Big thanks to Ryujomaru15, Yuka Kuroshiro, DKILAM, Playerhood18, Citylover96, Big duels, Ulrich362, Demon Lord Luciela, EH-01, Guest, KuriMaster13, Demons Anarchy of Pride, VTXD, dvdryms, aqua9597, lord yuri, Venomous Blade, StrikeDragoon, NeoFGD, Dknight27, Swift4Sweeper, Leafeon12, Fan of Fanfics21, GamingGuy84, Unknowedz, Above the Winter Moonlight, Sylver287, Elbarto4000 for reviewing the previous chapter~!

Thank you for all of your support for these seven months reviewing, favoring, and following this fanfic! We are truly grateful!

After Yuya and Yuzu's Duel against Zarc and Ray, there were quite many problems with the sudden union of the four dimensions. Since the dimensions have been fused, there were several parts in the new world where the landscapes changed, becoming rather unprecedented. All countries from the originally four dimensions must do some rearrangement, which also lead to several changing in making new census and rewrite the constitution. Because of that, in order to assure the stability of their people, all the nations' leaders have put aside their differences, and are working together to rebuild.

The border between the dimensions vanished, making it possible for people from different dimensions to meet and interact with one another more freely, as they now are living in the same world. Despite some changes, most people were back to their normal lives, living peacefully. They got involved with people around the world, opened the gateway to the lands they have yet to know, and set forth on a new 'story' of their own.

And then, four months have passed…

YOU SHOW DUEL SCHOOL – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

The You Show Duel School was flooding with new applicants wanting to study at the school. There were two reasons for this. One, Yuya and Yuzu who became famous after their Duels four months ago for their Entertainment Dueling garnered many fans worldwide that brought trends to the entertainment world, particularly Entertainment Dueling. Lots of people for the past few months came to sign up at You Show Duel School, wishing to become Entertainment Duelist. Second, Yusho has cleared his name and regained his good reputation by defeating Strong Ishijima in an official match two weeks in the same month after the Maiami Junior Youth Championship. Many old admirers of Yusho also came to sign up thanks to that.

With so many applicants, the once broke You Show Duel School has improved their finance significantly, allowing them to do reconstruction for the school, making it bigger and wider. Although it was still smaller than LDS, the school was nevertheless, enough for many people to study comfortably there. And so, Yusho, Yoko, Shuzo, and the kids were busy dealing with the said new applicants and students. Even Gongenzaka came all the way form his own dojo to help in managing the flood of people.

"I want to enter this school!"

"I don't care how much I have to pay, please let me join!"

"I want to become an Entertainment Duelist!"

"Please let us join!"

"Alright, alright, please calm down! There are still rooms for everyone to enter this school!" Gongenzaka said while gently pushing back the crowds who were trying to enter.

"Please make queue and then we will give the application forms!" Yoko told through a speaker so her voice would reach everyone who came.

"So many new students…! Finally it's the time for You Show Duel School to rise high…!" Shuzo were crying waterfall tears from overwhelming happiness. Even after months, he was still not getting used with having so many applicants. After Yusho's disappearance three years ago, the school was practically on the verge of bankruptcy, but thanks to Yuya and Yuzu's contributions in the war and their Duels in Maiami Championship and his senior's comeback, their school was saved.

"Principal, don't just stand there and help us!" Ayu protested while helping handing the application forms.

"Yeah! We are super busy here!" Futoshi pulled Shuzo to the crowds, snapping him out from his antic.

"Big Bro Yuya and Big Sis Yuzu are not here, so all of us must work harder! Even Gongenzaka came to help!" Tatsuya told the principal as he pushed him to the crowds, causing the man to be engulfed in the flood of people demanding him to let them attend the school.

The crowds went down when smiling icons suddenly appeared and spreading around the area. Sky Magician, Cloud Magician, Sky Pupil, and Revue Dancer then appeared, holding application forms and scattered them to the crowds who eagerly accepted the paper. They looked up to the roof of the You Show Duel School and saw Yusho standing there with his Duel Disk activated.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! We are happy for your enthusiasm in joining this school! Now, please fill the application forms that you all have received and then leave it inside the box on the front desk. No need to be in hurry. This school won't go anywhere and we will welcome you!" Yusho said, spreading his arms wide as Sky Magician wrote a word 'Welcome' with its magic. With that, the crowds cheered and started writing the application forms.

Yusho jumped off from the roof to the ground while watching the new applicants with a relieved smile. Yoko and the kids sighed as the crowds have finally calmed down for the time being, giving them a moment to rest.

"It's been a while since we have this many applicants." Yoko remarked.

"And it's our job to guide them in becoming the next generation Entertainment Duelists." Yusho stated.

"With our hot-blooded guidance, we will succeed!" Shuzo said confidently, nodding his head while crossing his arms with pride.

"By the way, where are Big Bro Yuya and Big Sis Yuzu?" Tatsuya finally voiced the question he has been meaning to ask since morning but didn't get to because got interrupted by the quick arrival of the new applicants.

"Yeah. Where they went to? This is supposed to be a big day but they're not here to help." Futoshi asked as well. Ever since this morning he came to the school, he didn't see either Yuya or Yuzu anywhere in the school, and they still haven't come now.

"Have you forgotten? Today is that day." Gongenzaka told the children who looked up to him in question.

"That day?" Ayu repeated, not getting what the Steadfast Duelist meant.

"Today is the important day they have settled to go to that place ever once a month." Yusho answered, patting Ayu's head.

"I have filled the application!"

"I'm putting it into the box!"

"Hey, I was first!"

"No, I'm first!"

Yusho chuckled as the crowds were starting to argue again. He and the others set off to the crowds to calm them down again.

