virgogreen:

Okay, I’m just gonna go ahead and say it: I’m not buying it. 

Mainly because he’s an unreliable source. We’ve seen before that his mind has been messed with based on his first duel with Yusaku, and with the Big Bad working with him and Haru talking about “new memories”, I think it’s safe to say that the whole idea of him being the “real” Yusaku and Yusaku being a digital copy is probably most likely a lie. 

TBH I’m thinking this a red herring. 

Keep in mind, this clip back in episode  48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmFzKXORGJ0)

Bowman, after his cloaking ability is damaged, acts very childish. He doesn’t even know who he is, and he tells Playmaker he has no idea what’s going on, not all remembering what he’s done or why they’re even dueling. Notice how when Haru says they’re brothers, Bowman repeats it like a question, “Younger brother?” He can’t quite believe it. 

When Haru says he promised he’d regain their memories, then Bowman straightens up. However, his eyes glow in the process, suggesting he’s under some sort of mind control. 

And then, with both of their memories supposedly being stolen, then this episode the new Big Bad says he’s given Bowman “new” memories? Why would he give memories to a guy who doesn’t have them, if not to brainwash him? 

What I’m thinking? The Big Bad really knows who Bowman is, and Haru does too, and they implemented fake memories into him this episode to keep him in the dark. If you will, to “better” him as a soldier; in this case, he’s Bucky Barnes and the “memories” are his trigger words. 

Now that Bowman supposedly knows who he is (based on these “memories”) his determination is back, he’s thinking more clearly, and he’s back to doing what they want him to do without messing up again on them. With him thinking he’s the “real” Playmaker, Bowman now has a set goal in mind and will fight him with a more polished duel, which puts the Big Bad closer to getting what he wants from Yusaku (possibly his data and/or Ai) without his subject malfunctioning on him again. 

And this way, perhaps this also throws Yusaku throw a loop too. This “reveal” casts down in his mind, makes him further question Ai again and what further secrets about the Lost Incident he may still not know.