You're the Challenger!

Zelkova Shopping Center.

"Hey, Sakamoto, why do I have to carry all this stuff? It's so heavy~~"

Hashimoto, loaded down with bags of various supplies, couldn't help complaining. They'd gone together to buy daily necessities, picked everything out together, so why was he the one hauling it all? Damn it!

Even though Sakamoto was a rich kid, he hadn't bought anything particularly expensive. But two people's worth of supplies and some food still added up to a hefty pile, stacked on the latter until Hashimoto was wobbling as he walked.

"This is also training for you, Hashimoto. In the future, a superior who values you might ask you to buy supplies. A subordinate's energy and time are destined to be consumed by their superiors, so you have to endure it well. Opportunities to serve your top-level boss like this are precious, you know."

Sakamoto shamelessly PUA'd his poor workhorse, claiming it was all laying a solid foundation for his future as a laborer.

Hashimoto: Thanks a lot.

And so, a zero-burden "boss" and a fully stressed workhorse walked back toward the dormitory.

They'd only crossed one intersection when they happened upon a girl with long black hair.

The girl stood straight at the intersection not far away, her long, slender, fair legs maintaining a perfect distance, a waterfall of black hair falling to her waist. The school uniform paired with a pleated skirt looked harmonious and unified on her, with no extra accessories, yet it perfectly highlighted her youthful vibe.

Her clear, bright eyes were like a clear sky, her features delicate and three-dimensional. Strands of hair danced in the breeze, still dazzling and eye-catching under the sunlight.

The only flaw was that the girl's meticulous face was full of cold indifference, ruining the overall atmosphere. She only paid a little attention when she saw the two of them, then just as quickly looked away.

This was—Horikita Suzune, the absolute female lead of the phenomenal game Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e.

Since most of the early female storylines revolved around Horikita Suzune, the game was once mocked by players as Classroom of the Horikita Suzune Supremacy.

"Sakamoto, see that? An unattainable flower. A cute girl like that would be great if she were in our Class A."

Seeing a pretty girl, Hashimoto couldn't help bringing up "guy talk" with his friend and future top boss. Unfortunately, it didn't turn into the usual banter between ordinary Japanese boys.

"Your mission target has appeared, Hashimoto."

Instead, Sakamoto wore a mischievous expression, flashing a very standard smile at Horikita ahead.

Seeing that expression reminded Hashimoto of the scene from the morning when he became a workhorse. It wasn't a pleasant memory, and Hashimoto felt something was off—it was that workhorse feeling...

"Hashimoto, put in some extra effort for a while. Keep an eye on that beauty from Class D. Also pay attention to anyone who has obvious contact with her."

Ah, didn't that mean he'd completely lose his free time? The suffering workhorse didn't dare complain, so he had to reluctantly take on the thankless task.

Sakamoto raised his arm and checked his watch.

"Time to go."

He glanced back at Hashimoto and left the scene.

"Hashimoto, don't forget your task." The voice's owner was already fading into the distance.

Only Hashimoto remained. He sighed once, then suddenly froze.

"Sakamoto, take the stuff from the supermarket back for me..."

......

The Chess Club was a club taken over by the second-years that could barely be called a hobby group. But thanks to the legacy of the seniors before them, they still kept a very spacious activity room.

Chess, as a game of intellectual collision that uses the characteristics of various pieces to think and strategize within sixty-four squares, easily reveals each player's view of the other. From playing style, thought process, and face-to-face observation, you can roughly gauge a person's character traits.

Especially skilled players could size someone up in just a few moves.

Several chess club members were deeply engrossed in a game on one of the tables, completely unaware of Sakamoto appearing at the club's entrance. The latter made no move either.

He sat calmly on a chair inside.

"Ah, how did I not see that move?"

As the final piece fell, the losing second-year senior showed a frustrated expression and slammed the table hard. The loud noise startled his companions. He'd had the advantage, but carelessly got checkmated—how inexcusable.

Still stewing in negative emotions, he suddenly noticed an extra person in the room, sitting leisurely yet appropriately, quietly watching everything in the chess club, including the senior's embarrassing moment. Just as the senior was about to confront him, Sakamoto spoke first.

"Senpais, this humble one is Sakamoto from the first year." Sakamoto gave a gentle smile.

"Sakamoto?"

Since the other had politely introduced himself first, the second-year senior couldn't find an excuse to take out his bad temper on the junior.

"What are you doing here? It's not time for the chess club. We don't welcome clueless juniors like you. Get lost."

The second-year senior looked displeased, wanting this junior who'd seen his ugly side to leave quickly.

"Yamada, no need for that." A companion nearby didn't approve of his behavior either—how would any newcomers join the chess club like this?

Yamada waved his hand arrogantly.

"Just a new freshman. If you think you're good enough, why not play a game with me?"

"Sure, I accept your challenge."

The other froze, then felt a surge of anger. Being looked down on—he'd been practicing chess since middle school and even participated in a national (Japan-wide) selection tournament, though he was eliminated in the first round. Still, that didn't mean some nobody could disrespect him. You're the challenger here!!

Yamada glared at Sakamoto, who dared to ignore a senior. Hey, in the military, that'd earn you a slap combo!

"Hold on." Sakamoto spoke.

"Hey, freshman, scared, are you? If you don't dare, just bow and apologize right now, and I'll let you off."

The moment he saw the other party's request to wait, Yamada immediately took it as a sign of weakness and laid on the smugness thick.

He stared at Sakamoto with a look of having pulled off his scheme, his thoughts unknown.

"Playing chess with you like this is too dull.

How about we bet all the points we have on the line?"

Suddenly, a faint smile curled at the corner of Sakamoto's mouth.

"Nani!?"