Anime Multiverse: Making Money Starting from Saki

At this moment, a slight sound came from the doorway.

He raised his eyes to look, and the moonlight, like flowing silver gauze, poured in through the half-open door crack, outlining the figure of Ryumonbuchi Toka in a dreamlike, ethereal way.

She leaned against the doorframe, the folds of her silk nightgown rising and falling gently with her breathing, and the moonlight caught in the tips of her hair shimmered like crushed diamonds, tracing the elegant curve of her swan-like neck.

That was right, she had been wearing a nightgown the whole time, but because Kageyama Sora had been holding Amae Koromo, he hadn't really noticed.

The moment their gazes met, the air seemed to solidify, bringing with it a subtle sensation that inexplicably gave Kageyama Sora the illusion of being caught in bed.

Ryumonbuchi Toka's amber pupils trembled slightly, like ripples disturbed by a stone, before instantly turning as calm as a deep pool.

The corners of her mouth curled into a faint, elusive smile, a smile like a rose veiled in thin gauze, carrying a mysterious fragrance.

"You heard it too." Kageyama Sora broke the stalemate, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily; his voice was a mixture of the embarrassment of having his secret discovered and a trace of panic he hadn't even realized himself.

Ryumonbuchi Toka's gaze swept over Amae Koromo's hands, which were clasped around his arm, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the lace trim of her nightgown.

Her tone was as light as the night breeze brushing against wind chimes: "Goodnight, see you tomorrow."

Her voice was very soft, yet it seemed to carry some sort of hidden emotion.

"See you tomorrow." Kageyama Sora replied.

As she turned, the silk hem of her dress brushed against the threshold, leaving behind a faint, lingering scent of a young girl, and that voice held a thousand unspoken words... Kageyama Sora always felt that something had quietly changed at this very moment.

With a soft "click," the room plunged into total darkness.

Kageyama Sora fumbled to kick off his slippers, the cold wooden floor providing a sharp contrast to his body heat.

The mattress sank slightly, and Amae Koromo, as if sensing a heat source, immediately turned over, pressing her entire body against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her cheek into his chest.

The scent of her body lingered at the tip of his nose, and her warm breath seeped through his thin clothing, leaving a tingling sensation on his heart.

Kageyama Sora stared at the ceiling, where countless flickering specks of light floated in the darkness, much like his own chaotic thoughts.

He knew this night was destined to be sleepless, yet at this moment, he found he wasn't so resistant to this sudden dependency.

Moonlight leaked through the gap in the curtains, casting fine silver spots on the ceiling; he counted those spots, letting sleepiness and wakefulness entwine in the night.

I don't know how much time passed, but Amae Koromo twisted her body unconsciously in her sleep, her soft frame winding around him tightly like a vine.

Her golden hair brushed against Kageyama Sora's neck, bringing a tingling sensation, and her warm breath sprayed against his collarbone, carrying the sweet, unique fragrance of a young girl.

Kageyama Sora, who hadn't been sleeping soundly to begin with, felt his heart rate suddenly accelerate, and his body involuntarily tensed up.

Amae Koromo's leg rested lightly on him, and through the thin fabric, the temperature of their touching skin felt as if it might scorch him.

Although Amae Koromo's figure was truly petite, she was positioned just right, touching Kageyama Sora in the most delicate of places.

She murmured incoherent sleep-talk, her voice soft and sweet as if she were acting spoiled, and her arms tightened a fraction more, her whole body almost embedding itself into his embrace.

Kageyama Sora was completely awake now; his throat tightened, and he tried to adjust his posture to create some distance, but it only made Amae Koromo rub against him more restlessly, her face nuzzling into his chest, her unconscious intimacy making the air grow increasingly scorching.

In the darkness, Kageyama Sora could clearly feel the rise and fall of every breath Amae Koromo took, and the waves of warmth radiating from her body.

This is my cousin, I can't, I can't...

His reason kept reminding him to stay clear-headed, but his body was gradually being captured by this ambiguous atmosphere.

His hand unconsciously stroked Amae Koromo's smooth, golden hair, his movements so gentle it was as if he were touching a fragile treasure... He didn't even know what his own state of mind was at this moment; everything he did was simply following his instincts...

The long night finally passed, and the morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, gently spilling into the room.

Amae Koromo's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Amae Koromo, who usually slept alone and would hug a pillow, suddenly realized that her state felt a bit off.

Her pillow was so big and so warm, and for the first time, it gave her that feeling of being very warm... as if... she wasn't alone.

Wait...

How could it be this warm!

This realization made Amae Koromo snap awake, and then she discovered that she wasn't hugging a pillow at all, but her cousin Kageyama Sora, whom she had only met yesterday.

