smile. According to his manager, Gore prioritizes the audience's entertainment over winning Duels immediately, and subsequently doesn't mind losing, laughing after his defeat against Playmaker. As the battle against the Knights of Hanoi continues, Gore slowly begins to change. His isolation in his journey towards the Tower of Hanoi caused him to reflect that they were alone during their Duels, and he developed a thirst for victory in his heart, deciding that he would fight for himself in addition to others.

By the time of the second season, Gore has become bitter and resentful towards Playmaker for effectively claiming his title as the number one Duelist in LINK VRAINS, to the point of casting aside his career as a Celebrity Duelist and joining SOL Technologies as a Bounty Hunter simply for the opportunity to Duel him again. He has become frustrated by losing and a sore loser, as noted by Flame, refusing Soulburner's hand up after being defeated. He notes that one's true self is revealed after they lose. Despite this, Gore maintains some pride, furiously denying cheating during his Duel with Soulburner and protecting him from Hayami's attempts to attack them with explosives during the Duel. In the dub, Gore is less bitter and takes his loss far better, simply vowing that he will still come back again and again as he would have done previously, though he insists that this is the only similarity between him and his old self.

After an A.I. chip is placed in his head, Gore's sanity deteriorates, and he desires nothing except to become stronger and defeat Playmaker regardless of the risk to his life. He claims that he can see a new world due to his state as a human-A.I. hybrid. He becomes much crueler, taking pleasure in the capture of Earth and in using his data to lure Playmaker and Ai to him. However, even at his lowest, when Gore saw the faces of the children that had supported him he realized that he had gone down the wrong path, and he voluntarily removed the A.I. chip, returned to using his old Deck, and apologized to Playmaker for his actions. Despite vowing revenge against Gore for his role in Earth's death, Ai admitted he didn't hate Gore as a result for the way he had refound himself.

Etymology

His surname/stagename is an anagram of "ogre", keeping in with his Japanese name; "Gore" is also the name of a finishing move used by professional wrestler Rhyno, and the notation as "The Gore" is likely a reference to The Rock. His first name shares these letters. "Onizuka" (鬼塚) is written with the characters of "ogre" and "mound". "Go" (豪) can be translated as "strong" or "manly".

Abilities

Gore makes liberal use of other Avatars in LINK VRAINS as disguises; including a Knight of Hanoi Avatar provided to him by Akira Zaizen, Playmaker himself, and a bear.[3][4]

After having the Duel A.I. Implant Chip placed in his head, Gore's Dueling skills drastically increased and he was able to create his own Skill, "Anti Skill", a feat that usually required extreme hacking skills to accomplish. Via the ability to use Brain Hack, he could voluntarily increase his Dueling skills to different levels. His union with the A.I. in the chip allows Gore to perceive another world, a strange digital planetscape.[5] After having Earth's data placed in the chip, Gore is able to use it to give off a signal that appears to be Earth's, and he also gains access to Earth's cards, including "G Golem Crystal Heart", albeit significantly corrupted.[6]

Biography

History

Gore never knew his parents, and he had to survive on his own and rely on himself. He was eventually placed in Den City's orphanage, where he encountered Duel Monsters for the first time. Gore was instantly hooked on Duel Monsters, which satisfied him as nothing had previously. He met McKendrick Kellenbocker, another orphan, whom he protected from bullies. Gore wanted to convince McKendrick to stand up for himself, but McKendrick refused, being too kind for that. Despite their differences, Gore and McKendrick became good friends, and Gore was able to teach McKendrick Dueling skills to defend himself.[4] Gore became a Celebrity Duelist, using his own name and appearance in LINK VRAINS, and he became the number one Celebrity Duelist in LINK VRAINS.

Pre-Tower of Hanoi

The Gore's Duelist Data as per info extracted by Ai.

The Gore was set to Duel in LINK VRAINS when a Knight of Hanoi attacked.[1] He watched Playmaker's Duel against the Knight, and was angered that Playmaker was stealing his spotlight.[7] The Gore and Blue Angel approached Playmaker and challenged him to Duel after he defeated the Knight, but Playmaker expressed disinterest in them and logged off. Playmaker's rising popularity infuriated Gore, and he raged in his warehouse about it. Akira Zaizen, the head of security of SOL Technologies, showed up, offering Gore a Duel Board for his help in defeating Playmaker and explaining that Playmaker had stolen an Ignis from them. Gore angrily rejected the offer, claiming that he didn't take orders from anybody.[8]

The Gore is confident in his Duel against Playmaker.

