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

Chapter 27 Our Respective Battlefields

Crow's boots rang against the metal grating as Sam led him through the underbelly of the Duel Palace—past humming generators, the tang of oil, and the distant swell of a restless crowd. If what Shinji said is true, then Yuya and his friends are traitors. I can't trust anyone anymore. In that case... all I can do is win. I'll win, and defeat Jack as well. His jaw set, the doubt in his chest hardening into purpose.

Across the facility, Yuni crossed the service corridor toward the entrance tunnel, her fingers brushing the Deck case at her hip. Dennis has returned to Academia... the Dark Signers have Rin... and Roget keeps twisting us into enemies of Synchro. She steadied her breath. I'll do my best—for them—and I won't let fear decide this match.

"The third day of the Friendship Cup—the third match is Crow Hogan vs. Sakaki Yuni!" Melissa's voice cut through the anticipation as the arena lights flared.

"So it's sister's turn, huh?" Vivian exhaled. "First Yuzu, then Brother, and now sister? What is this match-up?"

"She's fighting Crow..." Risu murmured, conflicted. "It feels like watching myself duel him. I don't even know what to feel."

At the announcer's booth, Melissa leaned into the controversy. "The Friendship Cup is filled with doubts. Is Yuya Sakaki really involved in a side deal with our sponsors, Sector Security, after all?"

Crow drove up to the starting line on his D-Wheel and shouted, "That doesn't matter!"

Yuni stepped out onto the track apron, then swung onto her machine and looked up sharply. "I don't care what you think of my brother—just start the duel already!"

The stands rippled—with boos, cheers, and uncertain silence. Some remembered Yuni's victory over the Black Rose Witch; others clung to suspicion like a shield.

"I'd love to chase that scoop," Melissa admitted as the camera helicopter lifted, "but for now, here's the heat on the field!"

No one can do anything for us, Crow thought, visor lowering. I have to win to change things.

And I need to win, Yuni answered inwardly, eyes narrowing. Warn them about what's coming—just like Brother and Yuzu tried to.

"Now, let's get the show on the road! Action Field, on! Field Magic—Crossover Accel!" Melissa cried. A violet lattice unfurled over the stadium, Action Cards scattering like sparks along the banked track.

"Duel mode, on. Auto-pilot, stand-by!" both D-Wheels chimed. The holographic countdown descended.

"Riding Duel—acceleration!" Melissa roared.

"Duel!" Crow and Yuni declared in unison as their machines surged forward. (Crow:4000)(Yuni:4000)

As the stadium roared with anticipation, Melissa raised her voice above the din. "Crow and Yuni set off at full throttle! Whoever completes the course and exits the Duel Palace first takes the first move! The course selected for this match is the Central Loop Line—encircling the City's major terminal in a dazzling circuit!"

With a grinding rumble, track pillars shifted into place, rearranging the Duel Palace into a seamless loop. The shifting roads glimmered with neon outlines, guiding the path forward.

"Our sponsors might've thought it too troublesome if a certain someone destroyed a longer course," Melissa added dryly, her words carrying a sharp edge of humor.

In his high office overlooking the spectacle, Roget folded his arms and smirked. "This expense is nothing compared to the funding from the Tops. They merely wish to preserve the beauty of the City—the City that will soon be mine."