Because Kageyama Sora hadn't slept all night, he had only drifted off slowly toward dawn.

At that moment, Amae Koromo saw a handsome black-haired boy with his eyes closed, holding her, and when he saw her struggle, he forcefully pulled her back into his arms.

Her shoulder strap slipped, and Amae Koromo felt as if she were completely enveloped in Kageyama Sora's embrace; the "Great Demon King" who was usually so dominant at the mahjong table now truly matched her appearance, becoming uneasy and soft.

A flush instantly bloomed on her cheeks, as delicate and vibrant as a blossoming peach flower.

She panicked and tried to pull her arm back, but accidentally woke Kageyama Sora up.

Dazed with sleep, Kageyama Sora opened his eyes and saw the scenery beneath Amae Koromo's slipped shoulder strap... for a moment, he didn't know how to react.

The two stared at each other, the air filled with an awkward and shy atmosphere.

"I, I'm sorry!" Amae Koromo stammered, her voice as small as a mosquito's hum, her head almost burying itself into the quilt: "I, I must have been careless last night..."

Her words grew softer and softer, until they were almost inaudible by the end.

Amae Koromo didn't even know why she was apologizing, but... since her cousin was able to sleep here, she must have done something.

Otherwise, Toka wouldn't have let a man stay overnight in her bed just to protect her.

Having already defaulted to the idea that it was entirely her fault, Amae Koromo's face turned completely red, showing a rare, bashful shyness.

Kageyama Sora watched her shy expression, the corners of his mouth lifting involuntarily as a unique tenderness welled up in his heart: "I'm your older brother, after all... what's wrong with holding my little sister while we sleep?"

Kageyama Sora said softly, his voice carrying a hint of a smile: "Actually... I think this is quite nice."

Amae Koromo suddenly raised her head, staring at him with wide eyes, the blush on her face deepening: "Y-you, what did you say?"

Kageyama Sora smiled: "I'm new here and unfamiliar with everything. Look, if anything comes up in the future, I can frankly say that we are in a relationship where we share the same bed, can't I?"

Chapter 9: The Super-Sized Haramura Nodoka

The atmosphere at the dining table suddenly stagnated due to Kageyama Sora's words, the crisp sound of a porcelain spoon hitting the rim of a bowl sounding exceptionally jarring in the silence.

The iconic ahoge atop Ryumonbuchi Toka's head twitched like an antenna caught in the wind, shaking frantically. She widened her amber eyes, her voice filled with disbelief: "Hey! You said you were coming to study at Ryumonbuchi! Don't you already have your own company!"

Kageyama Sora picked up a celadon teacup, the green tea inside swirling with wisps of steam that cast soft shadows across his sharp-featured face.

He gently rotated the cup, watching the tea leaves stretch and drift in the water, his tone as calm as a deep pool in spring: "That is true, but yesterday's match against Koromo, and the competition with you all, made me realize... the so-called luck-based playstyle is truly, truly interesting. It is a marvelous realm that I could never touch while typing code and writing programs in the office."

His fingers unconsciously rubbed the side of the cup, his eyes flashing with excitement; clearly, the experiences he had here filled him with intrigue.

"So, the young master intends to come to school to study?" Kunihiro Hajime leaned back against the carved chair, her chained hands tapping rhythmically on the table. A half-smile curled the corners of her lips, "The so-called, getting close to the masses?"

Kageyama Sora felt a bit embarrassed by this blunt teasing, the tips of his ears turning slightly red as he offered a somewhat awkward smile: "Although that's a bit of an exaggeration, but... I suppose that is indeed the meaning."

Kunihiro Hajime sat up straight, her expression turning serious. As a loyal supporter of Ryumonbuchi Toka, she felt it necessary to give this suddenly intruding young master a reminder: "However, the luck-based style isn't absolutely powerful. Toka and that Haramura Nodoka are both experts in the data-based style; in matches, they can fight the luck-based style to a standstill."

Her words were concise and clear, yet contained absolute trust in her friend's strength.

Ms. Kunihiro Hajime is always so direct.

Kageyama Sora immediately understood the implication behind her words and nodded gently: "I certainly understand that. Perhaps I could even be considered a type of data-based player myself? But... the Haramura Nodoka you mentioned...?"

At the mention of Haramura Nodoka, Ryumonbuchi Toka seemed like a lit powder keg, radiating fighting spirit.

She stood up abruptly, pushing her chair back with a harsh screech, and slammed her hands onto the dining table, burning flames in her eyes: "Haramura Nodoka! My arch-rival!"