Later, Gore visited his old orphanage with gifts for the children, only to find that the children were engrossed in videos of Playmaker, despite Gore having informed them that he was visiting. Shocked by this, Gore accepted Zaizen's offer, and he drew Playmaker out by using the Avatar of a Knight of Hanoi that Zaizen gave him. The Gore revealed his identity and he challenged Playmaker to a Duel, declaring that the true hero of LINK VRAINS would unmask Playmaker. SOL Technologies used a program to trap them and prevent Playmaker from logging out, and Gore announced that Playmaker could only leave by defeating him. Playmaker asked who hired him, and Gore replied that he wasn't telling a hacker that and that he just wanted to defeat Playmaker. The two began their Speed Duel, with Gore swiftly Summoning two "Gouki" monsters. Playmaker brought out two monsters of his own, amusing Gore, who compared the situation to a pro-wrestling tag match, declaring that he would win by the count of 3. Playmaker took out half of The Gore's LP, bringing him to his knees, but Gore got up before the count of three, staying true to his entertainment style of deliberately putting himself in danger to heighten his audience's emotions. He used the effect of his destroyed "Suprex" and his Skill, "Pain and Gain" to bring back "Suprex", replenishing his resources. On the next turn, he Link Summoned "Gouki The Great Ogre" and increased its ATK, confident that it was enough to finish off Playmaker.[3]

Gore raises the childrens' gift belt in the air.

As The Gore moved in for the finisher, Playmaker activated a Trap that allowed him to survive with 100 LP. An escape route opened before them, but despite the opportunity to leave, Playmaker stayed in LINK VRAINS, much to The Gore's satisfaction. Playmaker Link Summoned Link Spider, and Gore called it a weakling due to its low ATK, but he was annoyed when he realized that Playmaker took his attacks deliberately to satisfy the condition for his Skill, claiming that Playmaker was copying his entertainment style. To his shock, Playmaker performed multiple Link Summons to bring out a formation of three Link Monsters, including "Decode Talker", whose ATK he made equal to that of "The Great Ogre". "Decode Talker" and "The Great Ogre" clashed in the ring, but neither was destroyed due to the effects of Playmaker's "Honeybot" and "The Great Ogre" itself, who protected itself by sacrificing Gore's other "Goukis". Playmaker's newly acquired "Link Bumper" allowed him to attack multiple times, starving "The Great Ogre" of "Goukis" to protect itself and destroying it, costing Gore the Duel. He laughed as he got up, having enjoyed his Duel with Playmaker. When he logged out, he stumbled, feeling the fatigue from the Speed Duel. He was surprised and moved to see the children from his orphanage waiting and clapping for him despite his loss, and the reassured him that he was still their number one. He held up his champion belt that they'd made for him and roared happily with a big grin on his face.[9]

Tower of Hanoi

After his defeat against Playmaker, Gore studied Playmaker's tactics. He realized his battling style was outdated, and had to change. Regardless, he swore he'd still fight for entertainment, while his manager thought his fans would accept if he changed his battling style.[10]

Gore saved McKendrick, who had been knocked unconscious and fallen off a cliff in LINK VRAINS. Gore emerged from the data sea and attempted to wake him up, but the person that attacked McKendrick, a Knight of Hanoi called Dr. Genome explained that he had placed a virus into him, and if Gore wished to cure him, he'd have to join the Knights of Hanoi to hunt Playmaker down. Gore snapped that he wouldn't be their lackey, disgusted that Genome would let McKendrick stay infected. Genome ordered him to tell Playmaker that if he wished to stop people from being infected, he should surrender himself to Dr. Genome, before teleporting away, infuriating Gore.[4]

Gore meets Yusaku Fujiki.

Gore visited McKendrick at the hospital, explaining to his manager that someone called the paramedics for McKendrick. Gore blamed himself for McKendrick's condition, and his manager recalled their history together. Gore believed he should have stopped McKendrick from becoming a Duelist, but Gore's manager assured him McKendrick would not give up, and that it wasn't Gore's fault for his condition. As the doctors were unable to wake McKendrick up, Gore swore to save him by defeating Dr. Genome. Before leaving the hospital, Gore met Yusaku Fujiki, McKendrick's classmate who had called the paramedics for him. Yusaku told Gore his name before leaving.[4]

To lure out Dr. Genome, Gore logged into LINK VRAINS posing as Playmaker and confronted the Knights of Hanoi, tossing them from their Duel Boards and intercepting their programs. Dr. Genome arrived, seeing through The Gore's disguise and believing Gore would join their hunt after Playmaker. Gore replied that he only came for McKendrick, but that he knew Playmaker's identity. Genome doubted Gore knew Playmaker's identity, but agreed to Duel him, betting the virus-removal program in return. Before the Speed Duel began, Dr. Genome activated the Data Storm, conjuring black tornadoes that nearly threw Gore off his Duel Board.[4]

Grim Gore's intro.

