7. Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-V: A New Story of Pendulum (Fusion Arc)

Chapter 2 All Duel Hands on Deck

It was still early morning when the army of Duelists reached the harbor. The sea stretched before them, calm but deceptively deep, like a mirror reflecting their resolve. Reisho stepped ahead, his expression unreadable, and pulled out a sleek, metallic device. With a brief flash of light, a large ship shimmered into existence — its hull gleaming white beneath the rising sun.

Without hesitation, everyone hurried aboard before any Fusion Dimension patrols could notice their presence. The dock fell silent again as if nothing had happened.

Risu's eyes widened in astonishment as she ran her hand along the polished railings. "To think you'd already prepared a luxurious ship..." she said, her voice filled with admiration.

"This vessel was a gift from our allies in Miami City," Reisho replied, his tone composed but proud. "Its builders believe in our cause — to put an end to Academia's madness."

Vivian crossed her arms, gazing at the sea ahead. "Then let's not waste time. Do you even know how to sail this thing?"

Reiji adjusted his glasses, already walking toward the control deck. "Leave it to me," he said calmly before disappearing through the cabin doors.

Yuya stood at the bow, wind brushing through his red-and-green hair. "Now we're ready to go," he declared, hope flickering in his eyes.

But before anyone could respond, a mocking voice echoed across the deck.

"I told you it isn't going to happen. You'll never reach Academia."

Every Duelist turned sharply toward the source. Standing on the gangplank, with that same theatrical smile that once charmed and deceived them, was Dennis MacField.

"Dennis?" Yuya's expression hardened as everyone instinctively reached for their Duel Disks.

Dennis straightened his jacket, his eyes glinting with a mix of arrogance and regret. "That was a clever trick, I'll admit," he said, stepping fully onto the deck. "But now, you can't run anymore."

Yuya took a step forward, his voice low and sharp. "You're either bold or stupid to board an enemy ship like this, Dennis. You do realize that every one of us here can take you down."

A faint chuckle left Dennis's lips, but his gaze turned toward Yusho. "Maybe so," he said. "But even if you escaped me once, we're surrounded by the ocean now. There's nowhere left to run, Teacher."

The air grew tense, Duel Disks humming to life one by one as the ship rocked gently beneath them — a silent signal that the first battle of the Fusion Campaign was about to begin.

"I'll take that Duel." Everyone turned in surprise as Kaito Tenjo stepped forward, his Duel Disk already snapping open with a sharp metallic sound.

"Kaito?" Shun called out, eyes widening. The others shared the same stunned expression, but Kaito's unwavering glare was fixed entirely on Dennis.

"If I beat you in a Duel," Kaito declared, his voice cutting through the sea breeze, "you'll have to tell us all the strong enemies in Academia."

Dennis smirked, his showman's flair immediately returning. "Lose? Me? Like that's going to happen. I mean, aren't you one of those who got destroyed by Academia?"