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'''Yusaku Fujiki''' ({{Ruby|藤|ふじ}}{{Ruby|木|き}} {{Ruby|遊|ゆう}}{{Ruby|作|さく}}, ''Fujiki Yūsaku''), known as '''Playmaker''' in [[LINK VRAINS]], is the protagonist of ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS]]''.<ref name="jumpfesta">{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/jump-festa-2017-latest-information-stage/ | title = <nowiki>The Organization | [Jump Festa 2017] Latest Information Stage: 6th Yu-Gi-Oh! Anime</nowiki> | publisher = YGOrganization | date = December 17, 2016 | accessdate = December 17, 2016}}</ref>A victim of the [[Hanoi Project]], he battles against the [[Knights of Hanoi]] in order to avenge his past with the aid of his friend [[Kolter]] and the [[Ignis]] that he has captured, [[Ai]].

Playmaker demanded that Varis reveal his true identity and those of the Knights of Hanoi. To his shock, Ai transformed into a monstrous form and devoured Varis's arm in order to get his data back. Varis fled, but he he gave the anti-virus for Blue Angel's coma to Playmaker. Playmaker accompanied Ghost Gal back to the church where Zaizen and Blue Angel were, using the antidote to cure Blue Angel and allow her to log out of LINK VRAINS. Zaizen thanked him for saving Blue Angel, but Playmaker logged out before he could finish. Exhausted from the Duels, Yusaku asked Kolter if Skye was alright before collapsing and falling asleep. Yusaku dreamed about Varis's words regarding Ignis with free will, which caused him to wake up. Kolter sensed he was thinking about what Varis told him. Ai defiantly claimed that he was indeed alive, and he used the program he obtained from Varis to regain his full body. However, Ai's size didn't impress Yusaku and Kolter, who tried to determine if Ai regained some of his memories.<ref name="ep12">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|12|ref}}</ref>

As Yusaku was eating hot dogs, he witnessed [[Emma Bessho]] visiting Café Nom to order chili dogs and a coffee. She inquired Kolter about a [[Celebrity Duelist]] and , who mentioned that she was interested in Dueling Playmaker, intriguing Yusaku. After Emma left, Yusaku noted how stress stressed Kolter was and decided to help him delete the files regarding Playmaker. As they were deleting files, Kolter asked where Ai was. ; Yusaku told him explained that he left Ai at home because he was annoying. Despite this, Yusaku wondered about Varis's words about mused on the idea of AI with free will. Knowing , and knowing that Varis had unleashed the attack on the Cyberse and searched for Ai, Yusaku claimed deduced that Varis had destroyed the Cyberse world. Still, he He wondered if it was wise to seek Varis out for answers about Yusaku's his past, and about Kolter's brother. He then inadvertently deleted a big scoop that would have revealed everything Playmaker and Kolter knew involving Ai and the Knights of Hanoi, which was about to be published by had [[Frog (character)|Frog]] and [[Pigeon]]been able to publish it.<ref name="ep13">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|13|ref}}</ref>

At home, Yusaku thought about continued to dwell on Varis's words about AI with free will in his hidden room. Kolter called him to come to Cafe Nom, where Kolter he showed him an encrypted message on an Internet forum, sent to him from Ghost Gal. Kolter explained that he had created a program to help Ghost Gal enter the Data Storm during the Duel with Varis. The two read how she Ghost Gal had requested a Duel from with Playmaker, with Ai as the wager. Yusaku accepted, stating that she offered a backdoor to SOL Technologies' data bank, and Kolter confirmed that fact, showing she did send a bit of the data as proof. Yusaku asked Kolter to reply that Playmaker would accept her challenge. Ghost Gal soon entered LINK VRAINS, and as Yusaku went prepared to do the same. log in, Kolter wondered if Yusaku would really go and Duel her, since she could've set another trap. Yusaku claimed replied he had to uncover the truth behind the incidentIncident, and hoped in that the data bank there was some contained information about Knights of Hanoi, and . He noted that he sensed some determination in Ghost Gal, despite her weaknesses.<ref name="ep14">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|14|ref}}</ref>

