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

Chapter 22 Mask of a Clown

"The final match of the first round of the Friendship Cup!" Melissa's voice rang through the stadium, electrifying the crowd. "Our challengers are... Kurosaki Shun! And his opponent, Dennis MacField!"

The cameras focused on the stage as both duelists prepared. Dennis sat on his D-Wheel with an easy smile, masking his intent behind his entertainer's charm. Across from him, Shun's eyes narrowed. His mind flashed back to Ron's warning and the duel he'd once fought against Dennis.

Back then... he showed combat techniques no ordinary LDS duelist should know. And Ron told me Dennis was a spy from Academia. That means... Yuya and Yuni would never allow LDS to teach those methods. There's no doubt—Dennis is from Academia.

Dennis adjusted his hat and smirked knowingly, his eyes catching Shun's glare. "Heh... he's probably thinking something like that. But it doesn't matter. I'll make sure to destroy you this time... piece by piece."

Meanwhile, in Yuya's room, the Lancers were watching the broadcast. Bruno, who had just learned the truth of the war, frowned. "If that's the case... they're both Lancers. So why are they fighting against each other? Aren't they supposed to be comrades?"

Zarc noticed Yuzu's puzzled expression — she clearly didn't know Dennis's true identity. He leaned closer to Bruno and whispered, "Dennis isn't really our comrade. He's a spy sent by Academia. Since you once spied on Yusei under Zone's orders... You understand what that feels like, don't you?"

Bruno's eyes widened, his lips pressing together as old memories surfaced. He gave a silent nod, acknowledging the weight of Zarc's words, while Yuzu sat there confused, not yet grasping the truth.

Reisho folded his arms, speaking calmly but firmly. "But I'm not worried if he tries to run away and report to my father. My father already knows whose side I stand on."

Katrina turned to him sharply, shocked. "What? The Professor knows? How?"

(Flashback)

In the dim chamber of Academia, the Professor's presence filled the room like a shadow. Leo Akaba sat upon his chair, hands folded, his expression unreadable. Before him, Reisho stood tall, his fists clenched at his sides, anger trembling through his voice.

"You said Standard wasn't our enemy," Reisho growled, his voice echoing off the cold walls. "And yet you allowed our soldiers to card innocent people. Is this really how far you'll go? Are you so desperate to revive Ray that you'll trample everything else?"

Leo's eyes closed, his face drawn with stern resolve. "You should already understand, Reisho. Ray is everything. Without her, the balance of this world is lost. If it takes every means at our disposal to bring her back, then so be it."

Reisho took a step forward, his voice rising with fury. "Every means? Do you even hear yourself? Do you think Ray would accept this? Do you think she'd want to see countless lives destroyed in her name? Just because you choose to see them as unreal doesn't mean they aren't alive!"

Leo's eyes snapped open, cold and sharp. "These four dimensions are mistakes. Shadows of a world that should not exist. I thought you would know better than to defend them."

Reisho's breath caught, but his glare hardened. "Then you're blind, Father. If you refuse to listen, then hear this—I was the one who helped Ruri and Rin escape. I stopped Sona and Yuri from taking Yuzu and Serena. Every failure you've cursed your soldiers for? It was me."

Leo's composure cracked, his eyes widening. "What...?"

Reisho's Duel Disk chimed as he typed in a command, the glow reflecting his determination. "And it won't stop there. Reiji and I—we're building an army. The Lancers will come for you. You'll pay for what you've done to the four dimensions, Father."