HALL – LEO DUEL SCHOOL – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

Aside from You Show Duel School that immediately reached the rank of number 2 Duel School in Maiami City, snatching the place from Ryozanpaku Duel School, LDS' name just became more famous and still retaining the spot of number 1 school in the whole Maiami City. And that is, of course, thanks to Reiji and Reira's contributions in the dimension war, mainly Reiji being the one to form and lead the Lancers who were known as war heroes. The junior class, in particular, has increased in terms of new applicants as Reira became more active in showing up in front of the public; her skill was recognized as second only to Reiji in LDS. Sawatari's Entertainment Dueling also became well-liked by many in a way.

The new and old students were now gathering in the hall of LDS for the ceremony to welcome new students and teachers and also the opening of the new Pendulum Summoning course. However, the students who were gathering all blinking in surprise and confusion as instead of Reiji who is the Leo Corporation president or Himika the chairwoman of the said corporation, Sawatari was the one standing in front of anyone, casually flinging his hair as his hand held the microphone.

"Attention, everyone! Since both the president and chairwoman Akabas are not present due to family business, be rejoiced that I, the strongest Duelist of LDS and the ultra-super-hyper-strong war hero Duelist, Shingo Sawatari shall be the one to deliver the grand speech!" Sawatari announced while doing his pose with his lackeys helping him like usual, earning sweat drops from practically everyone in the hall.

Sawatari huffed proudly, not noticing or maybe ignoring the reaction he got from their faces. "Now then, before telling more about the courses and all in LDS, I'm going to tell how many accomplishments the LDS have achieved! The most achievement, of course, has been achieved by me! I'm sure you all have heard of my adventures during dimension war. The beginning is–"

Before Sawatari could continue babbling non-stop, he was silenced by a smack on his head by a bamboo blade and then being taken away. Masumi, Yaiba, and Hokuto have dragged him off the stage with his lackeys. Masumi was twisting Sawatari's ear to remove him from stage while Yaiba and Hokuto were dragging the three lackeys.

"Hey?! What the hell are you doing?! Don't interrupt my speech! It's the best in the century! Ow, ow, ow!" Sawatari said between his cries as Masumi continued to drag him without letting go of his ear. It seriously hurt.

"The best in the century my ass, you're making everyone uncomfortable with that stunt of yours." Yaiba spat back. He always wondered if Sawatari will ever stop being so stupid.

"Besides, President Akaba has already appointed Marco-sensei for the speech." Masumi told him, still not letting go even after they got off the stage.

"He doesn't want to stain LDS' reputation by allowing you to do that shameless speech." Hokuto remarked. Sawatari took offense at that, fuming.

"I am the pride of LDS! How can you not understanding that?! Ouch! Let go of me already! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeey–!"

Sawatari's shouts echoed until he and his lackeys were out of sight, leaving the hall to be precise as Masumi and the boys have no doubt if they let him be he'll try again. When everything was clear, Nakajima cued Marco to start the speech.

RYOZANPAKU DUEL SCHOOL – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

Kachidoki was standing amongst the motionless bodies of his fellow students behind his back while raising his Duel Disk. Some were unconscious and some were struggling to move but their bodies were too exhausted. In front of Kachidoki was none other than Ryozan Godagawa, the owner of Ryozanpaku Duel School, who had taken him in eight years ago. The very man whom he once feared was now crouching tiredly, his cards scattered on the wooden floor.

"I won. As we have agreed upon, now I'm leaving this school." Kachidoki told his now former mentor, deactivating his Duel Disk and carried his bag. He bowed politely before taking his leave. The other students who were watching quickly opened a path for him to walk out.

After a few months of thinking and failed attempts to convince Ryozan, Kachidoki made up his mind to leave Ryozanpaku Duel School. Pre the rule of the Duel School, students are not allowed to leave until they became a Pro Duelist. However, Kachidoki managed to lure Ryozan into making an agreement with him by proposing if he can defeat 20 strongest students in the whole school and Ryozan himself right on their faces, he is allowed to leave. As he had expected, the said 20 students and the owner himself were offended that they also took as a mockery to them. Kachidoki's declaration of confidence that he will win only added fuel into the fire. True to his words though, Kachidoki won against every single one of them, with Ryozan being his last opponent to be defeated. He won't call it easy, especially against Ryozan, but dueling Zarc was far harder than this.

"Why…? You have grown to possess so much power and yet you are leaving the school?" Ryozan questioned his now former student, stopping the boy's track.

"Because I understand now that winning isn't everything." Kachidoki answered without turning to Ryozan.

"You have experienced the cruelty of war! A slightest bit mistake will prove fatal! You must defeat your enemies without mercy so you won't lose anything! The winner is the one who created history! You should have understood that!" Ryozan exclaimed. His frustration of being humiliated in front of his students and disbelief that the one who did it was none other than a failure of his student after losing in the previous Maiami Championship infuriated him that he lost his cool.

"You got it backwards. It is because I have experienced war that I realized this. Also, that kind of thinking will make us never stop viewing them as enemies and that will lead to another conflict." Kachidoki finally turned to his former mentor while recalling his times during the war. He has been led astray by this school's teaching until his rematch against Yuya. Meeting him and his new friends has opened his eyes. Winning can make them feel validated knowing that what they did, worked and delivered results. Winning keeps them excited and motivated. But it can also cause complacency.

"Sometimes we need to lose in order to win. It may sound harsh, but there are many life lessons to be learned from losing occasionally. People fail over and over and over again their lives. But it's from that they are able to succeed. We continue to learn and became better than before." Kachidoki of course admitted there are positives in winning, namely the confidence boost that it brings. Losing, obviously has its downsides. It's not a great feeling to lose for a start. Consistently losing has the potential to turn them off an activity. Balance is the important key.