Playmaker quickly met up with Ghost Gal , and she showed him her the backdoor program she 'd set as a her stake for the Duel. Playmaker wondered why she wouldn't she access the data bank, and was told Ghost Gal she explained that she wanted his Ai, so she could sell it him to SOL Technologies. She admitted she grew more interested in Playmaker after his latest Duel, and wanted to battle him as a cyber treasure hunter. Despite Ai's warnings, Playmaker accepted her Duel, as the two rode off on the Data Wind. In her first turn, Ghost Gal Summoned blocked Playmaker's attacks with her "[[Altergeist Marionetter (anime)|Altergeist Marionetter]]" and Set two cards. Playmaker had his "[[Cyberse WizardTrap Card]]" attack, but was stopped by Ghost Gal's and "[[Altergeist Kunquery (anime)|Altergeist Kunquery]]". Despite his attack, Ghost Gal was intrigued how he dared to attack, despite her Set cards. Ghost Gal Summoned another "Marionetter", Set another card, and then Link Summoned "[[Altergeist Primebanshee (anime)|Altergeist Primebanshee]]". She swapped one of her "Marionetters" for "Meluseek". Ghost Gal ended her preparations, and aimed aiming to defeat Playmaker before he could use his Skill. As Ghost Gal initiated the Battle Phase and claimed she would win in that turn, Ai laughed, as she would make 2400 LP damage. Both Playmaker and Ghost Gal scolded Ai for such thinking; Playmaker claimed no Duelist would make that simple math error, making Ghost Gal wonder why everyone was after "this dumb AI" which causes Ai to get angry, Playmaker then told him to not to get angry when she is telling the truth about him. Regardless, "Meluseek" attacked directly and sent "Cyberse Wizard" to the GY, allowing "Marionetter" to attack directly, and allowing "Primebanshee" to do so as well. Ghost Gal smiled, feeling her dreams grow larger, and ordered Playmaker to brace himself for his defeat.<ref name="ep14" /> Ghost Gal had "Primebanshee" Playmaker was able to block the attack Playmaker directly while he [[Special Summon]]ed with "[[Lockout Gardna (anime)|Lockout Gardna]]". , and Ai knew attempted to fool Ghost Gal into attacking so that they would have enough LP be able to continue and even use Storm Access, and exclaimed how "bad" this would be. However, but Ghost Gal knew Ai was just pretending, and decided not refused to attack. Ai was in shock, and Playmaker told him his acting was horrible. On Playmaker's turn, Ghost Gal swapped "Meluseek" with "[[Altergeist Silquitous (anime)|Altergeist Silquitous]]", by using the effect of "Primebanshee", and also added an "Altergeist Kunquery" to her hand. Playmaker attempted to destroy her ace by Tributing "Primebanshee" with "[[Backlinker (anime)|Backlinker]]", but was prevented by Ghost Gal's "[[Altergeist Protocol (anime)|Altergeist ProtocolGhost Gal blocked]]"his move. Ghost Gal claimed she could anticipate their every move: , and prevented Playmaker attempted to revive "Backlinker" with "from [[Striping Partner (anime)|Striping Partnerreviving]]", but was stopped by Backlinker"Altergeist Silquitos". Using "Lockout Gardna", both effects were negated, though Ghost Gal had one final trap prepared. She noted how Playmaker was an interesting person, as she suspected. Playmaker Link Summoned "[[Underclock Taker (anime)|Underclock Taker]]" and tried to weaken "Primebanshee". , but Ghost Gal countered that with "[[Altergeist Camouflage (anime)|Altergeist Camouflage]]", and protected protecting "Primebanshee" from attacks, stating claiming that Playmaker had reached his limits.<ref name="ep15">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|15|ref}}</ref> Playmaker paid 1000 LP to activate the effect of "Balancer Lord", making him eligible lowering his LP enough to use Storm Access. , but Ghost Gal refused to let him activate the Skill and used her own Skill, Secret Cure to increase both players' LP. Playmaker Special Summoned Despite this, was able to lower his LP enough with "[[Scan Doll]]", and paid 1000 LP to use while also copying Ghost Gal's "Altergeist Protocol" on to camouflage his "Silquitos". However, Ghost Gal believed he simply forgot about "Kunquery[[Altergeist Silquitous (anime)|Altergeist Silquitous]]" she still had in her hand. Playmaker used Storm Access, but and Ghost Gal went with pursued him into the Data Storm. However, but she lost control of her Duel Board and fell off of it, . Playmaker saved her and reminded her their Duel was not over yet and let her go back on the Duel Board. Playmaker Link Summoned his newly-acquired "[[Excode Talker (anime)|Excode Talker]]", whose effect made rendered two of Ghost Gal's Main Monster Zones unusable, and Tributed "Scan Doll" to make his allow "code Excode Talker" attack twice. Since As all of Ghost Gal's monsters could not be targeted for an attack targetattacked, "Excode Talker" attacked could attack Ghost Gal twicedirectly, and winning Playmaker won the Duel. Later, Ghost Gal watched the moon, even if Ai reminded her that was just data. Ghost Gal, as promised, gave Playmaker the program to enter the SOL Technologies' data bank, and left. Yusaku logged out of the network, and Kolter started to analyze it. However, the program as Yusaku was too tired and fell asleep.<ref name="ep15" >{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|15|ref}}</ref>