Dr. Genome knew Gore's tactic was to let the weak gain the upper hand, then make a counterattack, like an entertainment style, which Gore confirmed. Genome summoned the powerful "Helixx Marmotroll", a turn that disappointed Gore, who swiftly Link Summoned "Gouki Thunder Ogre". He used the monsters he used as materials to search his Deck for more "Gouki" cards, which Genome claimed to have anticipated anticipated. Much to his fans' surprise, Gore equipped "Gouki Thunder Ogre" with "Gouki Dark Mask", and donned a mask himself, declaring that he would fight as a heel, dubbing himself "Grim Gore" and his monster "Dark Thunder Ogre". In addition, using "Gouki Poison Mist", Grim Gore spat out a purple liquid into Genome's face to damage him. He then summoned "Gouki Riscorpio", destroying it to power-up "Dark Thunder Ogre" and damage Genome via the effect of "Dark Mask", then using his "Pain and Gain" Skill to revive "Gouki Riscorpio" and repeat his tactic, destroying "Riscorpio", inflicting effect damage to Genome, and boosting "Dark Thunder Ogre's" ATK to 3000, allowing it to destroy Genome's "Helixx Marmotroll", though the latter's effect protected Genome's LP. Grim Gore claimed he had evolved after his defeat against Playmaker and changed his battling style to a dark, heel one, that would do anything to win. Genome ignored this story, believing that Grim Gore's destiny was preordained by his DNA as it could not be changed. Resurrecting two of his "Helixx Mamortroll" with "Graveyard Incubation", Genome Link Summoned "Helixx Gothiclone", and had it attack "Dark Thunder Ogre". Both monsters could not be destroyed, and fell to the ground in a double knockout. Genome recalled this happened in The Gore's Duel against Playmaker, when "Decode Talker" and "Gouki The Great Ogre" clashed. Using the effect of "Gothiclone", Genome Tributed "Helixx Dreadrat" to inflict its ATK to Grim Gore.[10]

Grim Gore swore to crush Genome for his belief that one's DNA imposed such limits, bringing out "Riscorpio" and "Gouki Twistcobra", then using the effect of "Twistcobra" to boost the ATK of "Dark Thunder Ogre" by Tributing "Riscorpio", and activating "Gouki Serpent Splash" to inflict the difference in ATK to Genome. Instead, Genome's "Regeneration Cure" prevented that damage, and Genome Link Summoned "Helixx Necro Darwin" on his next turn. He destroyed "Twistcobra", but this time, Genome was protected from Grime Gore's combo by the effect of "Necro Darwin", doubling its ATK. "Gothiclone" clashed with "Dark Thunder Ogre" again, then Tributed "Necro Darwin" to inflict its increased ATK to Grime Gore. To save himself, Grim Gore discarded "Gouki Octostretch", halving the damage and leaving him with 200 LP as he was blasted off his Duel Board.[10]

Grim Gore athletically clambered back on his Duel Board, but Genome revived "Necro Darwin" to active his "Minus Mitosis" Skill, cutting Grim Gore's LP and the ATK of "Dark Thunder Ogre" ATK in half and blasting Grim Gore through a wall with 100 LP left, barely able to stand on his Duel Board. As Grim Gore's AI reminded him of Genome's tactics and explained that his odds of winning were low, Playmaker logged into LINK VRAINS. He denied having come to help Grim Gore, claiming that he had come to mock him when he lost. Grim Gore's mask dissolved as The Gore used "Gouki Face Turn" to destroy "Gouki Dark Mask" and revive "Gouki Suprex", using it and "Thunder Ogre" to Link Summon "Gouki The Master Ogre".[11]

Gore obtains the virus-removal program before Genome disappears.

Gore revived "Twistcobra" and "Riscorpio", then returned them to his hand with the effect of "Master Gore" to negate the effects of Genome's "Hellix" monsters, allowing "Master Ogre" to freely attack them and win The Gore the Duel. Gore cheered for his victory, claiming the removal program from Genome. Genome was unamused by Gore's evolution, but Gore stated that it was only to amuse the crowd, as he was the number one entertainer. Genome swore Gore would regret defeating him before disappearing. Gore talked with Playmaker, noting that he knew wanted to encourage him to win rather than mock him. Though Gore still swore to defeat him one day, he proposed an alliance to combat the Knights of Hanoi, and Playmaker agreed, as Blue Angel watched them. Later, Gore defeated a Knight of Hanoi with "Gouki The Master Ogre", and met up with Playmaker after he had defeated a Knight himself. He asked where Blue Angel was, but Playmaker did not know. Gore was at the orphanage when Kitamura's AI army confronted the Knights of Hanoi, and he watched as they were swiftly defeated when two more Knights joined the battle.[11]