"If you still want to hold onto that belief and teach it in this school, then you are free to do so. I won't force my belief on you. What you are doing is not of my concern from now on as I am no longer a student of this school." Kachidoki turned his back on Ryozan again, walking to the gate leading to the outside.

"From now on, I will create my own path with my own belief and find my own Dueling." Kachidoki left after saying that, closing the gate behind him. Reaching down the end of the long stairs, Kachidoki was surprised when Tsukikage and Hikage were standing there, waiting for him.

"It has been a while, Kachidoki-dono." Tsukikage greeted.

"It has been a while, Tsukikage, and you too, Hikage. But what business do you have with me?" Kachidoki asked. He doubted the two ninja brothers were there to enter Ryozanpaku or meeting anyone from there other than him, so he assumed they were waiting for him.

"First, please accept our apology. We actually have been watching you ever since you arrived in this school this morning. We were waiting until you are done with your Duels because we want to invite you." Hikage explained.

"Invite me? To what?" Kachidoki asked.

"If it's okay with you, we would like to invite you to join Fuma Duel School." Tsukikage suggested.

"To your school?" Kachidoki blinked in surprise. He had heard quite a bit of Fuma Duel School. While it wasn't as famous as LDS or Ryozanpaku, it was well-known and has gained many awards itself. The school was also known to accept clients seeking for bodyguards, though whether they accept or not depends on what kind of person their client it.

"Even before this, I can tell that you no longer hold onto Ryozanpaku Duel School's teaching, Kachidoki-dono. We have followed you because we want to offer you a new opportunity, a new start. Would you at least consider it?" Tsukikage asked.

"We won't force you. You can give it a try first. If you feel you don't fit in, then you can leave. You don't need to answer now, we will give you time." Hikage assured the Fusion user.

"…I think you should give it a try…"

From between the trees, a young man appeared. He has muscular and well body built. His hair is reddish brown and very long, as it passes his shoulders and reaches his back that he tied up, while also sporting two bangs, both of which almost reach his abdominal. He was wearing black leather trousers with a small side chain, and an open black shirt with red tank top underneath. He has a small arm sleeve over his left wrist, and wears black shoes with red soles. Kachidoki furrowed his brows as he eyed the man. His eyes widened when he finally recognized him.

"Battle Beast?! You're here too?!" Kachidoki exclaimed. He was truly shocked. Looking him like this, he was…very normal. The image change has completely turned him into a different person. Seeing Kachidoki's shocked face, Battle Beast and the two ninja brothers chuckled. An expected reaction.

"He came to Maiami City looking for you, Kachidoki-dono. We happened to hear of his arrival and bring him with us since we want to meet you." Tsukikage explained.

"After we parted, I've been thinking of what should I do. Even though Academia has been rebuilt anew, I couldn't find myself able to stay there. I don't know how to explain…but you're the one who saved me. I think that if I stick with you…I can learn more things…and discover my own path…" Battle Beast told Kachidoki. After he reverted back from being card, he was given a mental care for his trauma from the experience he suffered at Sanders' hands. At first it was difficult as he still experienced many nightmares, but his condition slowly improved. However, he still felt a void in his heart and he couldn't fill it if he stays in Academia. That's why he left.

"If it's not too much, I want to go and learn together with you." Battle Beast requested.

Kachidoki stared at Kachidoki's earnest eyes and then glanced at Tsukikage and Hikage who were waiting for his response. Kachidoki sighed, scratching the back of his head before smiling at the three of them.

"I don't have any plan yet after leaving Ryozanpaku…so trying attending another school doesn't sound to be a bad idea. Take me to your school." Kachidoki accepted the ninja brothers' invitation, much to their relief. He then turned to Battle Beast, extending his hand to him.

"I'm looking forward to learn together with you too, Battle Beast." Kachidoki told him while waiting for the handshake. He thought he made the right decision as Battle Beast looked elated and shook his hand strongly.

Kachidoki took one last glance at Ryozanpaku Duel School before he finally left it behind, embarking on a new path with his new comrades.

DUEL PALACE – NEO DOMINO CITY – ARC-V

After the union of the four dimensions and the changes made in the once known as simply City of Synchro Dimension, the city was renamed Neo Domino City and established a republic governed by the leader chosen through public votes. While initially Jack was to be appointed for the position considering his influence to the whole city and the people preferred him, but Jack refused the candidacy and instead nominated for Tokumatsu to take over. Words were quick to spread, and Tokumatsu won the election by huge votes, mostly from the former Commons. It wasn't easy at first, but Tokumatsu got the hang of it thanks to several other people he and Jack knew they could trust to help in handling the government.

To celebrate the Neo Domino City, Tokumatsu held a tournament in the Duel Palace today. The tournament was being watched by most of the residents and went well until they finally reached the final, which is the Duel between Jack and Crow. For some reason they have yet to find out, the warp holes connecting Neo Domino City and other places still exists. This allowed them to still using the Dimension Highway once in a while. At the moment, Jack and Crow were dueling at stalemate.

"Don't lose, Crow!" Frank, Amanda, and Tanner cheered together with Sam, Shinji, Damon, and Tony were also watching beside them at the audience seat.

"Beat him, Jack!" A loyal Jack fan cheered as well beside them while holding a flag with Jack's name.

"Look here, everyone! Both Jack and Crow are exchanging heavy blows against one another until their LPs are technically one and the same! I can't tell which one who is going to win! The both of them are equally strong!" Melissa commented as usual from the helicopter.