Kolter analyzed Ghost Gal's program, showing showed Yusaku the maze-like schematicsto the data bank, looking like a maze. They both and they wondered how skilled Ghost Gal was to have managed to hack into SOL Technologies' data bank, and Kolter promised he would finish by the time school was over for Yusaku to enter the mother computer system. While at school, Yusaku wondered where Skye was, as and he and Ai thought deduced that her brother forbade her from entering LINK VRAINS, to protect her from any danger. Ai noticed commented that Yusaku actually cared about her; Yusaku simply stated replied that one should not give up on Dueling this way. As After school was over, Yusaku went to Kolter's van. Kolter showed Yusaku the path to the data bank, but warned him a lot of traps were set to stop anyone. Yusaku started hesitating, and analyzed hesitantly noted that Ghost Gal also wanted something if she gave him the program, even if the information Yusaku could find there may not be that important. StillRegardless, he accessed the logged into LINK VRAINS to enter the mother computer system - an eerie, dark place. To protect himself, Playmaker used a device to navigate himself, and a rope to disguise him from security programs. Once the security programs started to go after Playmaker, he launched three "[[Sphere Kuriboh (anime)|Sphere Kuriboh]]" to shatter them without alerting anyone. Passing the first corridor, Playmaker arrived to in the second one, in which where a Data Storm was located. that drew Playmaker was pulled towards it, and breaking his rope broke, alerting the security chief, Kitamura. The latter sent and triggering two prototype AI prototypes to hunt after him down. Playmaker, who managed attempted to elude evade them. However, but [[Prototype Green-A|one of the AI-s AIs]] caught up with him, and initiated a Speed Duel with Playmaker. The AI prototype brought out "[[Tentacluster Nautilus]]", and tributed Tributed his "[[Tentacluster Drillworm]]", making Playmaker to discard all of his cards. Playmaker drew a card, but had to sent it, due to "Drillworm", ending up with no cards to play's hand. [[Prototype Red-B|The other AI prototype ]] arrived and started attacking Playmaker, intending intent on grabbing his Duel Disk. Much to everyone's his surprise, Blue Angel arrived, using her whip to grab prevent the AI prototype. Playmaker muttered her namefrom grabbing his Duel Disk, as and she declared claimed that she would be the one to defeat Playmaker, and started a Speed Duel with the other AI prototype.<ref name="ep16">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|16|ref}}</ref> Blue Angel explained that she had come to repay him for curing her. Playmaker claimed he never indebted her; regardless, Blue Angel started her Duel with the other AI prototype. Playmaker was able to use the cards in his Graveyard to Special Summon several monsters and reduce his LP to 1000 LP, allowing him to use Storm Access to acquire and Link Summon "[[Vector Square Archfiend (anime)|Vector Square Archfiend]]", while also summoning "Cyberse Wizard". Using the effect of "Vector Square Archfiend", he attacked several times, defeating the AI. Playmaker entered the Data Bank, and was surprised to find Zaizen and Ghost Gal waiting for him.<ref name="ep17">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|17|ref}}</ref>

Playmaker muttered Blue Angel's name, who came to repay him for curing her. Playmaker claimed he never indebted her; regardless, Blue Angel started the Duel with the other AI prototype. Continuing the Duel, Playmaker banished "[[Dotscaper (anime)|Dotscraper]]" and "Linkslayer" to Special Summon "[[Dual Assembwurm (anime)|Dual Assembwurm]]" from the GY, with its ATK halved, and brought "Dotscraper" with its effect. Using "[[Cynet Defrag]]" to summon "[[Flick Clown (anime)|Flick Clown]]" and use the latter's effect, Playmaker had 1000 LP left to use his Skill to grab a Link Monster from the Data Storm. Using his three Cyberse monsters, Playmaker summoned "[[Vector Square Archfiend (anime)|Vector Square Archfiend]]", and summoned "Cyberse Wizard" from his hand; the two monsters attacked the prototype's "Tentacluster" monsters, damaging it to 1100 LP. He Tributed "Cyberse Wizard" to use the effect of "Vector Square Archfiend" to revive "Tentacluster Nautilus" and gained another attack. He then destroyed "Tentcluster Nautilus" and defeated the AI prototype, who vanished into thin air. Playmaker entered the Data Bank, and was surprised to see Akira, who expected him to be there.<ref name="ep17">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|17|ref}}</ref> Playmaker questioned asked Ghost Gal and Akira as to why they were in the data bank. Ghost Gal explained that they were after the data, and Playmaker realized that he was just used as a decoy for them to enter the data bank. He ordered Akira Zaizen to moveaside, who but Zaizen refused, and admitted informed him that he obtained the data, thus knowing had learned what happened to Playmaker ten years agopreviously. Akira Zaizen claimed he had the right to know about the incident Incident and Playmaker asked of him to hand the data over. Instead, Akira Zaizen instead asked Playmaker to hand over the Ignis and disperseleave, wanting to shed some light over the incidentIncident, and Ghost Gal added Akira was demoted, due to the incident with Varis. Yusaku but Playmaker claimed that he would be the one to reveal the truth since it didn't personally involve Akira and Zaizen. He challenged him Zaizen to a Master Duel. He bet , betting Ai for the data, and Akira Zaizen accepted, seeing this was as the only way to defeat Playmaker.<ref name="ep18">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|18|ref}}</ref> [[File:Yusaku furious.png|thumb|left|Yusaku becoming furious at Akira]]Playmaker Link Summoned "Decode Talker" and used its Link Materials - and "[[Stack Reviver (anime)|Stack Reviver]]" - to revive "[[Cyberse Gadget (anime)|Cyberse Gadget]]" and summon a "[[Gadget Token (anime)|Gadget Token]]". Playmaker prepared his offence, but Akira tributed "[[Tindangle Base Gardna (anime)|Tindangle Base Gardna]]" for "[[Tindangle Hound (anime)|Tindangle Hound]]" to weaken his monsters and activated "[[Lemoine Point]]" to prevent Playmaker from attacking face-down monsters. Playmaker used "Cyberse Gadget" and "Gadget Token" to Link Summon "[[Flame Administrator (anime)|Flame Administrator]]". The latter's effect increased "Decode Talker's" ATK, enough to destroy "Tindangle Hound". Akira flipped "[[Tindangle Angel (anime)|Tindangle Angel]]", reviving "Tindangle Hound" in face-down position, and forced Playmaker to end the Battle Phase. Akira, however, spoke about his and Skye's past, and didn't wish that Skye was captured by strangers like Playmaker was. Akira told he would set things straight, and asked for trust. Kolter and Playmaker became furious, seeing Akira understood nothing about them. Playmaker trusted that Akira was a good person, but doubted he knew anything about the pain he bore. Akira [[Flip Summon]]ed "Tindangle Hound", and set "Tindangle Angel" into face-down position and gained its attack, plus weakening Playmaker's monsters. Akira attacked Playmaker's "Flame Administrator" and halved his LP. Playmaker used "[[Limit Code (anime)|Limit Code]]" to bring out "Encode Talker", at the cost of reducing its and "Decode Talker's" ATK. Playmaker saw Akira knew nothing of his goal, as he Link Summoned "Firewall Dragon".<ref name="ep18" /> "Tindangle Hound's" effect caused "Firewall Dragon's" ATK to be reduced. Using "[[Linkage Hole (anime)|Linkage Hole]]", Akira's monsters were destroyed, leaving him open for direct attacks. After Akira got directly hit by "Decode Talker", he destroyed the latter with "[[Tindangle Delaunay (anime)|Tindangle Delaunay]]", and immediately brought out his ace, "[[Tindangle Acute Cerberus (anime)|Tindangle Acute Cerberus]]". The latter attacked "Firewall Dragon", whom Playmaker protected with "[[Doppler Phase Coating]]". Akira protected his own monster with "[[Gergonne's End (anime)|Gergonne's End]]"; Playmaker noted Akira's Deck was quite difficult to figure out with such complex strategies. Playmaker tried to have "Firewall Dragon", enhanced with "[[Alert Lancer]]", attack "Tindangle Token" to finish the Duel. However, Akira prevented damage with "[[Morley's Shield]]", and to counter Playmaker's strategy, used "[[Nagel's Protection (anime)|Nagel's Protection]]" to protect his Tokens. "Tindangle Acute Cerberus" attacked, causing Playmaker's LP to be lowered down to 500. Ai yelled to Playmaker to do something, and even wondered if there was anything that can be done to get them out of the situation. Playmaker asked of Ai to stop panicking, asking if it even was an AI, making the latter furious why he was so calm. Playmaker claimed if Ai was so worried about losing, it should consider about finding a new home. Ai replied he didn't think of that, since he had Playmaker as a friend to help him out. Playmaker claimed they were not friends, stating Ai should behave like other AI-s. This crushed Ai, seeing Playmaker was colder than AI-s.<ref name="ep19" />

