The Past is Present


 * "Thank you for coming Seto Kaiba." Ishizu
 * "Where are the other guests?" Seto asked.
 * "I said this was a private exhibition. You were the only one invited because it makes conducting business so much easier." Ishizu
 * "We've locked all the entrances." Guard 1
 * "Nobody is allowed in or out." Guard 2
 * "It's only been a minute, but I'm already bored. If you don't tell me what this is all about... I'm leaving now." Seto
 * "Excuse us. We've faced a string of thefts and we have to be careful. You may leave any time you wish, Seto Kaiba. However, I believe it's in your best interest to see all we have to offer." Ishizu
 * "Really, now? Hmm and how do you know what's best for me?" Seto
 * "Please. Come this way." Ishizu


 * "Unbeknownst to most duelists, Pegasus created a series of all-powerful cards that were never released to the public. It's no surprise that he kept the strongest monsters for himself. Follow me Kaiba and I'll reveal the real reason that I called you here today." Ishizu
 * "I've secured the most precious artifacts here. We've recovered stone carvings that depict the earliest known game played in Egypt. I'm you will find it most familiar. Kaiba, behold the origin of Duel Monsters!" Ishizu


 * "I see you've come to your senses," Ishizu commented. Furthermore, there is a theory that in ancient times these monsters were real. Egyptian sorcerers summoned monsters to Earth to do their bidding, but they soon realized that the monsters could not be controlled. They destroyed countless villages and brought Earth to the brink of destruction. The citizens turned to the Pharaoh for help, though he could not permanently defeat the monsters he managed to use his magic to seal them away in stone tablets and brought peace to the world. However, over time, evil sorcerers learned how to control the monsters and release them from the tablets... with their army of powerful the sorcerers were confident that no one could stand in their way... they betrayed the Pharaoh and waged an all-out war against him." Ishizu


 * "This is the one that you must look at. This carving is the reason I've called you here tonight. It depicts one of the main conflicts in the war between the Pharaoh and his greatest opponent. Closely examine this artifact. After this moment, Kaiba, your life will never be the same." Ishizu

Seto examined the stone and realized that the Pharaoh looked like Yugi.


 * "On the left is the sorcerer fighting against him. That's you, Kaiba. If you still have any doubt, look at his monster. It's the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Ishizu


 * "The hieroglyphics read that the mighty sorcerer marched into the Pharaoh's chamber and challenged him and his legion of noble magicians to a legendary duel with the fate of the world at stake. The Pharaoh accepted the sorcerers challenge and their epic battle began. Both opponents unleashed their most powerful monsters against each other. The sorcerer fighting to control the world and the Pharaoh and his loyal followers fighting to save it. Today, five thousand years later, this battle is being played out once again. Do you see? Now do you believe in destiny Kaiba?" Ishizu


 * "This can't be real. There's no way! This piece of rock has got to be a fake!" Seto


 * "If you won't trust my words then you must look back in time to experience a part of the battle first hand... which I can help you do with my Millennium Necklace." Ishizu
 * "That sorcerer is big-mouthed losing chump! You can't compare him to me!" Seto
 * "Well then, maybe the final vision will convince you." Ishizu
 * "No!" Seto

"Now are you convinced Kaiba? As I said before, history is destined to repeat itself. It's not just coincidence that Yugi is your greatest opponent. You two have battled in the ancient past! It was destiny that you and Yugi dueled and it's destiny that you two battle again!" Ishizu
 * "Thanks for the lecture, but I make my own destiny and I do what I want to do," Seto
 * "Kaiba! I thought what you wanted were powerful monsters. The Duel Monsters that surpass the power of Exodia.... What if I told you they were in front of your eyes the whole time?" Ishizu
 * "What?" Seto
 * "Take a look at the top. They were the strongest and most feared creatures of annihilation. Obelisk the Tormentor! Slifer the Sky Dragon! The Winged Dragon of Ra! Control one and you can destroy a million armies! Wield all three and the planet itself will quake in fear!" Ishizu
 * "And Pegasus turned them into cards?" Seto
 * "Yes." Ishizu
 * "You lie! If he had them why didn't he use them against me at Duelist Kingdom?" Seto
 * "Because Pegasus feared the power of these Egyptian God cards. You cannot fathom the magical energy within! Pegasus could not control the power of the cards he created! They threatened to overwhelm and destroy him!" Ishizu


 * "Ishizu... what did Pegasus do with the cards?" Seto
 * "He gave them to me... for safe keeping. Pegasus realized that if these cards fell into the wrong hands they could bring about the end of the world! He had me bury them in secret locations, but the cards were discovered. I must find them and hide them once again!" Ishizu
 * "You mean someone already found the cards?" Kaiba
 * "Yes." Ishizu
 * "Tell me who." Seto


 * "The Rare Hunters." (Cover explanation of them) "I need your help to draw them out into the open. Kaiba... if you were to start a Duel Monsters tournament, your reputation would attract the greatest duelists in the world. This would be the greatest concentration of precious cards ever assembled in one location." Ishizu


 * "I see. It's a trap. The Rare Hunters won't be able to resist such tempting bait. They'll come by the droves. Like vultures to a carcass and they'll bring the Egyptian God cards!" Kaiba


 * "One last thing. Take this card." Ishizu
 * "Huh! Can it be? It's Obelisk the Tormentor! I thought the cards were all stolen!" Kaiba
 * "I never said they were all stolen. I managed to retrieve one in time... you may borrow it during the tournament, but I expect it back." Ishizu
 * "It's not every day that a card this rare is handed to me... what if I chose to keep it forever? What makes you think I can be trusted? I could walk out and you'd never see it again." Kaiba
 * "You will return the card. I have foreseen it."
 * "I'll bet," Seto
 * "You may not believe in destiny, but before the tournament is done you will have to face your past." Ishizu
 * "You know, I read that once in a fortune cookie," Seto replied mockingly. "I'll organize this tournament."
 * "I thank you," Ishizu
 * "But I'm not going to set it up because of your fairy tales and your hocus pocus mind tricks. I want to reclaim my title as the number one duelist."