Gore, disguised as a bear, went into an alley. A Knight of Hanoi pursued him, until Gore removed his disguise and challenged the Knight to a Duel, defeating him with "Gouki The Great Ogre". Later, Gore watched the Duel between Blue Angel and Baira at the orphanage.[12] He was pleased to see Blue Angel defeat Baira.[13] Gore watched as an ominous tower appeared in LINK VRAINS, and wondered what was going on. Seeing Avatars being absorbed, Gore asked the children at the orphanage to stop watching the disaster. He watched as Specter erased Kitamura, and threaten to do so to anyone that dared enter LINK VRAINS. Gore decided to leave the orphanage while the kids were asleep, meeting his manager before leaving. His manager tried to stop him, and Gore promptly casually fired him (in the dub, he did not, and his manager did not try to stop him). He promised that he would come back and he logged into LINK VRAINS.[14][15]

The Gore quickly met up with Playmaker and Blue Angel. Blue Angel stated that she was fighting for everyone, as they looked up to her. Gore exclaimed that he was doing the same, since he was the hero that needed to protect LINK VRAINS. Playmaker's Ignis noted how full of energy Gore was, and Gore in turn noted that he was the Ignis, who yelled out he had a name, Ai. Playmaker explained that he had come to stop the Tower of Hanoi, rescue Ghost Gal and confront the mastermind behind it, Varis. Gore asked about the data Ghost Gal gave to Playmaker, who explained that Varis intended to destroy LINK VRAINS with the Tower of Hanoi. Blue Angel realized if the network would be destroyed, then all the people absorbed would be destroyed, too. Gore asked how to stop the Tower, and Playmaker informed them that Varis had to be defeated. Ai warned them that the time limit was six hours before the Tower was completed. Gore and Blue Angel promised to go there, but Playmaker replied it was better if they stayed home in safety. His warning actually motivated Gore and Blue Angel to protect the children and the absorbed people, including Ghost Gal. Playmaker did not care, but asked them to be careful. He reminded them that one of them had to defeat Varis, who according to Ghost Gal wielded a powerful new card. The trio promised to meet up against and went in different directions.[14] Gore continued his way towards the Tower of Hanoi.[16]

Gore assembles four "Gouki" Link Monsters during his Duel with Varis.

Gore reached the Tower of Hanoi unopposed, encountering Varis himself at its base. Realizing who the other was, Gore asked Varis why he intended to use the Tower to destroy LINK VRAINS; Varis did not reply, believing that telling Gore would be pointless. He warned Gore that if he lost, he would be absorbed by the Tower like Blue Angel had been, much to Gore's shock. Varis revealed that Specter had defeated Blue Angel, but that he had been defeated in turn by Playmaker, who he claimed his real opponent was. Angered by being dismissed in favor of his rival, Gore declared that he was Varis's opponent, and Varis resignedly accepted his challenge, recalling his victory over Dr. Genome. Recalling Playmaker's warning of Varis's powerful new card, The Gore began his Master Duel with Varis. He started off strong, bringing out "Gouki Thunder Ogre" and swarming the field with his other "Goukis" as Playmaker, Ai, and the reporters Frog and Pigeon arrived. Gore told Playmaker that he'd defeat Varis for him, but Varis took advantage of the effect of "Thunder Ogre" to Normal Summon an extra time and bring out "Topolgic Bomber Dragon", triggering its effect to destroy Gore's other "Goukis". Gore used the effect of "Twistcobra" to power up "Thunder Ogre" before it was destroyed, but Varis countered this easily as well with "Link Protection", forcing Gore to use "Gouki Octostretch" to halve the damage inflicted to him by "Topologic Bomber Dragon". On his next turn, Gore brought out "Gouki Heel Ogre", taking advantage of the mandatory activation of the effect of "Topologic Bomber Dragon" to allow "Heel Ogre" to negate the effect and destroy it while reviving "Thunder Ogre". Varis set up a defense with the other effect of "Link Protection", requiring Gore to bring out four Link Monsters to attack. The Gore did so, but to his utter shock, Varis countered his attack with the card Ghost Gal had warned them about, "Mirror Force", destroying all of Gore's Link Monsters.[15]