[[File:Yusaku furious.png|thumb|left|Yusaku becoming furious at Zaizen]]Playmaker swore he would not losequickly Link Summoned "Decode Talker", since but as he wished to uncover the truth. He looked at prepared his deckoffence, commenting it contained Zaizen brought out "[[Tindangle Hound (anime)|Tindangle Hound]]" to weaken his feelings over the past ten yearslinked monsters and used "[[Lemoine Point]]" to prevent Playmaker from attacking face-down monsters. Playmaker drew a card and set itcountered by Link Summoning "[[Flame Administrator (anime)|Flame Administrator]]", while Akira commented whose effect increased the ATK of "Decode Talker" past that was his destiny. Akira asked of Playmaker to stop this revenge and go to school to cherish these memories, rather than trying to uncover the truth, which Akira would reveal"Tindangle Hound". He claimed Playmaker was too conceited in the past, and he would not feel happiness, just like Akira didn't. Blue flipped "[[Tindangle Angel (anime)|Tindangle Angel came to hear the story]]", though reviving "Tindangle Hound" face-down and ending Playmaker wished that Akira did not tell the story's Battle Phase. Akira Zaizen spoke about the incidenthis and Skye's past, mentioning claiming that Playmaker was rescued. Playmaker refused to believe he was rescued, knew their pain and swore he'd uncover asking them to leave fighting the incident, for the sake of the families hurt in the incident, and wished Hanoi to rescue the person whose voice that encouraged him to fight may still be trapped. Kolter and Playmaker claimed even if Akira believed revenge was pointlessbecame furious, he still discovered claiming that the Knights of Hanoi had involvement in the projectZaizen understood nothing about them. Akira also stated the SOL Technologies' data bank contained the name of the mastermind behind the Zaizen [[Hanoi ProjectFlip Summon]]ed "Tindangle Hound", and Set "Tindangle Angel", weakening Playmaker's monsters again and destroying "Flame Administrator". Playmaker was shockedused "[[Limit Code (anime)|Limit Code]]" to bring out "Encode Talker", and yelled out for the name of the mastermind, but Akira remained silentthen he used it to Link Summon "Firewall Dragon".<ref name="ep19ep18" />

