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

Chapter 45 Resentment of Tops

The group finally reached the Spider Gate, its obsidian surface crawling with faint crimson lines that pulsed like veins. The air was thick, humming with a dark presence that made even the bravest among them uneasy. The six battles behind them had drained nearly every ounce of strength from the Pendant holders; fatigue and tension hung over the group like a storm cloud.

"Here it is..." Yuya murmured, his eyes narrowing as the gate loomed ahead, shrouded in black mist.

"Now who will the Dark Signer be..." Yuni said, scanning the area, her fingers brushing against her pendant as if for reassurance.

Then, the roar of an engine cut through the silence. Everyone turned sharply as a D-Wheel emerged from the shadows, skidding to a halt in front of them. The rider wore a red and black cape that billowed dramatically in the wind.

"You're finally here..." Katrina muttered, sensing the malevolent energy pouring from the figure.

The rider slowly removed his cloak, revealing his face — and the sight froze everyone in place.

"Shinji? Is that you?" Crow gasped, disbelief etched across his face. "You're a Dark Signer?"

"It is obvious," Shinji said coldly. He raised his hand, showing the spider-shaped Mark of the Dark Signer glowing ominously.

"Why, Shinji?" Kiryu demanded, voice trembling. "How did you become a Dark Signer?"

Shinji's glare locked on Yuya. "Because of him! He's the reason I am one of them!"

"Me?" Yuya recoiled. "I didn't do anything to you! I only defeated you in the Friendship Cup's second round!"

"That defeat destroyed our revolution!" Shinji barked, the fury in his tone sharper than any blade.

Aki stepped forward, confused. "Yuya, what's going on?"

As eyes turned toward Yuya, Yuni explained quietly, "After my brother's victory, Roget appeared. He praised him... but only to twist things. He painted Brother as the enemy of the Commons."

Shinji's expression hardened. "And because of that, Security executed me for rebellion instead of sending me to the Underground! If it weren't for the Dark Signers, I'd never have returned to help my comrades. They gave me the power to fight for our revolution — and now I'll use it to take my revenge!"

Crow clenched his fists. "But I saw you in the Underground! Why were you there if you'd already been executed?"

"There are comrades still suffering there!" Shinji roared. "I went back to free them — and now, nothing will stop me from crushing you all!"

Yuya grit his teeth. His body still hadn't recovered, yet the fire in Shinji's eyes told him there'd be no talking him down.

Before he could speak, Crow stepped forward. "You're not dueling Yuya. You'll have to get past me first!"

"Crow?" Yuya and the others turned to him in shock.

Shinji's glare darkened. "Why are you protecting that traitor?"

"He's not one of the Tops!" Crow shouted back. "I learned that during the Friendship Cup — he and his friends have suffered the same as us!"

"You've lost your mind," Shinji sneered. "Then I'll crush you too — for the glory of the Commons!"

Crow's jaw tightened; anger and sorrow clashed behind his eyes. He could see the man Shinji once was, buried under hatred.

Then a small but firm voice cut through the tension. "Crow, I'll fight too."