Refusing to give up, Gore was able to regain some field presence, but Varis easily destroyed his monsters again and attacked directly, reducing Gore to 1000 LP. The Gore rallied his monsters on his next turn, Link Summoning his strongest monster yet, "Gouki The Giant Ogre", and boosting its ATK to 5000, reducing Varis to 900 LP with one blow and adding another "Octostretch" to his hand as backup. Varis counterattacked with his "Booster Dragon" again on his next turn, but this time the protective effects of "Giant Ogre" stopped his efforts. Gore declared that despite his past of Dueling to entertain the children of his orphanage, he had come to realize that everyone was alone in Dueling. Declaring that he would be the strongest and would fulfill his thirst for victory, he told Varis to come at him. Varis did so, Link Summoning "Borrelsword Dragon" and it clashed with "Giant Ogre". They initially appeared equal, but the effect of "Borrelsword" allowed it to gain half the ATK of "Giant Ogre" and then weaken it by the same amount. Varis attempted to destroy "Giant Ogre" with the effect of "Metalrokket Dragon", but the reduction of the ATK of "Giant Ogre" had activated its effect to gain enough ATK to withstand the effect. But to his shock, the effect of "Borrelsword" allowed it to attack again, with just enough ATK to defeat Gore even if he discarded his "Octostretch".[17]

Defeated, Gore told Playmaker that this was all he could do as his Avatar began to be absorbed. Playmaker replied that thanks to Gore, he knew Varis's strategies now. Gore smiling, leaving the rest to Playmaker before being absorbed.[17] After Playmaker defeated Varis, Gore was released from the Tower of Hanoi.[18]

Lost Ignis

Gore abandoning his career to become a Bounty Hunter.

Although his heroics were seen as an inspiration to some, the prominent role that Playmaker had played in saving LINK VRAINS and the overall lack of recognition Gore received for his actions resulted in Gore becoming bitter towards Playmaker, thirsting for the chance to defeat him. Gore discarded his "Gouki" Deck and his career as a Celebrity Duelist in favor of a new "Dinowrestler" one when SOL Technologies put a bounty on Playmaker and his Ignis, leaping at the chance to Duel Playmaker again.[2] He and his fellow Bounty Hunters, Kenchi and Yozaka, met with their team leader, Akira Zaizen. Zaizen politely greeted Gore, commenting that they were once again working together, though he noted that one of the Bounty Hunters had yet to arrive.[19] The final Bounty Hunter eventually showed up, The Shepherd, who kept his face concealed, and he and Gore immediately began butting heads. Gore claimed that he would be the one to defeat Playmaker, lamenting that Playmaker was always a step ahead of him. The Shepherd ignored Gore, but reminded him not to order him around, as he did his things at his own pace. Zaizen showed them footage of the glowing figure that Playmaker had Dueled as Shepherd believed it would help them track Playmaker down. Gore was alarmed at the figure, while Shepherd noted that the figure had not logged out. Zaizen explained that the figure had gone beyond the Restricted Area of LINK VRAINS.[20] Before Gore left, Zaizen asked him to remain behind, and they talked in private, Zaizen asking why Gore had thrown away his career and become a Bounty Hunter. Gore stated that he couldn't get his pride back until he defeated Playmaker, and Zaizen offered to reveal the secret of Playmaker's power. He revealed that during his childhood, Playmaker had been kidnapped and tortured in an event known as the Lost Incident, which derailed his life and caused him to equate Dueling with living, which was where his determination came from.[2]

Gore, Kenchi, and Yozaka pursuing Playmaker and Soulburner in the Restricted Area.

Gore, Kenchi, and Yozaka ambushed Playmaker and another Duelist in the Restricted Area.[20] Gore challenged Playmaker to a Duel, but Playmaker claimed he didn't have time to Duel Gore and tried to escape. Gore rammed Playmaker's Duel Board with his own, and SOL Technologies released a trap to aid them, but only succeeded in logging out Kenchi and Yozaka. The other Duelist, Soulburner, then challenged Gore to a Duel, revealing that he also had an Ignis, Flame. Gore dismissed Soulburner's adoration for him, declaring that it was his duty as a bounty hunter to capture the Ignis and accepted Soulburner's challenge. Gore immediately activated his Skill to activate "World Dino Wrestling" from his Deck and Summoned "Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor", boosting its ATK with "Dinomuscle". Soulburner fought back with "Salamangreat Heatleo" and "Salamangreat Jack Jaguar", but the effects of "World Dino Wrestling" and "Capoeiraptor" limited his attacks. On his next turn, Gore Link Summoned his new ace monster "Dinowrestler King T Wrextle" and destroyed "Heatleo", ranting furiously about his plight and comparisons to Playmaker and desire to be number one. His words hurt Soulburner, who called him SOL Technologies' lapdog and protested that he believed The Gore to be a great Duelist and didn't see him as Playmaker's stepping stone. Soulburner revealed that Gore had given him hope when he opposed the Knights of Hanoi and asked where the person who gave him courage was. Gore ended his turn without answering, and Soulburner warned him that he couldn't afford to lose either.[2]

Gore gives Soulburner some harsh advice after their Duel.