Playmaker demanded Although the name effect of "Tindangle Hound" reduced the mastermindATK of "Firewall Dragon", but Akira refused Playmaker used "[[Linkage Hole (anime)|Linkage Hole]]" to give out the name, fearing this would only feed Playmakerdestroy Zaizen's desire for revenge and hatredmonsters. Akira decided to conclude the Duel by having "Tindangle Acute CerberusDecode Talker" landed a direct attack "Firewall Dragon". Playmaker avoided the defeat by banishing his dragon , but Zaizen destroyed it with "[[Cynet Backdoor Tindangle Delaunay (anime)|Cynet BackdoorTindangle Delaunay]]" , and with brought out his ace, "[[Doppler Phase CoatingTindangle Acute Cerberus (anime)|Tindangle Acute Cerberus]]" gone. It attacked "Firewall Dragon", Akira's which Playmaker protected with "[[Battle Doppler PhaseCoating]] ended". Akira turned the tables by using Zaizen protected his own monster with "[[EulerGergonne's Circuit End (anime)|EulerGergonne's CircuitEnd]]", preventing Playmaker from attacking, and allowing one "Tindangle" monster to be switched to Playmakernoted that Zaizen's fieldDeck was quite difficult to figure out with such complex strategies. Playmaker was frustrated, and noted this was a Duel for justice. Akira swore tried to take end the data and track down the ones responsible. Playmaker doubted he knew anything, as he trusted his own justice that would make him prevail and win. Drawing a card, Playmaker used "Draconnet", "Bitron" and Duel by attacking Zaizen's "[[Digitron (anime)|DigitronTindangle Token]]" to bring out "Link Spider", but Zaizen prevented the damage with "[[Recovery Sorcerer (anime)|Recovery SorcererMorley's Shield]]" and , then used "[[Security Gardna Nagel's Protection (anime)|Security GardnaNagel's Protection]]"to protect his Tokens. "Tindangle Acute Cerberus" attacked "Firewall Dragon" again, reducing Playmaker to 500 LP. Akira pointed Ai yelled at Playmaker to do something, and wondered if there was anything to be done to get them out the pointlessness of summoning their situation. Playmaker told Ai to stop panicking, and the monsterstwo traded barbs. Playmaker swore he would not lose, as he wished to uncover the truth. He claimed that his Deck contained his feelings over the past ten years. Playmaker drew a card and Set it. Zaizen asked Playmaker was unable to attackstop this revenge and cherish his memories, rather than trying to uncover the truth, which Zaizen would reveal. Since "Security Gardna" He claimed Playmaker was placed on too conceited in the past, and he would not feel happiness, just as Zaizen himself hadn't. Blue Angel, who had been watching the top link of "Tindangle Acute Cerberus"Duel for a while, Akira used "Gergonnerevealed her presence and asked to hear about Playmaker's past. Against Playmaker's End" wishes, Zaizen spoke about the Lost Incident, mentioning that Playmaker had been rescued at its conclusion. Playmaker claimed that he was never rescued due to nuke all monsters linked the trauma that he suffered, and swore that he would uncover the truth for the sake of the families hurt in the Incident, and that he would rescue the person whose voice had encouraged him to inflict massive damage on fight if he was still trapped. Playmakernoted that even though Zaizen believed revenge was pointless, believing he had still discovered that the latter has lost hope Knights of Hanoi had been involved in winningthe Lost Incident, also known as the [[Hanoi Project]]. Zaizen then revealed that SOL Technologies' data bank contained the name of the mastermind behind the Hanoi Project, much to Playmaker's shock.<ref name="ep20ep19">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|20|ref}}</ref>

The Playmaker demanded the name of the mastermind, but Zaizen refused to reveal it, fearing this would only feed Playmaker's hatred and desire for revenge. Zaizen attempted to conclude the Duel by attacking "Firewall Dragon" with "Acute Cerberus", but Playmaker avoided the defeat by banishing his dragon with "[[Cynet Backdoor (anime)|Cynet Backdoor]]", triggering the effect activatedof "Doppler Phase Coating" to end the Battle Phase. Zaizen turned the tables by preventing Playmaker from attacking "[[Euler's Circuit (anime)|Euler's Circuit]]", dealing 4500 LP damage which would also allow him to Summon a "Tindangle" monster to Playmaker's field to complete his combo. Playmakerbrought out "Link Spider", "[[Recovery Sorcerer (anime)|Recovery Sorcerer]]" and "[[Security Gardna (anime)|Security Gardna]]". Akira turned aroundZaizen pointed out the pointlessness of summoning the monsters, but as Playmaker was surprised unable to attack. As Playmaker had Summoned "Security Gardna" to the Zone that "Tindangle Acute Cerberus" pointed to, Zaizen used "Gergonne's End" to destroy the monsters that "Acute Cerberus" pointed to, inflicting the ATK of "Acute Cerberus" to see Playmaker, but Playmaker survived as with the effect of "Security Gardna" , which prevented all effect damage during that turn. This trap and destroyed "Euler's Circuit", and allowed allowing Playmaker to attack. Despite the his advantage, Playmaker used "Recovery Sorcerer" to bring back "Security Gardna". Ai questioned this, as Playmaker could simply make a direct attack directly with "Firewall Dragon", but was told and Playmaker claimed that a Duel is was more than just winning or losing. Playmaker made He used the effect of "Firewall Dragon" to return Akira's "Tindangle Hound" and "Tindangle Angel" from the GY Graveyard to his hand, thus forcing reducing the ATK of "Tindangle Acute Cerberus'" ATK to drop to 0. Declaring "Tempest Attack", before destroying it with "Firewall Dragon" attacked "Tindangle Acute Cerberus" and defeated Akira, defeating Zaizen. Playmaker then walked pass by Akira past the Zaizen siblings and Blue Angel, having had Ai eat away devour SOL Technologies' data. Before leaving, Playmaker asked of Akira Zaizen not to follow him, or else he'd walk the path of darkness. Akira wanted to know Zaizen asked why Playmaker didn't attack directly with "Firewall Dragon". He , and he explained "Tindangle Hound" and "Tindangle Angel" represent represented Akira and his sister, who he believed should rather turn around and walk to the lightrather than remain in the Graveyard. He went on the tansported to his Duel Board and logged out of the mother computer system. Outside, Kolter praised Yusaku and Ai, the former giving out the data he acquired. The two hacked into Ai, and found out the Hanoi Project's leader was [[Kiyoshi Kogami|Dr. [[Kiyoshi Kogami]], an employee from SOL Technologies, who alone worked on the project Project alone in secrecy. The two concluded that SOL Technologies covered up the incident, or else Incident to prevent the company's reputation would've been from being ruined. Ai doubted the man that Dr. Kogami could have done this on his own, and thought Akira suggested that Zaizen was involved, but Kolter reminded him Akira, that Zaizen had been 16 back then, was 16 and was not employed at SOL Technologies at the time. Kolter and Yusaku failed to find the projectProject's goalin the data, but most shockingly, to their shock they discovered Dr. Kogami had died seven years ago.<ref name="ep20">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|20|ref}}</ref>

