Kaiba Naya.
An anime-original character whose introduction fundamentally reshaped the portrayal of the Kaiba brothers, freeing them from their original depiction as "traitorous stepchildren."
In the manga, no matter how their characters were tweaked, the brothers still ended up hating and eventually poisoning their adoptive father, Kaiba Gōzaburō. In the anime's Naya arc, however, Gōzaburō's adoption of the brothers was reframed as a deliberate plan—an act of "necessary evil" rather than impulsive kindness. From then on, this moral gray area plays as both sides sacrificing themselves for a greater purpose.
Though some downplayed this anime-exclusive twist, its impact was undeniable: it successfully recast Seto as no longer a villainous manipulator, but as a tragic anti‑heroical figure.
From there, the Kaiba brothers shed their villainous roles, with Seto stepping into the role of arch-rival and taking second-billed status. Where Naya exists, you can trust Kaiba isn't the cold-hearted brute from the manga's early days—even that distinct green-haired look was reassigned.
You Ming forced a slight smile, but nothing came—it felt brittle, hollow. He expected joy at meeting familiar characters as a time‑traveler, but instead felt a surreal sense of displacement: "Am I speeding through anime side‑stories, or lost in some new canon?"
> "Let's put 'Red‑Eyes' aside for now. I called you here for something else."
Naya's words snapped him back. The boy looked no older than ten, yet his gaze carried a crisp maturity.
> "You're the duelist Keith found on the way, right?"
> "Right, Lord Naya. He's the kid I picked up—he's good at dueling…" Keith began, but Naya interjected:
> "Keith. …You must be tired."
The room grew tense as Keith fidgeted uncomfortably.
> "Why don't you return the Duel Disk for now, then rest. We have another operation for you later."
> "Fine—just make sure the money's good," Keith mumbled before chastely excusing himself.
With a cold "click," the door sealed. You Ming and Naya were left alone.
> "Have a seat," Naya invited, his voice warm and unthreatening. "No need to be nervous. You're safe here."
> "…Okay," You Ming replied, exhaling.
He marveled at Naya's poise—raised as the heir of Kaiba Corp, schooled in the arts of rulership, but still polite in demeanor. The stiffness of that respect, however, made You Ming uneasy.
> "Awkward!" croaked the raven perched on Naya's shoulder.
The bird's voice broke the silence, making You Ming's expression warping with discomfort. The raven glowered with a purple sheen that set his nerves on edge.
> "Sorry about that," Naya said softly, apologizing for his companion. "It just… blurts things out."
> "Actually, it's kind of entertaining. Crows don't normally speak!" You Ming allowed, trying to calm the tension.
> "It's a card-spirit named 'Yatagarasu.' It's been with me a long time." Naya explained.
> "That... we should have a lot to talk about."
Another awkward pause followed, interrupted by the raven's shriek:
> "Danger! Danger!"
You Ming hit his temples, trying to quiet his looping thoughts.
> "Calm down! Calm down!" the raven screeched on.
He shifted focus back to Naya, who had apologized again, eyes sincere.
> "I think we don't need games or tests," You Ming began. "If you invited me, it means we have something to talk about or negotiate—right?"
Naya paused, then smiled, nodding.
> "I may have misjudged you. I often assume anyone I speak to is a politician or businessman. Sorry about that."
The mood lightened instantly. The office seemed brighter.
> "Still, some formality is needed." Naya leaned forward, hand under chin. "Let me introduce myself. I am Kaiba Naya, responsible for managing and securing this place."
> "And I am You Ming, just a regular student." You Ming replied simply, knowing that was truthful enough.
> "As a student… I remember dreaming of school life," Naya continued, flipping open a drawer and rummaging through it.
> "Let's begin an interview. Though Keith praised your skills, I still want to get to know you."
> "Do I fill out a form?" You Ming asked.
> "No," Naya replied—and at that moment, a stack of cards slid onto the desk with a soft "thud."
> "Since you don't like paperwork, let's communicate in the simplest way possible—dueling."
Naya pressed a button, and a Duel Mat emerged across the desk.
> "A friendly match, no stakes."
> "…All right." You Ming relaxed into the challenge.
A prompt blinked across his Duel Disk:
[You have a new challenger!]
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