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

Chapter 8 Mr. Mystery

Ron and Jean returned to the warehouse after spending the night at Yuya's home. Inside, Yuto and Katrina were already waiting, both of them looking tense.

"Where were you two last night? We tried calling, but you didn't answer," Yuto said, his tone edged with worry.

Ron scratched the back of his head. "Sorry... we had our Duel Disks turned off. We were staying at a friend's house."

Jean gave a small chuckle. "Not just any friends. Katrina, you actually know them very well."

"What are you talking about?" Katrina asked, confused.

"We stayed at your house," Jean said. "Your mom welcomed us in. She's really kind."

Katrina's eyes widened. "You're kidding me... you went to my family's house and didn't even tell me?"

"We had to be sure first," Jean explained gently. "We wanted to confirm if they still missed you. And they do—your brother, both of your sisters, and your mother. None of them are angry about you disappearing. They just want you to come back."

Katrina lowered her gaze, caught between relief and guilt. "...Wait. Both of my sisters? I only have Yuni. Who's the other one?"

"Her name is Vivian," Ron answered. "Yuni said their family adopted her recently, because of a promise between her birth father and Yusho sensei. I had a duel with her, actually... and I lost."

Katrina blinked in surprise, but before she could say more, Jean added, "She caught Ron off guard with a Rank-Up-Magic during the battle phase. If she's that strong, it makes me wonder how strong the rest of your family really is. Katrina, why don't you come with us and see them yourself?"

Katrina hesitated. "But..."

Yuto stepped forward. "Katrina, you should go. They're your family."

She looked at him nervously. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Yuto said with a smile, the kind that reminded her of her brother.

Katrina drew in a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay. I'll go."

Together with Ron and Jean, she set off toward You Show.

After finishing their duel at You Show, Yuya wiped the sweat from his forehead and glanced at the door. "Strange... I thought Ron and Jean left before us. Why haven't they come yet?"

"Maybe they had something else to do?" Yuzu suggested.

Just then, Ron stepped into the school. "Sorry I'm late."

Vivian tilted her head. "Where's Jean? Isn't she with you?"

"She's outside," Ron explained. "We brought a friend with us, but she's... nervous. Jean's trying to calm her down."

Shuzo perked up. "A guest? Are we getting a new student?"

Yuzu groaned and smacked him with her paper fan, sending him tumbling. "Not this again, Dad!"

Yuni frowned. "Why would she be nervous about our school? Did she think we're full of bullies or something?"

Ron shook his head. "No. It's because..." He hesitated, then sighed. "She's nervous about seeing you again. After disappearing for seven years without saying where she went."

Yuya and Yuni froze. Their eyes widened as the realization hit them. Without another word, they bolted for the door, leaving everyone else baffled.

Outside, Katrina lingered by the entrance, wringing her hands. "Jean, what if they hate me? What if they can't forgive me for leaving?"