Playmaker and [[Ai]] watched an eclipse blocking the virtual sun in [[LINK VRAINS]]. Ai remembered people in the ancient past were scared of such events, and was surprised people, even today, were still afraid. Playmaker replied people remain the same, unlike technology that advances. The latter proclaimed the light was blocked by darkness, and confirmed to Ai he meant about the Lost Incident. He would not let the incident be buried in darkness, and would uncover the truth. Later, Yusaku was at school, and remembered how someone spoke to him during the Lost Incident project. [[Naoki Shima|Naoki]] called out to Yusaku, reminding him the class was over, and thought he was one of the "Athnoers". Yusaku walked away, and Naoki told him "Athnoers" were people trapped in LINK VRAINS, noting a lot of students haven't attended the school. He believed it was due to cursed [[Duel Disk]]s, which, at midnight, emit white hands that drag people into LINK VRAINS, leaving the people's bodies "hollow". He thought no person would return back to their old-selves, even if they were taken to the hospital. Ai thought this had relations to [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Angel]], but Yusaku shushed him, since Naoki could hear him. Naoki doubted Yusaku would become a victim, since they were usually people with promising Dueling future. Yusaku advised him to stay away from the Duel Disk and walked away from Naoki, who wished Playmaker would set things straight. Before leaving, Yusaku corrected him the term was "[[AnotherDeleted]]s", not "Athnoers", which made Naoki furious, since Yusaku knew everything already. Inside the van, [[Kolter]] showed Ai and Yusaku the footage of a camera, when a person turned into an AnotherDeleted, which happened six minutes before midnight. Ai noted there were no white hands taking the person into LINK VRAINS. Kolter told them the person had not recovered yet, and showed pictures of more Another Deleted patients in the hospitals. Ai and Yusaku knew this was the same accident with Blue Angel, who was infected by a virus.<ref name="ep22">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|22|ref}}</ref>

Kolter believed someone wanted people to be turned into mindless people, but has not find out what happened to their LINK VRAINS' avatars. Kolter showed more data, and Yusaku analyzed all of the Anothers Deleted were great Duelists with old-type Duel Disks, and all of them were hackers, too. The trio realized Playmaker, or Ai, were the targets. Yusaku reminded the importance of uncovering the truth behind Lost Incident, and as noted by Ai, they had to stop people from becoming AnothersDeleted. Ai noted Yusaku was a cool hero of justice, even if the latter claimed that was unnecessary. Kolter showed a list of possible targets, from which the first was [[Makoto KimishimaMcKendrick Kellenbocker]]. Yusaku traced the person to his house, and saw lights at his window. Yusaku broke through into his room, and saw he became a victim. In addition, he and Ai watched MakotoMcKendrick's avatar inside LINK VRAINS being confronted by [[Dr. Genome|a person]], who wished to know if he was Playmaker and had [[Ignis]]. Yusaku and Ai saw the person casted some glitter, causing Makoto McKendrick to fall asleep and fall off the cliff, but was saved by [[George Gore|the Gore]]. Playmaker watched as the Gore confronted the person, Dr. Genome, who placed the virus into MakotoMcKendrick, only to draw Playmaker out. Yusaku came to the hospital, where he heard Gore swear to defeat Dr. Genome. Gore saw Yusaku and realized he was also concerned about MakotoMcKendrick, who attended the same school. Yusaku gave his name to Gore, and left. At the van, Kolter and Yusaku watched the [[Knights of Hanoi]] Dueling people, and turning them into AnothersDeleted. Yusaku decided to go into LINK VRAINS, even if Kolter believed he would be at a disadvantage, and Ai wished to feel secure. Surprisingly, they saw "Playmaker" battling the Knights of Hanoi, by stopping their programs and tossing them away from their [[Duel Board]]s. Dr. Genome confronted "Playmaker", who revealed himself to be Gore. The latter stated he came to save MakotoMcKendrick, and knew Playmaker's identity, which displeased Yusaku and Kolter. Yusaku did not know if Gore really knew his identity, but was still frustrated. The group watched as Dr. Genome activated the [[Data Gale]], conjuring black tornadoes for the [[Speed Duel]].<ref name="ep22"/>

