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

Chapter 15 Phantom vs. Angels

The bell had just rung for lunch break at the junior high, and the schoolyard was buzzing with chatter. Yuzu sat down on a bench beneath the shade of a tree, carefully opening her lunch. Beside her, Vivian plopped down with a grin, already pulling the lid off her own box.

"So Yuya and Yuni didn't come to class today because of LDS?" Yuzu asked, tilting her head.

Vivian nodded while stuffing a rice ball into her mouth. "Mm-hm! Since Professor Marco's still missing, they're running a full-scale investigation. Reiji approved their absence as Presidents. Besides..." She swallowed and grinned. "It's the end of the semester. Can't blame them for skipping one day."

She lifted her lunchbox like a prize. "Ever since I moved in with Yuya's family, I've been spoiled with lunches like this. I'm really grateful—and starving!"

Vivian immediately dug in, chopsticks moving at lightning speed. "And I swear, I'm gonna become a pro just like Brother and Sister! No way I'm falling behind!"

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Yuzu scolded with a sigh, reaching for a napkin.

But before she could, a handkerchief was suddenly held out to her. She looked up, startled, and found herself staring at Sawatari Shingo's smug smile.

"Hey there," he said smoothly.

Yuzu's face instantly twisted into a look of annoyance, and she turned away with a huff.

"Sheesh," Sawatari sighed, slipping the handkerchief back into his pocket. "So cold. You're just like your brother's dueling—completely uncouth."

Vivian's chopsticks froze mid-air. "Excuse me?" she snapped. "Forget my eating habits—I grew up in an orphanage, so I'm not picky about food. But what did you just say about my brother's dueling?"

"I heard he ambushed someone again," Sawatari replied with mock seriousness.

"That wasn't Yuya!" Yuzu shot back immediately. "Everyone knows it was an Xyz user. Yuya's the Vice President of LDS—why would he attack one of his own staff?"

Sawatari chuckled, raising his hands. "Relax, relax. I was kidding. Obviously, he's not the culprit this time." His grin widened. "But rumors say Leo Corporation's developing Pendulum Cards on their own. And when they hit the market, I'll be the first to get them."

Yuzu glared. "That's only if Yuya and Yuni even want to hand them to you, after all the trouble you've caused them."

"Don't worry," Sawatari said smugly. "I'm training under Sakaki Yuni herself now. Once I master Pendulum Summon, I'll be ready to crush Sakaki Yuya. That's all I came here to say. I'll see you both at the Junior Youth Championship."

With a dramatic wave, Sawatari strutted off.

Vivian let out a groan and slumped forward. "First Hokuto, now him... Why is Sister wasting her time teaching these loudmouths when all they do is brag?"

Yuzu shrugged helplessly. "Beats me..." Then she turned to Vivian, remembering. "But that reminds me—your win rate's still under sixty percent, right?"

Vivian froze, then lowered her head with a pout. "Yeah... I'm stuck at fifty-nine percent. If this keeps up, I can't even qualify as a pro."

After school ended, the three kids—Ayu, Futoshi, and Tatsuya—were waiting outside the gates.

"Big Sister Yuzu! Big Sister Vivian!" Ayu waved happily.

"Did you two have fun at school?" Futoshi asked.

"Let's hurry and head to Duel Sch—" Tatsuya started, but he trailed off when he noticed Vivian lagging behind, shoulders slumped. "Huh? What's wrong, Big Sister Vivian?"