"Hmph! Equal? I'll show you in this Turn that I, the former King, is stronger!" Jack decreed as he began his Turn with Crow riding beside him.

"Don't get too cocky, Jack! You maybe the former Duel King, but I have also become stronger for the past few months! I'll show you that I have what it takes to take the title of Duel King!" Crow retorted with confident smile.

"Then you better try to survive my next attack!"

"Bring it on!"

"Oh! Both Jack and Crow are challenging each other! They make this Duel even hotter with their flames of determination to win!"

"They have been at it for a while now." Amanda remarked. Lately, Jack and Crow often hung out with each other. If someone asked, she would say they became close friends already. Quite surprising since Crow used to think badly of Jack for being a traitor against Commons.

"By the way, where are Yugo and Rin? I was sure they were going to participate in this tournament." Tanner asked, not seeing the two said teens.

"You're right. I had expected Yugo to eagerly appear in this tournament." Frank said, imagining Yugo making a grand entrance.

"Yugo and Rin are going with Yuya and the others." Tokumatsu answered, standing behind their seats, startling the kids.

"Going to where?" Sam asked. Considering Yugo's personality, whatever business it is with Yuya and Yuzu, it must be very important that they were willing to miss the match.

"To that stadium that appeared four months ago."

ACADEMIA – FUSION ISLAND – ARC-V

Today, in a Duel Field, Asuka, Edo, and Samejima were standing in front of the gathering students, introducing Duelists from Maiami City who are consisted of Michio, Mieru, Teppei, Eita, Halil, and Olga.

"Today there are students from other Duel Schools came for study trip. This way we can learn various Dueling Styles we haven't seen. Let's get along well with everyone, okay?" Asuka said with what everyone called her angelic smile, earning her a chorus of 'yes', especially from the boys.

Edo took over, getting everyone's attention. "We will have you form a team of five people. Each group will have one from our six guest Duelists. We will do some sort of tournament between the groups. Carefully watch each of the Duels and learn from it. If you want to become a Pro, you must learn to assess your opponent and arrange a suitable strategy with your Decks. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes!"

"Good. Now, form your own teams and be prepared. We will start the study once you are all ready." Edo clapped his hand once, prompting the students to start making their teams.

"You're doing well as always, Vice-Principal." Asuka stated.

Following Samejima's re-appointment as the headmaster of the Duel School, Obelisk Force, Juvenile Squad, and other military forces were disbanded. Academia has officially become the Duel School where students enjoy their studies like it once was. Since most of the instructors were imprisoned for their crimes during the war or busy helping in repairing the once Xyz Dimension, Samejima and the other remaining staffs were busy looking for suitable teachers to teach their students. Fortunately, some Pro Duelists sent by Reiji were willing to teach temporarily until they found proper replacement.

Some students like Edo and Asuka also helped in teaching classes, with Edo being personally handpicked by Samejima to become his vice-headmaster despite Edo's refusal. Edo didn't think he was the right person to hold such position after what he had done, but Samejima convinced him that it was precisely because of that it would be better for him to take the position, to ensure new students won't fall to the same path he once had fallen. After much persistence, Edo finally relented and left the rebuilding of Heartland to the Tyler Sisters and his former squad, though he was still reluctant.

"Please don't call me that. It's…only for temporary." Edo replied.

"You're still saying that? You should be more confident with yourself, Edo-kun." Samejima patted the grey-haired teen's shoulder in assurance.

"It's already four months, but I just can't get used to this position. Even if I understand what you meant, I'm still not sure myself of this, Principal…" Edo replied, feeling uneasy.

"Where is the proud and confident Commander-in-Chief we once knew?" Sora came while licking his strawberry flavored lollipop and his left arm on his back.

"Sora! I thought you went with to Heartland with Dennis." Asuka exclaimed.

"Yeah, I originally planned to tag along, but the Principal called for my help." Sora tilted his head at Samejima.

"You are one of our most talented students, Sora-kun. Before we start the lesson, I want you and Asuka-kun to do the opening the Duel as demonstration for the students." Samejima requested, placing both his hands on Sora and Asuka's shoulders.

Sora blinked. "Don't get me wrong, Principal, I'm honored that you chose me, but why me and Asuka?" The blue haired boy asked.

"Even before the war, both of you are already popular amongst the Academia students. Asuka-kun who was one of honor students and Sora-kun who passed with the highest score in his class and his experience crossing dimensions. And your contributions in the war received more admiration from the students." The Principal answered while pointing at the students who were murmuring while meekly glancing at Asuka and Sora.

"Simply put, watching the of you dueling may give these students more motivations in their Dueling in positive way and encouraged them to know more of Dueling outside Academia. There are still some students who hesitate to know more about the outside world." Edo explained, having the same thoughts as Samejima.

"I understand what you're getting at." Sora smiled as he finished his lollipop. Because he crossed his dimensions, he was able to meet Yuya and the others who became his first true friends. He learned and experienced Duels that are more fun than carding people. He came to understand how precious lives are and realized what he had done was wrong. He wanted to give these students the chance to experience the fun things he experienced, and prevent them from making the same mistake as he did.

"It can't be helped! Since the Principal himself said so, I'll do it! Besides, I'm also interested in dueling you, Asuka!" Sora challenged the older girl.

"Now that you have said that, I can't refuse. Even though it's not for so long, I will show you the style I have learned from Yusho-sensei and my own Dueling." Asuka said while raising her Duel Disk, accepting the challenge.

"Heh! I maybe not a student of Yuya's dad, but I am also a student of You Show Duel School, so I know a whole lot of You Show style!" Sora also raised his Duel Disk.