Yusaku and Ai logged into LINK VRAINS and Playmaker motivated the Gore in a sarcastic manner, which made him to defeat Genome. After Gore defeated Genome, he then approached Playmaker and realize that Playmaker didn't come to mock him. Instead, he came to motivate him but Playmaker didn't give a straight answer. Gore then told him that he wanted to team up with Playmaker and defeat Hanoi. They saw Blue Angel, and Gore also offered her to join forces with them. The next day Yusaku didn't go to school and teamed up with Gore, defeating various Knights of Hanoi. After defeating another Knight, Playmaker and Ai then interrogated him about the removal program that can cure the victims of AnotherDeleted. However, before the Knight could explain, he was erased by [[Kyoko Taki|someone]]. Gore then asked him about Blue Angel's whereabouts, but Playmaker didn't know where she was, and remembered she left all of a sudden. The two then discussed about the creator of removal program. Sometime later Yusaku, Ai and Kolter then watch [[Kitamura]] making a public announcement that he developed an army of AI Duelists to confront the Knights of Hanoi.<ref name="ep24">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|24|ref}}</ref>

At the van, Kolter analyzed that if the Knights of Hanoi took over LINK VRAINS, they'd soon find Playmaker. Yusaku believed they could prevent that by looking into the origins of Anothers Deleteds virus. The next day, at the van, Kolter woke Yusaku up, reminding he had to go to school, and promised he'd continue working. After Yusaku returned, Kolter found nothing new. Yusaku let Kolter rest, who went to cook some fries and cheese dogs. Yusaku and Kolter ate the food, and watched Blue Angel confronting Baira. Ai noted Blue Angel was cornered, but Yusaku shushed him, since they were still working. Kolter and Yusaku analyzed the videos, and the latter saw Baira behind one of the Anothers Deleteds victims.<ref name="ep25">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|25|ref}}</ref> Yusaku and Kolter then hacked into Baira's profile and found out her real identity as [[Kyoko Taki]], a doctor who works at [[Den Hospital]] and they were able to find out her home address. Yusaku then went into her apartment and Ai warned him it could be Hanoi's headquarter as he went inside he was greeted by a security guard robot, who asked him who does he want to visit. But, Yusaku remained silent as Ai told him to say something before anything get suspicious the robot then threatened him if he doesn't answer he would be held under suspicion. When Kolter took control of the guard and guided him to Kyoto's room, Yusaku found her in LINK VRAINS and watched Blue Angel defeat her. He and Kolter also witnessed the victims of Another Deleted getting cured and logging out of LINK VRAINS. As Baira suddenly disappeared, they thought she logged out and decided to interrogate her about the removal program but witness her getting purged by Varis.<ref name="ep26">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|26|ref}}</ref>

Despite Another Deleted victims being purged from the virus, Yusaku was still worried, since he only fought the Knights of Hanoi inside LINK VRAINS, and Kolter confirmed one last mastermind left to be fought against. The next day, Yusaku spoke with Naoki, who wished to battle the Knights of Hanoi alongside Playmaker and Blue Angel. Naoki pointed out the [[Duel Club]] forbade entering LINK VRAINS. Yusaku warned him there was a website with the list of AnothersDeleted, and since Naoki had no plan, he would instantly fail. Yusaku also sensed fear inside Naoki and felt he'd ask Yusaku to join him. Naoki was furious and stormed out, and Ai noted Yusaku went too far on him. When Yusaku came to the van, Kolter showed him someone has played his "[[Cyberse Wizard (anime)|Cyberse Wizard]]". Kolter identified him as Lonely Brave, which Ai thought as a cool name. When Yusaku showed his "Cyberse Wizard", Ai touched it and sensed the data from the card was missing. Ai thought Lonely Brave was the mastermind, and defeated the Knight of Hanoi to lure Playmaker out. They soon found Naoki was Lonely Brave, who changed the name to "Brave Max". Despite this, Yusaku feared Naoki was in danger, should the mastermind find out he used the [[Cyberse]] card. Not long after, Yusaku and Kolter found Brave Max, with [[Faust]], the mastermind, who called out to Playmaker to come and Duel him. The former claimed he received "Cyberse Wizard" from Playmaker, which surprised Yusaku. Yusaku went to grab his [[Duel Disk]], but saw it was gone. Ai logged on the screen, and showed he was on the Duel Disk, which [[Roboppy]] modified it with a drone. While Yusaku noted the device felt heavier, Ai explained he was searching for Naoki, though the data of "Cyberse Wizard". Yusaku realized Ai even knew this would happen, which offended Ai, seeing Yusaku was even accusing him. Regardless, Ai showed the location, where Naoki was captured. Yusaku called out to him, and Ai returned to the van. Yusaku grabbed the Duel Disk and left Kolter to rescue Naoki, while Yusaku logged in to LINK VRAINS.<ref name="ep27">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|27|ref}}</ref>

