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

Chapter 13 Demons vs. Vampires

Everyone's attention shifted to Akaba Reiji as he entered.

Yuya's eyes widened. "So this... this is the real final match, huh?" His voice carried more awe than fear.

"You decided to step in yourself, Akaba Reiji," Yuni observed quietly, her tone calm but firm.

"What?" The group gasped, startled. Ron blinked in disbelief. "Wait—he's the Professor's son?"

Reiji's presence filled the room as he spoke with calm authority. "However, I wish to choose my own opponent."

Tatsuya frowned, bristling. "Hold on, who do you think you are to just decide that?"

"Yeah! This is our school—we're the ones who should choose!" Ayu protested.

"Enough," Yuni urged, raising her hand. "He isn't someone you can challenge so lightly. The person before us is none other than the President of the Leo Corporation and LDS... Akaba Reiji."

The kids froze, her words striking them silent.

Yuya swallowed and turned to Reiji. "If you're the one choosing... then who do you want to face?"

"I have seen the strength of the Sakaki family," Reiji replied evenly. His eyes narrowed as he turned. "But my interest lies elsewhere." His gaze settled on Katrina.

Katrina stiffened, her eyes widening. "You... want to duel me?"

"Big Sister Katrina can beat him, right?" Ayu whispered, more hopeful than confident.

"From this point forward, watch our duel in silence," Reiji instructed. He looked directly at Katrina. "I expect you to fight with everything you have."

"I think I've seen him somewhere..." Shuzo muttered, fumbling with his tablet until the screen flashed. "Aha—here it is!"

Katrina lifted her chin, determination hardening her gaze. "Very well. I'll duel you."

"Katrina, are you sure about this?" Yuzu asked, worry heavy in her voice.

Katrina gave her a small smile. "Trust me. I won't lose." With steady steps, she moved toward the field, facing Reiji without hesitation.

Sora leaned forward. "So how strong is he?"

Yuni answered without hesitation. "He became the fourth-youngest duelist to turn professional—at the age of sixteen."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "Then who were the first three?"

Yuya spoke up. "His older brother... and the two Vice Presidents of LDS. They became pros at only eleven years old."

The revelation sent a wave of shock through the crowd.

"It's obvious they'd react like that," Hokuto remarked with folded arms.

"Of course," Yaiba added with a smirk. "The Vice Presidents are far beyond what anyone can imagine."

Yuzu caught sight of Katrina's uneasy expression. "Katrina! Smile!"

Startled, Katrina turned toward her. Yuzu's voice softened but carried conviction. "At You Show Duel School, we teach entertainment dueling—dueling with joy! Don't forget your smile."

"Smile..." Katrina whispered, before her lips curved faintly upward. "She's right. Our family duels to bring happiness and fun. I can't lose sight of that."

Encouraged, the others returned her smile. Only Himeka muttered under her breath, "I wonder how long that smile will last..."

Katrina steadied herself and faced Reiji. "What about the Action Field?"