Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Episode 9: Taboo Upon Zero

The episode opens in the solemn hush of a funeral, revealing a young Ishikawa Kurumi weeping. She clutches a cold can, her small frame burdened by grief. With tear-filled eyes, she looks to Yakumo Kagetsu, asking him to teach her Vanguard, a desperate plea to become strong enough to keep a promise to her sister. Kagetsu gently pats her head, promising to teach her everything he knows. This moment lays the foundation for their intertwined future.

Later that night, a pensive Kagetsu stands alone, looking out at the city. A mysterious entity, Vaisraugh, contacts him through his phone, revealing itself as a colossal, glowing monster before a cosmic backdrop. Vaisraugh enlists Kagetsu's aid to prevent a world-ending disaster, a "curse of the waning moon." The older Kagetsu reflects on this, stating he agreed to protect "that girl's" precious things and his sister's promise.

Kurumi, now older, approaches Akina under the tranquil night sky, seeking his counsel. She confesses her conflicted thoughts about Phantom Cards, revealing a secret wish: to use their power to bring her sister, Kanae, back to reality. The idea, she admits, is impossible and she cannot allow herself an exception while striving to erase all other illusions. Yet, she declares her unwavering resolve to "defeat" her sister to reclaim their normal lives.

The next day, Kanae awaits them in a bright hospital room, greeting Kurumi, Akina, Kanami, and Hikari with a cheerful smile. She leads them down a familiar corridor, declaring this peaceful space, her hospital room, as the "appropriate place" for their confrontation. Kurumi states her intention to fight her sister, and everyone else she holds dear, to restore their shared normalcy. Kanae, with a mischievous glint in her eye, invites someone to step forward.

A buzzing phone confirms the first challenger: Yakumo Kagetsu versus Ishikawa Kurumi. Kanae feigns surprise, playfully calling Kagetsu a "final boss" from the start, but Kagetsu simply smiles, reminding her that she offered the choice. As he prepares, he issues a serious warning: he will not hold back. The battle formally begins on a futuristic, glowing battlefield.

Both Kanae and Kagetsu declare "Stand Up, Vanguard!" Kanae summons "Future Magician Zelris," establishing her magical field with "Magic Orders." Kagetsu counters with "Moon Messenger Luztor Nil," activating his "Moon Gate" and launching an early attack. Kanae calmly takes damage, choosing to save her defenses. She then evolves her "Zelris" and strategically draws cards, preparing her own powerful offensive.

In a brief interlude, Kagetsu reminisces about teaching a younger Kurumi and Kanae to play Vanguard, a warm flashback of shared joy and competitive spirit. He recalls their many matches, even in this very hospital room. Kanae acknowledges his unwavering intensity in those games. Her eyes then close, before snapping open with a fierce determination; she declares that "today, and only today," she will win.

Kanae dramatically rides her ultimate form, "Zelris Phantom," a goddess-like figure surrounded by shimmering bubbles. She unleashes its power, creating "Zelris Tokens" that attack from the back row and calling powerful magic units like "Gridoria," boosting her forces. Her attacks become relentless, employing critical triggers. Kagetsu defends, using "Interceptors" and "Perfect Guard," weathering the storm of her magic.

Kagetsu calmly dissects Kanae's strategy, recognizing her Phantom Skill is reserved for a decisive blow. He reaffirms his intent to defeat her, to bring her back to reality. He then "rides" his own ultimate, "Genma Knight Getten Kyozei Angbold," a colossal mechanical beast. He unleashes Vaisraugh and systematically calls powerful units, boosting their strength with "Alphienius Battlegear." His relentless attacks overwhelm Kanae's defenses.

Amidst the battle, Kanae asks Kagetsu how he truly sees her. He smiles, gently affirming that he sees her as Ishikawa Kurumi, his strong, dependable cousin, regardless of her illusory nature. Even as Kanae cries out, realizing he aims to erase her cherished reality, Kagetsu maintains his resolve. He tells her to hold onto the happiness she found in this world but insists he must still stop her, acknowledging her kindness even as he prepares to fight.

Kanae, accepting Kagetsu's resolve, declares her own, stating she cannot lose her world. She unleashes her full power, "Persona Riding" "Zelris Phantom" again and activating her ultimate art. She meticulously manipulates her deck, binding cards and recycling triggers, a desperate gambit for a powerful finisher. She attacks fiercely, throwing everything into the assault, but despite landing hits and showing incredible force, she cannot deliver the final blow and ends her turn in distress.

Kagetsu looks at a distraught Kanae, affirming his own resolve to protect Kanami and the "living proof" of their past. He declares his turn, "Persona Riding" his ultimate Vaisraugh form, preparing to end the duel. He attacks, but Kanae, in a moment of sheer desperation, pulls a "Heal Trigger," restoring her damage and stunning everyone. She smiles, believing this "miracle" has granted her one last chance to protect her world.

Emboldened, Kanae invokes Zelris's ultimate secret art, summoning more units and boosting their power to unprecedented levels. She launches a ferocious final barrage, her eyes glowing with determination. Kagetsu, however, stands firm, skillfully defending against each assault. Ultimately, it is Kagetsu's Vaisraugh that delivers the decisive final blow, ending the battle. Kanae stands defeated, tears in her eyes.

Kanae tearfully accepts her defeat, acknowledging Kagetsu's strength. He praises her, then reaffirms his resolve to reclaim their reality, expressing unwavering faith in the remaining fighters. In a poignant gesture, Kagetsu hands Akina a small, dark blue box, symbolically passing on the leadership and the heavy task ahead. He then turns to Kanami, urging her to "follow her heart," a final, gentle directive before stepping aside.