Playmaker arrived to LINK VRAINS, and assured Brave Max he'd face Faust. Before he did, Brave Max returned "Cyberse Wizard" to Playmaker. Playmaker placed the card in his Deck, and noted Faust was the final Another Deleted mastermind, who stole the data of "Cyberse Wizard" and gave it to Brave Max, to lure him out. Faust did not know what Playmaker was talking about, since he did not do that. Ai assured Playmaker that wasn't important, and only had to defeat Faust. Faust declared his mission was to retrieve Ignis, and used the Data Gale to conjure a stage for their battle. Playmaker noted it was just like during Blue Angel and Gore's Duels, and Ai noted this prevented them from returning home. Playmaker raced with Faust and jumped on their Duel Boards to start their Speed Duel. Faust started the Speed Duel with summoning three "[[Motor Worm Token]]s", and Ai sensed Faust was going all-out from the start. Playmaker went to confront Faust's "[[Motor Worm Spreader Queen]]", by Link Summoning "[[Decode Talker (anime)|Decode Talker]]". Faust smirked, and protected his queen by destroying the "Motor Worm Token", using "[[Wormhole Defense]]". Since the token was destroyed, the queen's ATK fell down, allowing "Cyberse Wizard". Faust was inflicted additional damage, yet revived his queen with "[[Worm Revival]]". Playmaker found out Faust wanted him to destroy the queen, as Faust used "[[Egg Clutch]]" to turn "Cyberse Wizard" into an [[Insect]] monster, thus boosting the queen's ATK. Ai wondered if there was nothing they could do, and repeated this to Playmaker when he ended his turn. Faust played "[[Motor Worm Gate]]", to allow his queen to attack directly if Playmaker only controlled Insect monsters. Ai pointed out they still had [[Cyberse]] "Decode Talker", which his queen destroyed, inflicting 1700 damage to Playmaker. Faust used his Skill, [[Skill#Double Bite|Double Bite]], to have the queen attack once more and finish Playmaker off.<ref name="ep28">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|28|ref}}</ref>

Playmaker barely survived with 50 LP and crashing into a building, by halving the damage with "[[Urgent Link]]". Despite this, Playmaker told Ai it was still enough to battle. He also went to Link Summon, but Faust's "Wormhole Defense" prevented the Insect tokens to be used as Link Material. Faust declared he would obtain Ignis on his next turn, but Playmaker hoped there was still a way to turn things around. He used "[[Cybersal Cyclone (anime)|Cybersal Cyclone]]" to banish "Decode Talker" to destroy the queen, though Faust had a token destroyed in her stead. Playmaker smiled, since the card he played allowed him to destroy "Wormhole Defense". Faust declared he still wouldn't lose, though Playmaker made him doubt his words when he went into the black Data Storm to use [[Skill#Storm Access|Storm Access]] skill, and Link Summoned that monster, "[[Powercode Talker (anime)|Powercode Talker]]". Reviving his "[[Space Insulator (anime)|Space Insulator]]", Playmaker also negated the queen's effects, thus making her ATK return to 1000. Before Playmaker went to attack, Faust tried to warn him of Ignis being a threat. Ai told Playmaker to ignore Faust - "Powercode Talker", who doubled its ATK by tributing "Space Insulator", destroyed "Motor Worm Spreader Queen", and defeated Faust. Before vanishing, Faust tried to warn Playmaker he may have just doomed the humanity's future. Playmaker repeated Faust's final words, though Ai didn't know anything of that. Before logging out, Playmaker told "Brave Max" he should seek his own path out, if he was brave enough. Yusaku, who logged out, came to Naoki, who was actually released when Faust lost the Duel, at the warehouse district. Naoki was glad to see Yusaku came to rescue him, and told about Playmaker's ordeals. While Naoki continued talking, Yusaku concluded Faust didn't want Naoki to be turned into an AnotherDeleted. He also thought Ai could've been the one that sent "Cyberse Wizard" to Naoki, believing the Ignis put him in danger.<ref name="ep28" />

Since Yusaku felt uneasy, he could not sleep and went to Kolter's van. Ai smiled at Yusaku, thinking how cute he was, but Yusaku ordered him to be quiet. Regardless, he also agreed with Yusaku something bad would soon begin, as Yusaku believed Varis would make his move soon.<ref name="ep28"/> Yusaku and Ai, in real life, sensed something wrong in LINK VRAINS. Later, after Kolter served a customer, Yusaku noted that the Knights of Hanoi have been purged from LINK VRAINS. Kolter noted AnothersDeleted' incident has been resolved, but also reminded Varis was still out there. Ai thought Varis had retreated, but Yusaku doubted that. Instead, Yusaku questioned why Varis didn't make an appearance, thinking he had a reason to do so. Suddenly, Yusaku and Ai felt a pulse within LINK VRAINS, and the latter noted Yusaku had [[Link Sense]]. Yusaku asked Kolter to scan through the network. Kolter worked on scanning, and just as Yusaku and Ai sensed another pulse, Kolter saw the LINK VRAINS infrastructure was changing. Yusaku decided to visit LINK VRAINS, even if Ai felt a bad omen ahead. Yusaku noted Varis acted always in public, but this wasn't the case recently. Yusaku promised to find him, and sensed something big would happen soon. Inside LINK VRAINS, Playmaker rode the Data Wind. Ai tried to convince Playmaker things would go bad and they should return home, but Playmaker was focused on finding the cause. Once again, they sensed the pulse coming from the network. Finding some data fireflies, Playmaker traced them to a spot. As the data fireflies stopped, Ai thought they were taking a break. The two were visited by [[Emma Bessho|Ghost Gal]], who wasn't particularly pleased Ai and Playmaker were present, too.<ref name="ep30">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|30|ref}}</ref>

After Gore defeated [[Dr. Genome]], Yusaku became more willing to let Gore fight against Hanoi in the wake of the [[AnotherDeleted]] crisis and they formed an alliance.