Soulburner revived "Heatleo", and Gore warned him that he'd keep pummeling it. To their shock, another trap was set off, and Soulburner accused Gore of fighting dirty. Gore bitterly remarked that Soulburner though low of him if he thought him responsible, and when more traps were launched, Gore ordered SOL Technologies to stop the attack and blocked one from hitting Soulburner with his Duel Board. They continued their Duel in the underground canals of the Restricted Area, and Soulburner Reincarnation Link Summoned another "Heatleo" and reduced the ATK of "King T Wrextle" with its effect. Gore was able to protect "King T Wrextle" with its own effect and "Dinowrestler Martial Ankylo". On his next turn, rather than have their ace monsters clash as he would have as an entertainer, he decided to go for the confirmed finishing blow by attacking "Jack Jaguar", but this allowed Soulburner to restore his LP with "Salamangreat Sanctuary" and survive. Despite failing to win that turn, Gore was still confident that the effect of "Dinowrestler Rambrachio" would protect "King T Wrextle" from the effect of "Heatleo". Soulburner spoke about his past and the effect the Lost Incident had on him, using his "Burning Draw" Skill to draw another card and Ritual Summoned "Salamangreat Emerald Eagle", Tributing his own ace monster, much to Gore's shock. This allowed "Emerald Eagle" to instantly destroy "King T Wrextle" and inflict damage to Gore equal to its ATK, defeating him. After the Duel, Soulburner offered him a hand up, but Gore refused it and walked away. Soulburner insisted that Gore was still a hero to him, but when he claimed he had to keep winning, Gore asked what he was trying to say and warned Soulburner that no-one could keep winning and that everyone would eventually lose, before logging out.[21]

Zaizen logged into LINK VRAINS to talk with Gore and The Shepherd. He explained that Playmaker had been in the Restricted Area due to a gate that had appeared there, and Gore angrily asked why Zaizen hadn't told them about it previously. Zaizen replied that he didn't have to, as they were only contracted to hunt Playmaker and his Ignis. He suggested waiting for Playmaker to make his move, but The Shepherd declared that he would act on his own and logged out. Gore asked Zaizen if he could trust The Shepherd, and Zaizen stated that he could as a hunter, but not otherwise. The gate later appeared, and as Zaizen had predicted, Playmaker appeared in LINK VRAINS. Gore made for their direction, believing that he'd be enough to capture both Playmaker and Soulburner as The Shepherd hadn't been responding, but Zaizen asked him to return, as he wanted to show Gore something.[22]

Zaizen and two researchers showed Gore a Duel A.I. Implant Chip that would allow Gore to Duel better by becoming one with an A.I. Gore was initially offended by the notion that he'd need an A.I.'s help to Duel, and Zaizen pointed out that Gore could refuse the chip and that there was a possibility that Gore wouldn't be himself if he did use it. As he had vowed to win by any means necessary, Gore accepted the chip and began training with it. Initial results were unsatisfactory, as Gore's health and weight rapidly deteriorated and he failed to win his Duels against a virtual Playmaker. After one such episode, his sanity took a severe hit and Zaizen carried Gore from the training chamber, telling Gore that he respected his determination but that he was going too far. Gore refused to give up, and as his health and sanity continued to deteriorate he finally began wining his Duels. Zaizen wanted to stop the experiment, fearing for Gore's life, but Gore insisted that this was what he wanted, and he was backed up by Queen. He created a new Skill, "Anti Skill", to defeat Playmaker.[5]