Sora and Asuka assumed their position on the Duel Field. Once the two entered the field, the students immediately retreated to the sides, their eyes brimming with excitement and expectation at the sudden turn of event, murmuring how lucky they were for able to watch the Duel between two well-known Duelists of Academia. Samejima and Edo smiled and laughed softly upon seeing the students' enthusiasm. Looks like today's lesson would be far smoother and more unordinary than they thought.

CITY SQUARE – HEARTLAND CITY – ARC-V

"Hello, everyone! It's show time! This is your beloved Dennis Macfield who came all the way from Academia to become a commentator for this Duel that is about to start!"

Dennis announced while flying with his Trapeze Magician, gathering people's attention to the city square where Allen and Sayaka were facing against Gloria and Grace, the four of them activating their Duel Disks to duel. Shun and Kaito were watching from the sidelines with the other audience who came thanks to Dennis' flashy announcement.

"This Duel will be a Tag Duel! We have Allen Kozuki and Sayaka Sasayama from Heartland Duel School's Clover Branch, and Gloria Tyler and Grace Tyler or you can just simply call them Tyler Sisters from Academia! The four of them are Duelists with promising skills and style, so I highly recommend you to watch this Duel!" Dennis persuaded more passerby to come and watch, doing some magic tricks in the process that prompted them to come. Although there were many who came simply because they wanted to watch him.

"He is promoting himself more than the Duel." Shun said with a sigh at the Entermage user.

"Dennis became popular among the children here since his last performance. You can't blame them." Kaito reminded.

Around two days after the Maiami Junior Youth Championship, Dennis and Sora came to Heartland following their deal with Shun. They started by beginning a Duel and showed them their Academia Dueling mixed with Entertainment Dueling. As the Duel went on, they also revealed their parts in Heartland's destruction, doing a public apology as they continued to Duel and entertain the audience with their Duels. This earned them a positive response from those who watched. While there were still people who found it hard to forgive Dennis and Sora, they at least understood that the two Duelists have truly regretted and are repenting for their actions. Since then, Dennis and Sora quite frequently visited Heartland to help, though Sora was busier helping things in Academia than Dennis.

"But the children are enjoying it, so it should be fine. And we already have more than enough people to watch the Duel. If it's about gaining attention, I'm sure Sayaka and the others can do it." Kaito assured Shun.

Shun looked at the people who were gathering at the town square. They were smiling so happily watching the Duel, and his friends were having fun dueling. It felt like the war never happened. He prayed that this will last and no one will suffer the horror of war again.

"Speaking of which, where are Yuto and Ruri? They're not with you?" Kaito asked. The two were usually with Shun, the three almost sticking like glues.

"Today is the special day they mentioned before. They went to meet Yuya and the others and then go together to the stadium." Shun said as he lamented the absence of his sister and best friend.

"Yuri and Serena are also joining them. It was hard to get permission for Yuri to be allowed to go out once a month. He was finally allowed after they intensified the program in his choker." Dennis revealed, standing behind Shun and Kaito between them, startling the Raid Raptors user and Cipher user.

"Serves him right if you ask me. He still owes an apology to Ruri." Shun spat bitterly.

"Hey, go a little easy on my best buddy, would you? He still need more time to fully understand his actions. What he experienced are quite different from me and Sora, he can's apologize so easily. And even if he did apologize, there's no point if it's no sincere." Dennis told Shun, smiling a bit sadly for his best friend.

"I know… Just don't make us wait for too long or I'll drag him here myself." Shun replied, huffing.

"Roger! As a thank you, why don't we have a Duel after this, Kurosaki? I'll comfort you with my entertainment after being dumped by your sister and best friend–gobugh?!" Dennis was cut off when a strong elbow hit his stomach, making him crouching on the ground with Shun hovered him with deadly eyes.

"Yeah, let's Duel, this time you'll be a dead meat." Shun told Dennis while cracking his knuckles, ready to punch the Entermage user if started with his unfunny jokes again, so Dennis kept his mouth shut.

They turned to the Duel when the audience was cheering loudly. Allen and Sayaka were sitting on the ground while Grace and Gloria were smiling victoriously. The Tyler Sisters have won the Duel. The audience asked for more Duels, seeing how they were looking forward for more, Kaito took Shun's wrist and dragged him to the field, leaving Dennis who was still holding his pained stomach.

"We can't replace Yuto and Ruri, but let's have as much as fun together until they came back, okay?" Kaito positioned Shun and himself on where Allen and Sayaka originally, gesturing the Tyler Sisters for another Duel that the sisters were more than happy to grant.

While Shun was still pouting a bit due Ruri and Yuto's absence, he knew he mustn't continue like this, not with his friends wanting him to enjoy their outing. Smiling gratefully at Kaito who became his Tag partner and Sayaka and Allen who were cheering for him, Shun activated his Duel Disk and commenced the Duel.

ISOLATED ISLAND – UNKNOWN LOCATION – ARC-V

Leo's mood had taken a turn for the worse for each day passed. And despite having troubles believing how much involved in the matter he felt, he knew that he would never feel at peace with what happened a few months ago. He brought one hand to his face and closed his eyes, recalling his times with Ray and what happened the past three years until recently and those memories that would not leave him alone. He hated them and felt sickened at remembering how he felt during those moments. He had several close calls with death in the past where adrenaline would make his heart feel like it was exploding, but nothing he had gone through could be compared to the feel of oblivion slowly approaching at the edges of his consciousness.

