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

Chapter 39 Mark of the Monkey

The path opened into a silent valley surrounded by fractured monoliths. At its center stood a massive stone pillar etched with the carving of a curled tail and fierce, simian eyes.

Rua tilted his head. "So that's the symbol of the monkey?"

"Yeah..." Reisho replied. "We're here—the first gate."

A sudden gust swept across the ruins, carrying with it a sharp, burning scent. Then—whoosh!—crimson flames erupted from the carvings, wrapping the pillar in spiraling fire.

"What the—where did those flames come from?" Choujiro shouted, stepping back.

The fire twisted, forming a luminous mark of the Monkey above the gate. Out of the inferno stepped a tall figure cloaked in gold and black, the air around him rippling with distortion.

"I've been waiting for you, Signers." His voice was smooth yet ancient, like something pulled straight from the Duel Monster Spirit World. "To think the heirs of the Dragon Marks would stand before me once more."

Yuya narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

The figure lowered his hood. His face was sharp and feral, eyes glinting red beneath shadowed brows. A faint, wild grin curled his lips. "I am Zeman, the Ape King—bearer of the Monkey's Birthmark. The first guardian of the Dark Signers' gates."

Crow muttered, "So this time, the mark belongs to a spirit..."

Zeman laughed, his voice echoing like cracking stone. "Belongs? No, little bird. I am the mark. When the world split, the power of the Earthbound seeped into the realm of monsters. I claimed the Monkey's flame as my own."

Ruka stiffened. "A Duel Monster... with a birthmark?"

"Not just a Duel Monster," Zeman said, his eyes gleaming. "The ruler of the Spirit Forest. The same forest your dragon once called home."

Ruka's breath caught. "Ancient Fairy Dragon..."

Zeman's grin sharpened. "Ah, so you do feel her pain. I can still hear her wings burning."

Ruka shook her head, heart pounding. "That's impossible... I've never met you before."

Yuni glanced around. "When the world split into four dimensions, timelines folded and broke apart. The spirits remember everything—even what humans lost."

Reisho nodded gravely. "Those who lived, died, or were reborn were scattered across the dimensions. Their memories twisted in the process. But you—how did you retain it all?"

"Because hatred anchors memory." Zeman spread his arms, the Monkey Mark glowing fiercely on his chest. "I've waited through shattered centuries for my revenge. And now, you've walked into my jungle."

Yuya turned to Ruka. "He's your fated opponent. You should face him—as a Signer."

Ruka took a step forward, determination steadying her trembling voice. "If this is fate, then I'll confront it."

Rua immediately moved beside her. "No way! I promised I'd protect Ruka! I'm not letting her fight alone!"

"But you're not—" Katrina began, but Zeman's laughter cut through the air.

"Perfect," Zeman said darkly. "Two souls, one bond. Let me crush both at once. Come—show me what light truly means."

He slammed his clawed hand onto the ground. "Field Magic—Crossover!"