Ignis War

Gore continued winning his Duels with the virtual Playmaker. Although his training procedure was only 70% complete, he was sent to LINK VRAINS to pursue the Earth and Water Ignis. After they failed to evade Gore, the Earth Ignis, Earth, pushed the Water Ignis off his tree avatar to save her, but Gore simply saw her as easier prey and followed her. Earth intercepted Gore and challenged him to a Duel, and Gore agreed. Playmaker and Ai then arrived, and Gore was pleased to see Playmaker and revealed himself, telling Playmaker that he would deal with him after defeating Earth. Gore only Set "Dinowrestler Capaptera" for his first turn, though he was able to protect it from Earth's combination of "G Golem Crystal Heart" and "G Golem Invalid Dolmen". He Link Summoned "Dinowrestler King T Wrextle" on his next turn, and with its ATK boosted by the effect of "Capaptera", he was able to destroy "Invalid Dolmen", though Earth countered by using its effect to negate the effect of "King T Wrextle" and Summoning a "G Golem Token" to protect "Crystal Heart". Admitting Earth's skills, Gore used Brain Hack and Fusion Summoned "Dinowrestler Chimera T Wrextle", vowing to show them the power beyond the domain of humanity.[23] He revealed that he had become one with an A.I. and destroyed Earth's Token monster, claiming that it would be simple to capture the Earth and Water Ignis. Earth counterattacked with "G Golem Dignified Trilithon" and destroyed "Chimera T Wrextle" despite its protections, reducing Gore to 100 LP. Earth attempted to defeat Gore with his "Rock You" Skill, but Gore negated it with "Anti Skill". Noting Earth's similarities to his old self in his defiance and desire to protect his "Crystal Heart", Gore vowed to show them the difference in their powers and he Synchro Summoned "Dinowrestler Giga Spinosavate" and revived "Chimera T Wrextle", combining their effects to force Earth to protect "Crystal Heart" by equipping it with "Dignified Trilithon". This allowed Gore to destroy the protective card with his "Dino Roar" Spell Card when "Giga Spinosavate" attacked, allowing it to destroy "Crystal Heart" and defeat Earth, headless of Earth's cries for Gore to stop. Gore captured the Earth Ignis and challenged Playmaker to a Duel next, uncaring that Earth wasn't his enemy, or of his past alliance with Playmaker. Blue Gal challenged Gore as well, but Queen logged Gore out by force, and Gore noted their interference in amusement, vowing to defeat Playmaker the next time they met.[5]

Gore was present as Queen ordered her technicians to dissect Earth to retrieve his data. He witnessed the event with little reaction at Earth's panicked screams and insistence that he was alive and had free will.[5] Queen rewarded Gore for his efforts by having Earth's data added to his chip, and Gore continued to practice against the virtual Playmaker, his health deteriorating even further. Gore believed that he had become unbeatable due to his unity with the A.I. data, and that he could see formula for victory in any Duel. He logged into LINK VRAINS to lure Playmaker with Earth's data, ambushing him and Soulburner as they approached. He challenged Playmaker to a Duel, promising to finally defeat him and warning Soulburner that he would defeat him next. Playmaker attempted to convince Gore to ally with him as he once had, but Gore refused, noting that Playmaker had also defeated another Duelist who had defeated him; Varis. He claimed that he was no longer a proud Duelist, but that he could be after defeating Playmaker, and Playmaker reluctantly accepted Gore's challenge.[6]

Gore used Brain Hack Overlimit from the start of the Duel, though he only Set a single monster as he had done against Earth. Playmaker swiftly Summoned three monsters with over 2000 ATK and attempted to end the Duel in one turn, but Gore easily blocked his attacks and noted that Playmaker was scared of him, criticizing his Dueling as boring. He used "Crazy Evolution" to copy the Type of Playmaker's "Storm Cipher", making his own monsters Cyberse monsters to allow him to Link Summon "Crystal Heart". He revealed that he had Earth's data, claiming that the Ignis were no threat to humanity if they were under his control. He used the effects of "Crystal Heart" to assemble the materials to bring out "King T Wrextle" and empower it with the effect of "Crystal Heart".[6] Playmaker attempted to counter by returning "King T Wrextle" to Gore's Extra Deck with "Security Dragon" and "Firewall Dragon", but Gore countered both of his moves and used the effect of "King T Wrextle" to make "Firewall Dragon" the only monster that could attack that turn, forcing Playmaker to destroy it. He returned "King T Wrextle" to his Extra Deck himself to activate the effect of "Crystal Heart" again, then re-Summoned "King T Wrextle" to make it even stronger with the effect of "Crystal Heart". He attempted to defeat Playmaker by destroying his "Linkuriboh", but Playmaker increased its ATK enough to survive with 1000 LP, allowing him to use "Neo Storm Access" on his next turn. Gore negated it with "Anti Skill", but Playmaker had been prepared for Gore's move and attempted to defeat him with "Draw Discharge". Though Gore drew monsters with ATK high enough for him to be defeated by the Trap, he negated it with "Dino Sense", reducing Playmaker to 100 LP and knocking him off his Duel Board. A Data Storm then began to blow, and Ai revealed that "Neo Storm Access" had another effect that could be used if Playmaker failed to obtain a monster with it, giving him a second chance at it. To Gore's shock, Playmaker Xyz Summoned "Firewall eXceed Dragon" and revived "Firewall Dragon" to empower it. He attempted to return "King T Wrextle" to Gore's hand again, but Gore was able to block the effect. He tried to force Playmaker to destroy "Firewall Dragon" again, but Playmaker was able to negate its attack, destroy Gore's "World Dino Wrestling", and reduce the ATK of "King T Wrextle" to zero, allowing "Firewall eXceed Dragon" to defeat Gore with one attack.[24]

