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

Chapter 22 The Wings of Rebellion

The afternoon sun glowed over Maiami City as the group made their way back toward You Show Duel School. Their chatter filled the streets, lighthearted after the tense duels of the past days. Katrina had split from them earlier, answering an urgent call from Yuni, leaving the children in Yuya's care.

Sora stretched his arms with a grin that could rival the brightness of the sky. "Let's have a huge party today to celebrate my qualification for the Junior Youth Championship!"

Yuya tilted his head at him, amused. "You really like celebrating, huh?"

"I just want to eat some cake!" Sora replied, puffing his cheeks in mock indignation.

Yuzu, however, wasn't joining in their laughter. She stared down at the single card in her hand — a Fusion Card. A faint shimmer of light drifted beside her, the gentle spirit of Ray appearing at her shoulder.

"Thinking about that again?" Ray's voice asked softly.

Yuzu nodded, her brows knitting. "Yeah... Ruri kept telling me how this card didn't suit me... but..." Her words trailed off, heavy with uncertainty. The thought of Ruri still lying unconscious after that duel gnawed at her heart.

Before Yuya or the others could press her further, the atmosphere shifted. A figure stood at the end of the street — Masumi, waiting with her usual stern composure. Yuzu's heart leapt, and without warning, she bolted ahead.

"Where are you going, Big Sister Yuzu?" Tatsuya called after her.

"I remembered something I have to do!" Yuzu shouted back, not slowing her pace.

Yuya blinked, puzzled. "Something to do?"

Sora perked up hopefully. "Is she getting the cake?"

Ron shook his head, his sharp eyes following Yuzu. "I don't think so. We'll go after her."

"Let's go, Jean," he added firmly.

"Sure, brother." Jean adjusted his glasses and turned to Yuya. "Just go back without us."

Yuzu dashed into a narrow alleyway, her steps echoing off the stone walls. Before she could push any further, Ron and Jean quickly caught up, blocking her path.

"Just what are you thinking, Yuzu?" Ron asked, his tone sharp but laced with concern.

"Ron? Jean?" Yuzu gasped, startled to find the two brothers following her.

Jean adjusted his glasses, his gaze steady. "You seemed to notice something. What is it?"

"I—" Yuzu began, but her words froze in her throat as a shadow flickered before them.

From the darkness, Yuto appeared, his presence commanding the alleyway with an almost suffocating weight.

"Yuto?" Ron muttered in disbelief.

"I can't let you go further," Yuto said firmly, directing his words to Yuzu.

Her eyes widened. "Yuto... what do you mean by that?" Jean demanded, his voice tense.

"I don't want my comrade to be interrupted," Yuto answered coolly, but his gaze softened when it met Yuzu's.

"You mean Kurosaki Shun?" Yuzu snapped, narrowing her eyes. "Wait—don't tell me he's fighting Masumi now? Just stop him right now! Didn't you stop him back then too? Why this time..."

Yuto shook his head, his voice low but unwavering. "I just don't want you to be involved in this."

Ignoring his warning, Yuzu surged forward, determination burning in her eyes. But before she could pass, Yuto caught her hand, his grip strong and desperate.