Everything he had done were all for nothing. All of them were meaningless. He lost his most beloved daughter 23 years ago. When he realized he could bring her back, he worked hard and dirtied his hands to revive her. However, contrary to his expectations, his revived daughter condemned his actions. She begged him to stop reviving her and told him that what he had been doing was wrong. She rejected the new life he gave to her. She rejected to stay with him, choosing to stay with Zarc – the man responsible for her demise, in death. And now…he didn't know anything anymore. He just felt…empty. He felt…he didn't have any reason to continue living anymore.

Leo was so engrossed in his thought that he didn't realize someone has opened the door and entered the room.

"We are here, Father."

Leo turned to the door and saw his son, adopted daughter, and his wife, coming to visit him. It has been four months since he last saw them. After he was sentenced to exile for 20 years, he didn't see them again. The only people who were visiting were guards or from the officials to check up on him, though he usually just ignored them as he didn't care about them.

"We actually wanted to visit earlier, but we were busy since the four dimensions became one again as you we have already informed you." Reiji explained.

"What do you come here for…?" Leo asked.

Reiji took a seat on a chair beside his father's bed. Himika and Reira also did the same.

"You still won't let my sister go, Father?" Reiji questioned, looking straight at his father who looked down.

"You won't understand. Ray is my most precious child… The only family…I had left…" Leo covered his eyes with his hand as his daughter's face came to his mind. He couldn't see her smile anymore. He couldn't feel her love anymore. And then, she will eventually disappear from him completely. He was scared. He didn't want that to happen.

Reiji frowned hearing that, so did Himika. "So, you're saying that we are not your family? I am not your son?" He asked again without looking this time. This question startled Leo who shuddered and couldn't give an answer. He didn't know what to say.

"We are related by blood, Father. Nothing can change that. We are father and child, just like you and Sister." Reiji told his father who started to remove his hand from his eyes, having a troubled expression on his face.

Himika stood up to take a seat on Leo's bed, making her husband to face her. "I hate you. You abandoned me and Reiji-san without a word, and when I knew the reason why I was furious. But…at the same time, I also felt sad. And that is when I realized I felt that way because deep inside…I actually still love you…" She told him. After the war, she had reassessed many things regarding her and her family. Her feelings for Leo who abandoned her and their son for his daughter, and her treatment to Reira who she initially only viewed as a tool to get revenge on Leo. Her mind was in disorder until she forced herself to confront her own actions.

"Divorcing and not seeing you ever again would be easy to arrange, but if no one is happy, what would be the point of divorce? Reiji-san wants to reconnect with you, and deep down I still love you. Now that we have a chance to start over, I have no slightest intention of leaving you." Himika actually felt lonely by her husband's abandonment and tried to deny it by focusing herself on getting revenge. But as the result, she became not so different from him, treating a little innocent girl like Reira as a tool. All she wanted was actually to be with her family.

"Father, I'm not your real child, like Brother and Sister, so maybe I don't have the right to say this. But you heard Sister's wish. She wishes for you to atone for what you had done and let her go. Letting her go doesn't mean you will forget her. That will never happen. What the death wish is the happiness for the living." Reira slowly held Leo's hand. For a moment, Leo flinched at her touch, but Reira didn't let go. She held him carefully and kindly, wanting them to get to know each other and reach understanding.

Reiji stared at his father. He came here because he wanted to fulfil his promise with Ray to save their father from his past. However, he also genuinely wants to reconnect with his father, reconciling their bond. No, improving their bond even better than before as father and son. To do that, first, his father must be freed from the shackles binding him to the past.

"If you truly love Sister, then you must accept her passing. Even if the entire world forgot she existed, she would still exist in this world. She might not be here physically, but her legacy would still live on in people, in us that we passed down to our children—and the memory of that legacy would remain with the children who grew up, and she would be somewhere in that memory. And so she would continue on, forever, even if she was forgotten. Life is just a cycle of continuing, even when things disappear."

Leo's troubled eyes widened hearing his son's words. They were not just some words. They were similar with the ones his first wife told him. She told him and their daughter that when her condition worsened. As he was holding her weakened hand, she muttered those words, assuring him and their daughter that everything would be okay. She won't truly die. She will always exist in people's memories, even if they have forgotten her.

"We will always be together, even if we can't see each other anymore."

His first wife said that to him. He thought it was just her way to cheer them up so they won't be so sad when she was gone. But now, he started to understand what she meant. His first wife and daughter were never truly gone. He let his grief taking over him that he failed to see the bigger picture.

"What you have done will never be forgotten, and many would probably will never forgive you. But Mother and I have also done something that harmed people around us. But keep wallowing in misery won't be enough. There are still things we can do – what you can do to help people. Put your heart into it and you will find peace. We will be there for you." Reiji recalled the first Battle Royale. His action resulted with the Youth Duelists and several Junior Youth Duelists got carded, leaving their families to grieve. He has fully prepared to face the consequence of his decision, and ready to accept any criticism, hatred, and condemn from many like Yuya did before. Even now, he was still trying to atone for that.

"Why would you go that far…?" Leo asked.

"Because we are family." Reiji answered without hesitation.

A single tear fell from Leo's eyes as he remembered. Reira's tiny hand that was holding his big hand tightened her grip a bit, and he carefully held the hand back into his. Reira sensed hope from that reaction. She placed another hand on the top of his and looked up at him.

"I want to know more about Sister… Will you please tell me, Father?" Reira pleaded. Her voice was low and barely audible due to nervousness.

"I wish to know more about Sister as well. But not just her, I want to know more about you too, Father…" Reiji also placed a hand on top of his younger sister and father's, smiling sincerely at the both of them.

Leo looked down, avoiding looking at his children and wife as more tears fell from his eyes. If it's still not too late, then he wished for forgiveness. Can someone like him at least is allowed to feel the happiness from receiving warmth from his family for one more time?