Gore fell from his Duel Board, remembering his Duels with and alongside Playmaker and the children at the orphanage, and he shed tears as he fell. His vitals began to deteriorate, and Queen attempted to use his body to activate a capture unit when Ai removed Earth's data from Gore, but Gore's life was saved by Zaizen, who manually logged him out.[24]

Decks

Gouki

Gore uses a "Gouki" Beatdown Deck[1] His strategy is similar to his attitude towards loyalty; he focuses on gathering his monsters together, both assembling them from his Deck and combining their respective might. His signature tactic in Duels is to start off passively, allowing his opponents to gain a huge lead before turning things around for a single powerful finish, all for the sake of amazing the spectators. In Speed Duels, his Skill, "Pain and Gain", assists with this, Special Summoning all "Goukis" that were destroyed by battle that turn from his GY. He runs few Trap Cards, largely using Spell Cards to support his "Goukis".

After losing his Duel against Playmaker, feeling that his style was outdated, Gore's tactics became more offensive, utilizing Burn tactics along with relentless attacks. It became deemed a "Heel" tactic as he would recklessly sacrifice his monsters on the field to gain advantage. Regardless, his strategy essentially remained the same, building up the might of his monsters through constantly fortifying his hand and face his opponents direct combat.

After becoming a Bounty Hunter, Gore discontinued the use of this Deck in favor of his new "Dinowrestler" Deck. Following his second defeat at Playmaker's hands, Gore began using this Deck again, adding more cards with effects that could be activated from the hand or Graveyard.

Dinowrestler

During his tenure as a Bounty Hunter for SOL Technologies, Gore uses a "Dinowrestler" Deck.[21] This Deck focuses on battle-related strategies, restricting the opponent to a one-on-one battle either through gaining advantage if they control more monsters or through restrictive effects, and on protecting his monsters from being destroyed. During his first turn, he starts slowly, usually Summoning or Setting a single monster and keeping it on the field until his next turn, then Link Summoning his ace monster, "Dinowrestler King T Wrextle". His Skill, "Dinowrestle Revolution", allows him to activate his "World Dino Wrestling" Field Spell from his Deck. In contrast to his "Gouki" Deck, he includes a high number of Trap Cards.

After his loss to Soulburner, Gore implants a Duel A.I. Implant Chip in his brain to become stronger, and this is reflected in his Dueling. He creates a new Skill via Brain Hack; "Anti-Skill", allowing him to negate his opponent's Skill and then draw two cards. He can also use Fusion and Synchro Summoning in addition to Link Summoning, and he adds Earth's "G Golem Crystal Heart" to his Extra Deck after defeating him and having his data placed in his chip.

Duels

Opponent(s) Episode(s) Outcome
Yusaku Fujiki/Playmaker 4-5 Lose
Dr. Genome 23-24 Win
Knight of Hanoi 24 Win
Knight of Hanoi 25 Win
Varis 39-40 Lose
Theodore Hamilton/Soulburner 51-52 Lose
Earth 74-75 Win
Yusaku Fujiki/Playmaker 81-82 Lose
Ai 107-108 Lose

References

  1. a b c Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0011: "Link into the VRAINS"
  2. a b c d Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 05151: "Bounty Hunting"
  3. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0044: "Pain and Gain"
  4. a b c d e Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 02222: "The Deleted"
  5. a b c d Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 07575: "Earthfall"
  6. a b c Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 08181: "Arrived at the Summit"
  7. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0022: "Seize the Wind!"
  8. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0033: "Contact"
  9. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 0055: "Down for the Count"
  10. a b c Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 02323: "A Grim Tale"
  11. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 02424: "To Gore Or Not To Gore"
  12. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 02525: "Suture the Circuit"
  13. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 02626: "Diagnosis: Deletion"
  14. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 03232: "The Tower of Hanoi"
  15. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 03939: "Ring the Bell"
  16. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 03333: "Once Upon A Time"
  17. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 04040: "Gore at War"
  18. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 04646: "Link to the Future"
  19. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 04747: "LINK VRAINS 2.0"
  20. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 05050: "A Common Cause"
  21. a b Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 05252: "Tapping Out"
  22. Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS episode 06060: "Sidekick Showdown"
  23. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ep74
  24. a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ep82

Notes

  1. a b c d This card is seen in a flashback in episode 23.
  2. He acquires this card from SOL Technologies after defeating Earth, but the card is taken by Playmaker and given to Blue Maiden after his loss to Playmaker.