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

Chapter 24 Four Way Duel: Fusion

Yuya, Yuni, Yuzu, and Katrina made their way through the gleaming halls of LDS, the tension in the air thick as they approached Reiji's office. Once inside, Yuya didn't waste a second.

"Reiji, has Reisho already left for Academia?" Yuya asked urgently.

"Yes," Reiji answered, his gaze fixed on the city skyline outside his window. "You just missed him. The championship is only three days away. Yuya, I hear you're planning to enter, correct?"

"Yeah." Yuya nodded firmly. "Even though I'm already a professional duelist like my dad, I need to be there—for You Show Duel School."

"I see." Reiji finally turned back to face them, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Yuzu. Can I speak to my sister?"

Yuzu blinked, but then closed her eyes, her body glowing faintly as her form shifted. When she opened them again, Ray stood in her place.

"Reiji. What's wrong?" Ray asked gently.

Reiji's tone sharpened, his words deliberate. "Yuya and Yuni may have already told you this, but the true purpose of the Junior Youth Championship isn't just competition. It's recruitment. The strongest duelists will be gathered to oppose Academia—the Lancers. You were with Father before the four dimensions split. So I'll ask you plainly—are you prepared to fight him, and the army he commands?"

Ray's eyes widened, a flicker of pain breaking through her composure. Yuya, Yuni, and Katrina all stiffened, their concern written across their faces. After a pause, Ray drew in a steady breath.

"Father wasn't like this when he created Real Solid Vision..." she murmured. "But if fighting him is the only way to bring him back to who he was... then I'll do it. I'll face him."

Reiji studied her for a long moment, then gave the faintest nod. "I see..." His gaze shifted suddenly toward the door. "Come in, Reira."

The group turned to see a small figure hesitating outside. Yuni smiled gently. "Reira. Don't stand there, come closer."

As the girl stepped shyly into the room, Katrina tilted her head. "Who is she?"

Yuya spoke softly, as though explaining something delicate. "This is Reira. Like Vivian, she was adopted—but instead of our family, she became part of the Akaba household."

Yuni added, "She's been through the horrors of war. It left her broken, closed off from others. We've been trying to help her find her smile again."

"I see..." Ray knelt down so she was level with the girl. Her expression softened with sisterly warmth. "Reira, that means I'm your sister—Ray."

Reira's eyes, once dull, lifted ever so slightly. "...Sister?"

"Yes," Ray said, her voice gentle but unwavering. "I know you've suffered more than most. But you'll smile again, Reira. Don't give up."

The girl gave a small nod. Just a flicker—but enough to stir hope.

Yuya's eyes widened. "Ray... you're amazing at soothing children."

A ripple of energy shimmered nearby, and Zarc's spirit appeared, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "Indeed. Ray always loved playing with children when we were young."

Katrina folded her arms, quietly observing. "I see..."

After Yuzu returned to herself and Reira was gently taken away by Reiji to rest, the room felt quieter. Yuya broke the silence first, his usual energy returning.

"Why don't we have a four-way duel?" he suggested with a grin. "It'd be a great chance for us to sharpen our styles."

Yuzu's eyes lit up. "That sounds fun! Besides... I still haven't had a real chance to use my actual deck."