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

Chapter 4 Ghost Force

While Yuya and the others were caught up with Sawatari, Yuni rushed across the courtyard. Beneath a broad tree, she spotted a familiar figure. Smiling, she called out, "There you are."

Vivian glanced up from her book in surprise. "Yuni? How did you even know I'd be here?"

"I know you too well," Yuni teased, folding her arms. "You always sneak off to quiet spots to read your dad's ghost stories."

Vivian sighed, hugging the book to her chest. "You're not wrong... And about your offer? I'm still thinking. I do want out of the orphanage, but... I don't want to be a burden to you or your family."

"Burden? Please." Yuni grinned and grabbed her friend's hand. "Come on—let's go to my place. You'll see for yourself."

"Wait—hey!" Vivian yelped as Yuni tugged her along. "I hate being dragged like this!"

By the time they reached the Sakaki residence, Vivian was out of breath. "Geez, you could've at least let me walk! I can't stand being pulled around."

Yuni rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Sorry! I just got... a little excited."

Inside, they were greeted by Sakaki Yoko, tending to the family pets. Yuni waved. "Mom! I brought someone!"

Yoko's eyes softened as she looked at Vivian. "Ah, so this is the girl you were talking about—the one who loves ghost stories?"

"Yes, Mom." Yuni beamed. "This is Vivian."

Vivian blinked, stunned. "This is your mom? She looks so young—I thought she was your sister!"

Yoko chuckled at the compliment. "Oh my, what a sweet child."

Yuni grew serious. "Mom, Vivian's an orphan. The others at the orphanage pick on her just because she isn't afraid of ghosts. Her father... he was Dad's best friend. And Dad promised her father we'd take her in when she was old enough."

Yoko's smile softened. "I see... That's thoughtful of you, Yuni. But remember—we can't force her. It has to be her choice."

Vivian hesitated, staring down at the floor. "Well... since you and Yuya were my first real friends... and you helped me build my very first deck..." Her voice wavered, but then she raised her head. "I can tell you both truly see me as family. So... I guess I have no reason to refuse."

"That's great!" Yuni and Yoko exclaimed together.

The afternoon was spent filling out adoption papers and moving Vivian's belongings to the house. By evening, everything was settled. Yuni, practically bouncing with energy, suggested, "Now that you're officially with us, let's head to You Show and find Yuya. No way we're just sitting around waiting!"

Vivian smiled faintly. "You really don't slow down, do you?"

"Not when it comes to family," Yuni replied with a wink, already pulling her toward the door again.

On the way to You Show Duel School, Yuni glanced sideways at her friend. "So, Vivian—have you dueled before?"

Vivian shrugged. "Besides the times I dueled with you? Not really. I thought about joining a Duel School, but..." She looked down. "No money. Orphans don't exactly get discounts."

Yuni waved her hand as if brushing the thought away. "Then stop worrying. This school—Dad created it himself. And since you're family now, you're in. We'll get you all the advantages you need to grow as a duelist."

Vivian's lips curved into a smile. "That sounds... awesome. I've always wanted to try Action Duels. Could only ever watch them on TV."

When they entered the school, Shuzo was at the front desk. "Oh, Yuni! Welcome back!" His eyes caught Vivian, and he rushed forward eagerly. "And who's this? Do you want to join our school?!"