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

Chapter 43 Sibling Battle: Manibus

With Lisa now among them, the group made their way toward the Hands Gate, where the fifth Dark Signer awaited. But while chaos stirred outside, a quiet awakening began within Yuni's consciousness.

A soft groan escaped Risu as she lifted her head, rubbing her temples. "Ugh... what just happened..." Her voice trembled as she blinked, adjusting to the strange, luminous space surrounding her.

"You're finally awake, Risu."

The familiar voice made her turn sharply—two figures stood before her, both bearing her face and presence.

"What... You're Zarine, right?" she asked hesitantly. "Then this must mean... I'm inside Yuni's mind?"

Zarine nodded faintly, but it was Rumi who spoke next, her tone calm and reassuring. "You caught on quickly. You exhausted nearly all your energy freeing Yuya from Roget's control. To keep you alive, Yuni merged her consciousness with yours. This place... It's the result of that fusion."

Risu lowered her gaze. "I see..." The weight of it all pressed on her chest. "Then... how are things outside? What happened to the championship?"

"The tournament's been canceled," Rumi said, her expression darkening. "Academia began its full assault, and then... the Dark Signers appeared. They've taken nearly everyone's souls."

Risu's eyes widened. "Dark Signers... those are the ones you told me about—the ones with the purple marks, right? The duelists who use negative Levels and summon a god that feeds on a thousand souls?"

Zarine gave a slow nod. "Yes. And there's something you need to know, Risu..."

The hesitation in her tone made Risu's heart sink.

"You won't like this," Zarine continued quietly. "Rin... has become one of the Dark Signers."

"What?" The word tore from Risu's throat. She staggered back, disbelief flooding her face. "No... why her?!"

Rumi's expression softened. "Remember when Yuzu fell? At the last moment, Rin separated from her fusion form and used Arctic Blizzard to cushion the fall. She saved Yuzu... but she took the plunge herself."

The truth struck like a blade. Risu fell to her knees, tears gathering in her eyes. "Rin... she's like a sister to me... Is there any way to save her?"

Zarine stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "There is. We've already freed four of the ten Dark Signers. It's only a matter of time before we face her."

Risu clenched her fists, determination rising through the sorrow. "Then I'm joining you. I won't let Rin be consumed by darkness."

Zarine smiled faintly, her voice warm. "Thank you, Risu."

At the same time, Sora and Sona rejoined the group, their footsteps echoing across the cracked pavement as they approached the others.

Reisho turned toward them immediately. "How are the students holding up, Sora, Sona?"

"They've learned about the Professor's plan," Sora replied, his tone firm but hopeful. "They'll do everything they can to stop him. We're going to have more allies on our side soon."

Reiji nodded, his expression as sharp as ever. "Good. We'll need every hand we can get if we're going to keep Academia from destroying all four dimensions."

Sona crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing slightly. "And the Dark Signers? How did that go?"

Yuni stepped forward, her voice steady but carrying the fatigue of battle. "We've already secured four of the Earthbound Cards." She opened her hand, revealing the four ominous cards shimmering faintly with dark energy. "Now we're heading for the fifth one."