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

Chapter 41 Companion's Feelings

The stone archway of the colossal gate loomed ahead, its metallic engravings pulsing with an eerie rhythm that matched the pounding of the group's hearts. The path was silent save for the echo of boots against the concrete, and the air hung heavy with the weight of another confrontation.

Ryu broke the silence. "So this Mark person... he was one of your friends back in the Original Dimension?"

Yuni nodded quietly. "Yes. He used to suffer domestic abuse from his father. It was unbearable—until Professor Leo used his powers to have the man arrested. After that, Mark lived with us. He was finally safe..."

"I see." Gongenzaka's voice was low and steady, but there was sorrow in his tone. "To think he became one of the victims of Zarc's rampage..."

"Indeed," Yuni murmured. "This is going to be a hard duel."

Katrina folded her arms, her eyes tracing the gate's massive doors. "Brother's going to settle things this time. I just hope he's ready for it."

Vivian looked at Yuya's determined expression. "He'll be fine. He has to be. He'll win—no matter what."

Atop the tower near the Giant's Gate, Mark sat astride his D-Wheel, waiting. The roar of its engine broke the still air as he spotted Yuya in the distance. His lips curled into a sharp grin.

When Yuya stepped into the open, their eyes met. In an instant, Mark revved his D-Wheel and charged straight ahead. The screech of metal tore through the field as Yuya sidestepped, the machine halting just inches from him.

"So you finally arrived, Zarc—no, Sakaki Yuya!" Mark's voice carried venom and triumph. "And look at that. We've got quite the audience this time."

"Mark..." Yuya muttered, a shadow flickering across his face.

"It's time to finish what we couldn't back then!" Mark declared, his gloved hand pointing directly at Yuya.

Ray's brow furrowed. "So it really is him..."

Mark's eyes flicked toward her and widened with cruel amusement. "Ah, what do we have here? Zarc's girlfriend, Akaba Ray, or should I say Hiiragi Yuzu? Shame you didn't witness how your hero humiliated himself—crashing his D-Wheel just to dodge defeat!"

Yuzu's anger flared. "You're the one who put Yuya into that coma three days ago, aren't you?!"

Ron blinked. "Wait, what coma? Yuya, what happened—?"

Mark laughed, the sound echoing off the cold gate. "How about watching it happen again? This time, live!" He lifted his hand—and instantly, purple flames burst from the earth, spiraling outward. The infernal blaze carved glowing lines across the landscape, forming a colossal Giant Geoglyph beneath their feet.

Yuni's breath caught. "It's starting..."

Crow's eyes narrowed. "That mark—it's the same as before. The one that appeared during the Friendship Cup..."

Mark's voice thundered over the roaring energy. "Here we go, Yuya! I'll drag you into the inferno of vengeance itself—with the power of my Earthbound God!"

Hana's eyes shimmered with tears. "Mark was never like this... he cared about his friends—about us."

Sona placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "That's why Yuya has to save him."

"I know... but it hurts to see him like this..." Hana whispered.

Yuya's grip on his D-Wheel tightened. Mark... in this duel, I'll save you. I'll bring your smile back.