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

Chapter 46 Calm before the Storm

"What do you mean the Battle Royale was a selection exam for deciding Duelist Warriors?" Ryu demanded, his fists clenched, voice rising with raw frustration. He was never one to sugarcoat his anger, and now it boiled over.

Reisho adjusted his glasses calmly, speaking in a measured, almost clinical tone. "As I mentioned before, we knew that those operatives from the Fusion Dimension would arrive eventually. Anticipating this, we altered the format of the Junior Youth Championship finals — from a simple tournament to a Battle Royale across the city." His delivery was steady, almost detached, as though explaining a chess move.

Yuni leaned forward, her voice softer, tinged with a quiet conviction. "Our goal was for you to meet that threat head-on... to prove you could fend off the invasion." Unlike Reisho, she spoke as though she had placed personal faith in them.

"Us? Why not the Pro or Youth Classes? Why only us, the Junior Youth?" Ryu shot back, incredulous. His tone carried both disbelief and the simmering resentment of being manipulated.

Sawatari puffed out his chest, trying to sound authoritative though his words wavered. "The Youth Class fought too. But... they were wiped out. Every single one of them — except for one survivor." His attempt at bravado cracked into unease as the weight of his own words sank in.

"Wiped out?" Gongenzaka repeated, his deep, steady voice carrying both shock and solemn gravity.

Sawatari jabbed a finger in Ryu's direction, regaining some of his bluster. "That's why you were really sent here! Don't you get it?"

Reiji's voice cut clean through the room, commanding but not raised. "And just as I expected, you succeeded in fending off Academia. You are Duel Warriors — the anti-Academia Lancers. You have demonstrated the strength worthy of that title."

"Screw that!" Yuya's outburst broke the air like glass shattering. Everyone turned; his normally cheerful eyes burned with fury. "What about Yuzu? All we did was protect her, and you still let her be captured! How can you call this a success?"

Serena stepped forward, expression firm but voice shaded with regret. "It's not Reiji or Reisho's fault." She lifted her chin, accepting blame with no hesitation. "If Yuzu was taken, the fault lies with me."

Ryu frowned, incredulous. "What do you mean it's your fault?" His tone softened slightly — his anger replaced by confusion.

Jean crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. His speech carried a sharper edge, like someone used to courtroom debates. "And just to be clear — you're Serena, correct? A duelist from Academia who looks exactly like Ruri and Yuzu..."

"Academia?!" Sawatari recoiled, his voice pitching high with accusation. "Then you're the enemy, aren't you?!"

Dennis grimaced internally, his thoughts racing. Ah, jeez. You had to blurt it out, didn't you? I was going to ease into it... maybe even take her back to Academia myself. But now? That's out the window.

Sawatari stomped forward, pointing again, his accusations flying unchecked. "Why is the enemy standing here — wearing Hiragi Yuzu's outfit no less! Are you a spy? Pretending to be her to gather our secrets?"

A shadow flickered. Tsukikage moved, stepping between Sawatari and Serena, his stance sharp, protective.

"Hey!" Sawatari barked, trying to push forward. "Why are you in my way? Don't tell me you're defending the enemy!"

"This is by order of my clients," Tsukikage replied, voice calm but resolute, like steel drawn from a sheath.

Sawatari blinked, taken aback. "Clients? Who the heck are you talking about?"