"Sir! This is absurd!" 

As Masuo Itaki walked down one of the many halls of his corporate tower, a average grey-suited man followed beside him, seeming to be in a panic. Which was within his right, as Itaki had decided to take up the invitation for this children's game tournament! The man enjoyed his hobbies, yes, but this was risking the capability of the entire business while he was gone! Potential losses due to missed meetings and unsigned contracts could lead to a loss much higher than just a million dollars! 

"Your losses could be well beyond a million, Masuo-Sama! We could reach a state where we can't come back from without years of effort! This is a very dangerous and unsmart move, I advise you refuse immediately!" The grey-suited man spoke with urgency, as his boss continued walking towards the elevator without much care.

Itaki smiled, looking at the man. "Nonsense! You're implying that I can't place my trust in you while I am gone, Sojiro-san?" He questioned, simple and clean. Itaki was like that: He'd say simple things, and unless you wanted to insult yourself, you wouldn't reply. It usually just made getting his way easier, which was always a plus.

The grey-suited man, Sojiro, coughed nervously. "O-Of course not! You can rely on me..." He assured, somewhat nervously.

As they approached the elevator, it opened as if on cue for Itaki. As he stopped at the doors, he clicked his tongue; A bark coming from behind the two men. Itaki turned, crouching down. A huge smile crossed his face and his eyes widened as a small, fluffy white dog with a black splotch over it's eye ran up to him, jumping into his arms. 

"Shugo~!" Itaki cheered sweetly, standing with the dog in his arms. He turned back around and entered the elevator, scratching the pooch on the head. "I wouldn't forget you, boy. Whose going to come duel with papa? Is it you~? It's youuu~!"

"Sir..." Sojiro muttered, disturbed.

Itaki cleared his throat as the elevator doors closed. He pushed the button for the bottom floor, and soon they were descending. "You worry far too much, Sojiro." Itaki said, plainly, looking at the man. "Trust me; The business will be fine while I'm away. There's nothing that I can't recover from, and even if something went wrong, you know I'd have a payout lined up for you to support your family while looking for work."

Sojiro choked on air, eyes widening behind his square glasses. "You can't just talk of your own business going downhill like that! I-It's madness!" He stammered, in a bit of a panic. "But... Changing your mind has never been easy. Or even possible." He admitted, defeated. 

"You've got that right! Doesn't he, Shugo?" Itaki asked, looking down at his dog. Shugo barked enthusiastically, and Itaki simply laughed. "Thassa' good boy! Yesss!"

Sojiro simply sighed, losing hope. He pushed his glasses up, shaking his head slowly. "You're really taking the dog?"

Itaki's eyes widened, as if someone had just insulted his mother. "Of course I am! Shugo and I go everywhere together! I'd never leave him, Sojiro-San..!!" Itaki exclaimed, holding the dog up as if it was some sort of hero. As he did, the elevator opened. The sight was ignored by the staff as they passed by, so it seemed that this was all normal. After a moment Itaki progressed forward, bringing Shugo  close to his body, held in both arms. 

"I regret asking," Sojiro said, tone mopey. "You are certain you don't wish to take the helicopter?" 

"Of course! A boat is more adventurous! A sea venture, to an island! Perhaps a tropical island!" Itaki responded loudly, approaching the exit to the building. "Perhaps I can sip from a fresh coconut on the beach! Or better yet, duel on the beach! Or duel on the beach whilest sipping from a fresh coconut! The concept is amazing, isn't it?!"

The automatic doors opened and the duo stepped out, stopping in front of the building. "The message said that they would be sending someone for me. I simply ask that you watch over things for me, Sojiro-San." 

"Very well. Just return as soon as you are able..." Sojiro responded, loyally. 

Soon enough, a car pulled up; Sleek, and black. Boring, in Itaki's opinion, but official. He kept his smile as a man stepped out, opening the door to the backseat for him. Itaki could tell the man was surprised, despite his shades. 

"We... Weren't supposed to allow pets, sir." The man spoke calmly. 

Itaki narrowed his eyes. "You'll allow this one; Or you can simply leave with one less contestant. [i]Would your boss be happy about that?[/i]"

The man hesitated, before nodding. He was informed to make sure the man arrived to the boat. That was the same for all of the crews sent out to pick up the contestants, though. "Very well."

Itaki entered the car with an overly excited Shugo, resting the dog in his lap as the man closed the door and entered the front passenger seat. Within a few moments, they were off; Heading towards the ship to the tournament.

Sojiro was left standing alone, unsure of what to make of this mess. "[i]Why[/i] do these things have to happen...?"