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

Chapter 26 Curry Worries

The warm glow of sunset stretched across the campus grounds as six figures walked along the cracked pathway leading to the Ra Yellow Dorm. The golden insignia on the front gate, though faded by time and battle, still shimmered faintly beneath the orange sky.

Kenzan slowed his steps, eyes softening as the familiar sight came into view. "Man... this place sure brings back memories," he murmured, a nostalgic grin spreading across his face. "It's been forever since we were last here."

Asuka looked over at him, her expression bittersweet. "You're thinking about the time we escaped, aren't you?"

He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. When the Professor took control of Academia, this was the last place we stayed before we ran. Back then, we didn't even know if we'd make it out alive."

The group fell quiet for a moment. The gentle hum of cicadas filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of salt from the sea.

Dennis, always the one to break heavy silence, smiled faintly as he looked around. "Hard to believe Yuri used to stay here, too," he said. "Back when Sho was still around. I remember hearing stories about the two of you being quite the duelists."

Yuri glanced toward the dorm's wooden balcony, his violet hair stirring lightly in the wind. "I stayed here only for a short while," he replied coolly. "I don't remember much about it. I was promoted to Obelisk Blue before I could get attached to the place."

Asuka crossed her arms, smirking. "That's so much like you—getting noticed early, then acting like it was no big deal."

Yuri's lips twitched into the faintest grin. "I suppose some things never change."

Fubuki laughed lightly, brushing his hand through his hair. "Still, it's strange being back here. The dorm's quiet, but it feels... alive somehow."

Johan suddenly lifted his head, his gemstone-blue eyes narrowing. "Wait—do you guys smell that?"

Dennis tilted his head. "Smell what?"

Johan's nose twitched again, and a grin spread across his face. "That's curry! Real curry! I haven't smelled that since... well, since before the war!"

The others exchanged surprised glances before following the scent. Around the corner of the dorm courtyard, smoke rose from a small outdoor stove. Standing beside it was a tall man wearing a simple apron and a bag-made mask, humming quietly as he stirred a pot filled with bubbling golden sauce. The aroma was rich and comforting—spices blending perfectly with the warmth of the setting sun.

Kenzan blinked. "No way... someone's actually cooking here?"

Asuka stepped forward cautiously, her Duel Disk gleaming faintly. "Who are you?"

The masked man didn't answer immediately. He turned slowly, his movements calm, almost deliberate. The soft light reflected off the lenses of his mask, hiding any trace of emotion beneath it.

He gave a small, almost playful tilt of the head. "Ah... visitors," he said, his voice muffled but friendly. "It's been a long time since Ra Yellow had guests."

Johan's stomach growled audibly, breaking the tension. "Sorry, but that smells amazing. You're not gonna tell me that's just for decoration, are you?"

The man chuckled faintly, returning to his cooking. "Depends," he said lightly, stirring the pot again. "Do you prefer your curry mild... or spicy?"

Yuri's expression hardened, his violet eyes narrowing. "Seriously, who really are you?" he asked coldly, the air between them sharpening. "Are you one of the Professor's staff sent to eliminate us?"