7. Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V A New Story of Pendulum (Standard Arc)

Chapter 3 Trade Bait

Yuya, Yuzu, and Yuni walked side by side on the road toward school. Morning sunlight flickered through the trees, but Yuzu hardly noticed—her eyes stayed fixed on the cards in her hands.

Blooming Melody Pendulum Dragon.
Assemble Wings Flying Dragon.
Arctic Blizzard Wind Dragon.
Lunar Eclipse Moonlight Dragon.

She frowned in disbelief. "I still can't believe this... not only do I have a soul inside me, but I also have these cards. Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and even Pendulum..."

Yuya gave her a reassuring smile. "Ray was a strong Duelist in her own right. Honestly, I was surprised too—that she could embed data into your bracelet, just like our pendants."

Yuni nodded firmly. "But Yuzu, you've never actually performed any Extra Deck Summons before. We'll have to teach you how each one works."

"Please do," Yuzu said with determination, clutching the cards to her chest.

As they continued, the three noticed a girl seated by the bay, a book open across her lap. She had black hair tied into a ponytail, a black jacket reminiscent of Yuya's uniform, and—most striking of all—a ghostly bracelet glimmering faintly on her wrist.

Yuni slowed her steps. "Brother, Yuzu—you two go on ahead. I'll catch up later."

"Sure. Don't be late," Yuzu said as she and Yuya continued toward the school.

Yuni skipped forward, approaching the girl. "Hey, Vivian."

Vivian looked up in surprise, her eyes widening. "Yuni? It's so good to see you again! But... aren't you supposed to be walking with Yuya to school?"

"I told him and Yuzu to go first," Yuni said casually. "Besides, I wanted to check on you. How's the orphanage holding up?"

Vivian's expression dimmed. "It's... getting worse every day. That's why I'm here instead, reading one of my dad's novels by the water. But I just finished it, so... let's go to school."

As they walked side by side, Yuni's lips curled into a grin. "You know, I could ask my mom to adopt you. Make you my sister officially."

Vivian gave a half-smile, shaking her head. "You've said that since the first day we met. But I'm still not sure. I don't want to burden you—especially since your father's missing."

"Aww... come on. But seriously—what keeps you tied to that orphanage?" Yuni tilted her head.

Vivian paused mid-step, her gaze dropping. "Come to think of it... I don't really know. I've just lived there for so many years..."

When they reached the school gate, Yuni gave her a gentle wave. "Don't worry about it now. Just think it over. Maybe give me your answer after school?" With that, she darted inside.

Vivian lingered behind, staring after her. She sighed, then pulled a card from her jacket pocket, its edges worn from constant handling. "Why must she be so persistent...?"

By the last period of the day, Yuya had already surrendered to drowsiness. His head rested on his arms, soft snores escaping as he muttered, "Pendulum... Pendulum..."

"Yuya..." Yuzu glanced over at him, worry tugging at her brow.

The math teacher suddenly barked from the front, chalk in hand. "Sakaki Yuya! What's the answer to this problem?"

Yuzu's eyes widened. He's still asleep?

"Sakaki! Sakaki Yuya?!" the teacher shouted again.

Yuya jerked upright, leaping out of his chair as if jolted into a duel. "I activate Stargazer Magician and Timegazer Magician in the Pendulum Zones!"