COLISEUM OF STAR – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

Yuya, Yuzu, and their six counterparts were standing in the empty stadium, in front of a monument that was newly built. The monument took a shape of the trophy that Yuya and Yuzu picked right on the same spot after the last Duel in this stadium. On the monument were engraved Zarc and Ray's names along with small details of their lives. The day after the Duel, using the trophy as the model, Reiji decided to build a monument for them. He built it to remember them by and to remind everyone of everything that happened that lead to this. When the monument was finished, Zarc and Ray's counterparts somehow believed there was a need for them to drop by once in a while. They felt a sense of responsibility as Zarc and Ray's reincarnations. The eight of them then decided to visit the monument together every once a month at 24th to offer their prayers.

"I wonder if they are watching over us…" Yuya stated while looking at the monument.

"I think they are. We better fulfil our promise with them before we join them." Yuzu replied, looking up to the clear blue sky.

Seeing the monument gave pleasant, yet painful thoughts of what happened four months ago. It's like they are at the same place again and their mind just sort of lets go of everything and they feel all tingly and outdated like looking at old vintage. Whatever it is, they will cherish these feelings, because those are what allowed them to strengthening their bonds and taking a step forward towards their future with courage. They were forever grateful to Zarc and Ray. Without their original selves, they won't be standing here now.

"It's been three months since this monument was finished." Yuto remarked.

"It was quite difficult to decide the date for this since most of us are busy, but thank goodness we were able to set the date." Ruri said as she and Yuzu placed a bouquet of flowers in front of the monument.

"After this I do want we have a little bit fun though. I don't like it if I'm out only for this, especially with this thing around my neck." Yuri slightly pouted while touching his choker.

"Sheesh, just deal it. We can just go grab some food before going home." Yugo told the Fusion counterpart.

"Not everyone here eats like a pig like you, Fusion." Yuri sighed in reply.

"Who the hell eating like a pig?! And it's Yugo, not Fusion!" Yugo hotly retorted. "Serena, you should have attached a chain to this grinning bastard to keep him behave!"

"He is not a dog you know. And so far he only verbally does something bad, so it should be fine. And the choker will do the job if he behaves wrong anyway." Serena replied; sweat dropping at the notion of chaining Yuri. And she inwardly stated she actually didn't like the choker being put on him.

"Yugo, how many times do I have to tell you not to get so easily work up! Learn that he is doing it on purpose already!" Rin smacked Yugo's back, causing him to wince. "And you do eat like a pig!"

"Hey! You're taking his side?!" Yugo stared at his crush and childhood friend in disbelieve.

"That's the truth." Rin retorted. And it was indeed a fact. Yugo's stomach was like a bottomless pit, even more than Yuya.

"Speaking about food makes me hungry. We haven't have lunch, right? Let's take Yugo's suggestion." Yuzu said as she felt her stomach grumbling. Fortunately it didn't make any sound to make it clear. Yugo smiled victoriously at Yuzu's 'support', which everyone ignored.

"Oh, I brought this with me!" Ruri took out a camera from her bag. "Let's take a picture together in front of the monument before we go!"

"That's a good idea!" Yuya agreed.

"Come on! Everyone, assume your positions." Yuzu ushered them to stand in front of the monument.

However, it didn't gone pretty well, Yugo preferred them to have some pose instead of normal photograph, Rin scolded Yugo for being too childish again, which starting an argument and turned the position into quite hectic with Yuri increased the heat of argument with his sarcastic remarks. But once everyone gathered at the perfect spot, the camera quickly readied to snap a shot.

CLICK

Yugo posed with a fist punched upward, while his other arm was swung over Rin who got squeezed together with Serena, laughing while the picture was taken. Ruri, who was near Yuto, smile sweetly as she pushed him closer to them. Yuri smirked as he glanced at the camera while his back pushing Serena's to Rin. Serena was gaping because she got pushed by Yuri and got squeezed together with Rin. Yuto was flustered as Ruri held him close while pushing him closer to the group. And Yuya and Yuzu were sandwiched between them, smiling widely. Despite the result, they were nevertheless happy.

They wished for this moment to last long as long as possible. This moment where they can laugh together.

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A YEAR LATER – ROOF – DUEL STADIUM – MAIAMI CITY – ARC-V

A silhouette stood at the top of a stadium, watching the crescent moon in the dark night sky. The person leaned more to the stadium to watch the Duel ongoing below, revealing the person's figure. The person's face was obscured by a single yellow leather-hooded cloak with a waist-high slit going up the back. It has a large silver zipper that fastens at the top and zips down to seal the coat. It has teal drawstrings for the hood decorated with a large teal bead hanging from the end and a teal chain ornament adorned with four large cylindrical silver beads that fastens to a loop on either side of the collarbone region.

The hooded figure was watching down the Duel, eyes focusing on Yuya who was riding on Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, facing against a challenger. The hooded figure's Duel Disk turned on holographic screen that showed pictures of Yuya, Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri. The figure looked at the screen and then to Yuya and then back to the screen again. The screen then showed a notice of a call. The hooded figure answered the call, looking away from the stadium.

"Have you located our target?"

"Yeah. I just found him. How about the others?" The hooded figure asked back.

"Same. They are on their way to return for their reports. Since you have located the target, then you must return now at once and report to His Excellency."

"Yes. I'll be back in 10 minutes." The hooded figure replied before turning off the call.

The hooded figure took a glance at Yuya who just defeated his opponent for one last time before jumping off from the roof.

