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

Chapter 28 Sakaki Shine

The crowd roared as Nico Smiley's voice rang out across the Junior Youth Championship arena.

"Now folks, it's time for the next duel! Representing Leo Duel School—Taen Yamazaki! And from You Show Duel School—Vivian Sakaki!"

Vivian stepped onto the field, her Duel Disk gleaming under the lights. Across from her stood Taen, arms folded and eyes sharp with disdain.

"So, the so-called Cursed Child has shown up after all," Taen sneered.

Vivian flinched slightly at the words but steadied her breath. "I'll admit, I didn't expect to face you here... but I won't back down."

"Hmph. You'll crumble just like before. You don't stand a chance." Taen's smirk was cruel, deliberate, meant to sting.

From the stands, Tatsuya leaned forward. "Geez, what's that guy's problem?"

Yuni's expression hardened. "I was the one who encouraged her to duel... but it looks like she still hasn't conquered her fear."

Ryu blinked. "Fear? What happened?"

Yuya's fists clenched. "Back at the orphanage... Vivian was bullied because of her father. He wrote ghost stories, so the other kids branded her the cursed child. They beat her up, scraped her, and when she tried to endure it quietly, they went even further... they destroyed the Duel Disk her father left her."

Gasps rippled through the You Show members.

Vivian, now facing Taen head-on, slid her arm into her restored Duel Disk. The lights flared as it locked into place.

"It looks like you've managed to get yourself a new toy," Taen taunted.

Vivian raised her chin. "Thanks to my new sister, I was able to repair it. This Duel Disk carries more than just my father's memory—it carries my strength. I'll show you I'm no longer the weakling you knew."

Nico raised his microphone dramatically. "Now, let the duel begin! Field Magic—Forbidden Forest, activate!"

The stadium transformed as dark, twisted trees clawed their way out of the virtual ground. Mist slithered between roots as scattered Duel Monsters holograms shimmered across the field. The eerie chant completed, and the countdown locked into place. (Taen:4000) (Vivian:4000)

"Since you're going to lose anyway, why don't I let you go first?" Taen mocked, his smirk dripping with arrogance.

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Fine. I'll take that chance. I activate the Continuous Magic Card—Ghost Zone!"

The holographic field shuddered. A blanket of eerie fog spilled across the Forbidden Forest as spectral flames flickered between the trees. The temperature seemed to drop, and the crowd stirred uneasily at the unsettling atmosphere.

Taen glanced around, his smirk thinning. "So... you've managed to get some new cards, huh?"

"You bet." Vivian's tone was firm as she set her cards with a decisive motion. "I set three cards face-down and end my turn."

Nico Smiley raised his mic as whispers rippled through the stands. "What's this? Vivian ends her turn with only set cards!"

Taen clicked his tongue. "Are you mocking me? Do you really think you can win by hiding behind set cards?"

Vivian stood her ground. "This is my style. If you don't like it, then fight back."

Taen's smirk sharpened. "Gladly. My turn! I summon Unicorn's Familiar!"

A twisted, blue demon-like creature clawed its way onto the field, a jagged horn protruding from its forehead as it let out a guttural snarl. (ATK:0/DEF:1000/Level 2)