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

Chapter 34 A Plan and a Promise

Melissa's helicopter sliced through the afternoon sky above the Duel Palace, its rotors thundering over the sea of spectators. Her voice rang across the loudspeakers, bright and electric. "Now we begin the second match of the third round! Vying for a place among the best four—Yugo! and Serena!"

The stadium erupted. Cheers for Serena rolled like waves through the crowd, a rhythmic chant echoing between the towers of Neo Dominion City.

High above, in the Council's observation box, Jean-Michel Roget steepled his fingers and murmured with a satisfied grin, "Other than Yuya and Sergey, Serena carries equal importance. She will become the star of hope—a symbol adored by both Tops and Commons alike..."

Behind the glass of the waiting room, Yuni leaned forward, eyes fixed on the screens. "So it's Serena's turn..."

Yuya crossed his arms, unease tightening his voice. "Knowing Roget, he'll try something underhanded to make Yugo lose."

Reisho glanced at them. "Then what do we do?"

Before anyone could answer, a faint shimmer of light surrounded Yuni. Sona's voice echoed softly from within her. "Yuni, let me out. I'll help Serena during the duel."

Yuni blinked. "Are you sure? Your body's fine now?"

"I'm fine," Sona said with conviction. "Serena's my friend. There's no way I'll let her face this alone."

Yuni nodded. The air rippled as her body glowed—splitting into two forms. Now standing beside her, Sona adjusted her clothes, the Full Clear shining faintly in her hand.

"Two are better than one," Yuni said with a grin. Then she turned toward the entrance. "Tsukikage!"

With a burst of smoke, the ninja appeared, bowing deeply. "Yuni-dono, Yuya-dono, Reisho-dono."

Yuya met his eyes. "You and Sona will move in if Serena loses this round. Rescue her no matter what happens."

"Understood."

Sona exchanged a nod with the shinobi. "Then we're partners now. Let's not hold each other back."

Tsukikage's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Agreed." The two vanished into the corridor, shadows against the cold light of the arena.

On the track below, the crowd shifted its chant, now roaring Yugo's name. He revved his D-Wheel once, then removed his helmet—his turquoise hair whipping in the wind.

"A fierce flame burns in my heart," he said, gazing at the setting sun. "An inferno as bright as that crimson sky. With this burning soul, I make my promise to the sun. Rin... and Yuzu in heaven... I'll win this duel for both of you. So make sure you're watching."

The camera drone circled him as he closed his visor again, the light glinting off the steel edges of his machine.

Meanwhile, deep in the underground shelter, Yuzu sneezed, startling everyone around her.

"Are you alright?" Ryu asked, passing her a tissue.

Yuzu rubbed her nose. "I don't know... maybe I caught a bug or something."

Vivian smiled faintly. "Or maybe someone's talking about you up there."

Yuzu laughed softly but couldn't shake the sudden chill running down her spine— as aboveground, the Duel Palace roared to life and Yugo's engine screamed into motion, signaling the start of the battle that would decide the next name in the semifinals.