UNKNOWN CITY – UNKNOWN LOCATION

It was late in afternoon. The train was quiet with only few people. Some were typing their phones, some were just silent and staring at outside window, and some were sleeping. Among the sleeping ones, at the seat nearest to the exit, slept a teen who was around 15 years old wore a cap, white-collar shirt with short sleeves, and brown pants. When hearing the announcement of his stop, he jerked awake and felt the stiff bones in his neck crack out of his slumber. Music was blaring in his head and he briefly wondered where it was coming from before he remembered that his headphones were still on. Sitting up in his uncomfortable train seat, he checked the time on his music player before he shut it off. 17:45 PM. As soon as the music stopped and his headphones were off, the sounds of the train assaulted his ears, the buzzing of the lights, the grinding of the train as it turned a corner, and the jingling of the handles as the train rocked.

The boy stifled a yawn, picking his bag beside him and standing next to the exit to prepare getting off the train. Once the train stopped and the door slid open, he stepped out, followed by other passengers. He hummed the song that he heard from his headphones all the while walking down the stairs to the station gate where he took a taxi that took him to an apartment, his home. He dropped his bag and headphone on the sofa at the living room and went straight into his bedroom. The boy picked his Duel Disk that he left on his study desk and wore it on his right wrist before sitting on his bed. He turned on his Duel Disk and closed his eyes, his mouth moved, uttering…

"Into the VRAINS."

His body soon was covered in blue particles of data, enveloping him within a round light blue sphere. He felt his body being taken into a realm of data until he stopped at a room filled with computer screens. Holographic words appeared above him along with the voice who said the exact same thing as the holographic words.

{Welcome to LINK VRAINS. This is your first time in LINK VRAINS. To begin, please enter the Avatar design you have created and your account name. If you don't have an Avatar yet, then you use the default avatar we provide to create your temporary Avatar.}

Keyboards appeared in the front and at the right side of the boy. The boy first entered the Avatar he has created beforehand. The holographic projection of his Avatar was shown briefly to confirm his Avatar has been entered into LINK VRAINS. He was then left with his pseudonym. He contemplated for a minute before he finally settled on his account name. It was the one name that had always stuck in his mind for as long as he could remember. He typed four alphabets and then reconfirmed his account name.

[[Account Name: Zarc]]

The boy's appearance soon changed into that of his Avatar. His height became taller, his grey hair turned silver with green highlights. His golden eyes are covered by blue-colored lenses with cyan frame safety glasses. He now wears a blue and white jacket with orange borders and a black undershirt. He also wears thick red-brownish gloves, black pants with brown chaps, faded gold knee pads, dark-blue suspenders with faded gold buckles hanging from a red-brownish belt with two large holsters, a large faded gold buckle, and brown shoes with dark-blue outlines and straps.

{Welcome, Zarc. Enjoy your time in LINK VRAINS}

The boy, now under the name 'Zarc', entered a portal that led him to a city. He landed on a top of a building. He enjoyed the view of the city for a moment until his eyes noticed what it seemed to be a purple-colored storm of data. Someone was riding on the storm by using a board, making it look like surfing. Zarc smiled before jumping to the storm, landing on a blue board with green lines on each side. He ride through the storm, catching up with the Duelist ahead who has raised the Duel Disk, prompting Zarc to do the same.

"Speed Duel!"

TO BE CONTINUED IN…

Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: Presage of Malevolence

This fanfic finally reached the end! Thank you very much for everyone who have reviewed and supported us for these seventh months! We are so happy and appreciate your support for us! This is our first success as writers ever since we started writing in this website! (TTvTT)

And yeah, as you have read at the end of this series, the result of the poll is: THIS FANFIC WILL GET A SEQUEL! Therefore, I present you the teaser of the sequel! You can see the result in my profile page. My partner decided not to participate, so I'll be writing by myself this time, though my partners also gave some advices and points. However, even though I have already thought of everything for the sequel, I'm very tired after writing this fanfic, so I'm going to take a break from writing for maybe around a month or so. Also, during my break, I will also be absent from this website, maybe will only visit once in a while to read and review other stories, so I don't think I can read or reply if you send PM. It'll take a while waiting, but I give you my word that the sequel will be published eventually! The sequel will be 65 chapters long! I have already written the summaries of every chapter, all that left is writing it! Almost forgot, the sequel will also explore more romance between the counterparts~

I'm going to repeat this again about the sequel. I do not accept any Original Characters or Custom Cards other than the ones I'm creating. I will also not going to partner up with anybody because I want to write what I can and like and to avoid conflict. I'm open to suggestion, opinion, and requests though I can't guarantee I can fulfil them if it will cause huge changes in characters or the story. However, I will never accept insistent demands. And regarding this fanfic original cards in my bio, I will complete it, but there will be certain cards that I won't include in my bio page because I've heard cases that some people still use them without permission under different names even though writers have specifically wrote not to. It's frustrating knowing that, so I would like to prevent that from happening.

Also, I forgot to add this before, but the main protagonists from the other Yu-Gi-Oh series won't appear in the sequel. Adding them usually lead to demands like 'I want him to do this', 'they need to do that', 'make them appear more' and so on, and if that continues it may make original characters from ARC-V being neglected before I know it. When my partner and I still wrote this fanfic, we often got PMs like that and it's annoying to be honest. They care more for the legacy characters than the ARC-V characters when it's supposed to be an ARC-V fanfic.

I actually don't hate the idea of having crossovers story with the other yugioh protagonists. In fact I'm interested, but if in the future I'm going to write that, I'll do it in a brand new fanfic, not this sequel (But please DON'T take this as me promising to write the crossover fanfic). The sequel is still an ARC-V story and I don't want to take risk of adding the main protagonists who may outshines Yuya who will still be the main character of the sequel.

Once again, thank you very much everyone! See you again in the sequel! XD