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

Chapter 11 Siblings vs. Siblings

The group returned quietly to the orphanage, the dim glow of the streetlamps trailing behind them like fading lanterns. Inside, the old building carried its usual mix of warmth and unease, the children whispering among themselves while the older duelists settled down.

Yuzu turned to Yuni, her eyes searching. "So... how is it?" she asked softly.

Yuni folded her arms, her expression calm but serious. "Everything is according to plan. But Tokumatsu-san warned us—this has to be done in one strike. No mistakes. If we fail..." She hesitated, then finished with a grim tone. "The punishment won't just fall on us. It'll be harsher for all of them."

A murmur ran through the room. The weight of her words pressed down like a storm cloud.

"Seriously..." Ruka muttered, lowering her gaze. She clenched her fists for a moment, then looked up, resolve flashing in her eyes. "Yuni, can I duel you?"

The sudden request stunned everyone. Even the duelists of the Synchro Dimension, who were usually unshaken, looked startled.

"Eh?!" Rua blurted out, almost falling off his chair. "Ruka, what's going on with you? Why do you suddenly want a duel?"

Ruka took a steady breath. "I'm fine. But I have so many questions—about us, about this plan, about everything happening here. And I think the only way I can sort them out... is through a duel."

Yuni tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I see... then how about this: you and Rua face me and Katrina in a tag duel. That should give you the answers you're looking for."

"Me too?!" Rua's voice cracked. Then, almost instantly, his shock flipped into excitement. "Of course I want to duel! I've been waiting for this chance!"

Katrina adjusted her Duel Disk, stepping forward with quiet confidence. "That's fine with me as well."

The four of them made their way outside, the cool night air greeting them as they stepped into the orphanage courtyard. The faint hum of the city beyond the walls seemed distant, almost forgotten—until they noticed Kiryu approaching with three children in tow.

"Yugo! Risu!" The children called out, rushing forward with outstretched arms. They embraced the two warmly, relief flooding their faces.

Risu turned quickly to the others, guilt in her voice. "Frank, Amanda, Tanner... I'm sorry. Crow and Shinji... they were captured because of us."

Frank shook his head firmly. "It's fine. We know they'll get out eventually. They're strong."

Amanda's eyes lit up as she pointed. "Hey, look—it's Yuya!"

"You're right," Tanner added, spotting the familiar figure. "And Reira's with him too."

Reisho, standing nearby, frowned slightly. "You know them?"

Yuya nodded, stepping forward with reassurance. "They were with Crow. And they helped us a lot. Don't worry—" his voice softened into a smile, "—I convinced the Director to release them tonight."

The children froze, then their faces broke into radiant smiles.

"I knew it!" Frank said, his voice filled with joy. "Thank you so much!"

The three of them bowed their heads, expressing their gratitude over and over again. For a moment, the grim weight of the plan lifted, replaced by the warmth of reunion and hope.

The four duelists stepped to their marks, Duel Disks flaring alive in perfect sync. (Field Magic: Crossover)

The glowing platforms materialized beneath their feet, stretching outward like shining bridges.