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

Chapter 40 Dennis Macfield

The following morning, the third round of the Junior Youth Championship was set to begin. The stadium brimmed with anticipation as all twenty-eight participants stood gathered on the field.

Yuzu scanned the group and frowned. "Kurosaki, Yuya, Vivian, and Katrina aren't here."

Ryu tilted his head. "Where did they go?"

Before anyone could speculate further, an amplified voice echoed across the arena.

"Everyone, thank you for waiting! The next event will be... a Battle Royale between these thirty-two Junior Youth competitors!"

The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Gasps, exclamations, and startled chatter filled the stadium.

Far away in the LDS tower, Himeka observed the reactions with a measured smile. "A city-wide Battle Royale... you've planned this thoroughly."

Reiji stood beside her, arms folded. "If word spreads that invaders from another dimension are about to arrive, the city could collapse into panic. Instead, we're releasing the top thirty-two of the Junior Youth into the city to intercept them. The spectacle of the Battle Royale will mask our true intention."

On the broadcast screen, Yuya and several others turned as eight duelists stepped forward. Their posture radiated confidence.

"The ones who will face the enemy directly are these eight," Yuya declared. "They are the Top Eight of the Youth Class. Conveniently, all of them are LDS duelists."

"For the honor of LDS and the protection of our world, we're counting on you," Himeka urged.

"Yes, ma'am!" the Youth Class responded in unison, determination flashing in their eyes.

Yuni then addressed three figures waiting at the edge of the stage. "Kurosaki, Vivian, Katrina—your task is different. Among the twenty-eight remaining duelists here in the stadium, you must find those with true potential. We need allies fit to join the Lancers should an emergency arise."

"That will be fine for me," Katrina answered with quiet resolve.

"Me too," Vivian agreed, her tone sharp and confident.

Shun crossed his arms, expression unmoved. "So you don't want me to fight the enemy? I can't promise that. If those eight fall, I'll have no choice but to step in."

Yuu muttered under his breath, annoyed. "You're just Junior Youth—don't act so arrogant."

Shun ignored him and strode off. "Then do your best to stay alive."

The air grew heavier as Yuya spoke again. "Although I hate to say this, when you defeat members of the Obelisk Force, make sure to card them afterward. According to Sona, their corruption runs so deep they'd laugh while carding anyone—duelist or not."

Katrina's eyes narrowed. "So we're turning their own cruelty back on them?"

Yuya nodded grimly. "Exactly. Don't worry. We've reversed the program. For us, carding them won't mean destruction—it's a way to hold them hostage, to keep them contained."

He exchanged a look with Reiji. Both nodded silently, their shared resolve unspoken but absolute.

Nico raised his hand dramatically. "Now then, let's explain the rules! The match will begin promptly at noon! At that time, Action Cards will be spread throughout the city! And here is the crucial part—Pendulum Cards developed by Leo Corporation are hidden across the four areas!"

"What?!" the competitors gasped in unison, the stadium echoing with disbelief.

Nico continued with his showman's flair. "Each competitor must locate at least two of these Pendulum Cards before they can even Duel! With them in hand, they gain the right to battle!"