Ryumonbuchi Toka became energized the moment she brought up Haramura Nodoka: "That Haramura Nodoka definitely considers me an arch-rival too! After all, I was the prefectural individual champion in my first year of high school, and she was the champion of the national middle school mahjong tournament individual group! Plus, both Haramura Nodoka and I are theoretical and data-driven players! She must be thinking in her heart that she needs to completely defeat me at the mahjong table to prove that she is the strongest data-driven idol girl."

Speaking in her excitement, her chest heaved violently, as if she were already in the midst of an intense battle with Haramura Nodoka.

Kageyama Sora raised an eyebrow, a playful curve touching his lips: "Idol, you say... actually... this is just your own one-sided opinion of her, isn't it..."

"Pfft --" Amae Koromo, who had been sleeping groggily on the table, was amused by this sharp, pinpoint roast. Her laughter was as crisp as silver bells, making others inexplicably want to laugh along.

Amidst the laughter, Kageyama Sora suddenly remembered something, his eyes lighting up: "Speaking of which, Haramura Nodoka is that 'Nodoka-chan' with the super high win rate in my software, right... her win rate is even higher than Toka's..."

Ryumonbuchi Toka snorted coldly, crossing her arms over her chest, her face full of tsundere: "That's why I will defeat her in reality sooner or later! I'll defeat that self-important woman!"

"Self-important, is she?" Kageyama Sora put down his chopsticks thoughtfully, stood up to straighten his collar, and walked toward the door.

Ryumonbuchi Toka watched his back and shouted anxiously: "Didn't you say you were going to report to the school!? Where are you going now!??"

"To meet your arch-rival." Kageyama Sora dropped this sentence without looking back and pushed the door open to leave.

Kageyama Sora was an efficiency-driven person; when it came to things related to making money, he would never procrastinate if he could do them immediately.

Just like that, Kageyama Sora set off with absolute curiosity to meet this Haramura Nodoka, whom Ryumonbuchi Toka cared about so much.

The streets of Nara Prefecture were gently wrapped in the spring sunshine, with cherry blossom trees lined up neatly along the road, pink and white petals falling with the wind like a romantic rain of flowers.

Kageyama Sora sat in the car, his gaze passing through the window to look at the scenery along the way, his heart filled with anticipation for meeting Haramura Nodoka.

He had already had his assistant conduct a detailed investigation into Haramura Nodoka: female, 15 years old, a first-year student at Kiyosumi High School in Nara Prefecture, champion of the national middle school mahjong tournament individual competition, online mahjong ID "Nodoka-chan." That super high win rate made even him, a well-traveled software developer, unable to help but feel curious.

The gate of Kiyosumi High School looked exceptionally quiet and beautiful under the embrace of cherry blossoms. A gentle breeze blew, scattering the cherry blossom petals from the campus, as if laying a dreamy floral carpet over the entire world.

Kageyama Sora stood at the gate and took a deep breath, feeling the scent of cherry blossoms permeating the air. His intuition told him that today would be a special day.

Not long after, a girl wearing a Kiyosumi High School uniform walked over slowly.

Her slender waist and full breasts formed a sharp contrast, outlining graceful curves; that figure was something that even Ryumonbuchi Toka and Kunihiro Hajime combined might not be able to rival.

As for why Amae Koromo wasn't included—let's not bring our Koromo into a comparison of breasts.

The girl's long pink hair was tied into subtle twin tails that swayed gently with her steps. Beneath her thick bangs, a pair of clear, bright blue eyes were like deep lakes, hiding a mystery that was hard to fathom.

Her skin was as white as snow and as delicate as mutton-fat jade, glowing with a faint luster under the sunlight. She seemed to be shrouded in a layer of soft light, like a cherry blossom sprite descending into the human world.

Kageyama Sora silently compared her to the photo in his mind, confirming that this was his target—Haramura Nodoka.

Just as he was thinking about how to naturally approach Haramura Nodoka without appearing too abrupt or lecherous, Haramura Nodoka suddenly paused and shifted her gaze slightly.

Following her line of sight, Kageyama Sora saw another girl with short brown hair, also wearing a Kiyosumi High School uniform.

The girl's hair, with a color as rich as chocolate, emitted a warm luster under the sun, giving off a kind and sweet feeling.

The moment her eyes, which were the same color as her hair, met Haramura Nodoka's, they revealed an innocent and pure aura, bright and spirited, as if hiding countless little stars.

Although this girl was not on the list of national tournament champion candidates that Kageyama Sora had previously asked his assistant to investigate, relying on the keen intuition he had honed in the business world for many years, he felt vaguely that this girl was definitely not simple.

Chapter 10: Cherries Beneath the Hem

The May sunlight spread diagonally across the red brick road of Kiyosumi High School, Kageyama Sora's leather shoes stepping across the dappled shadows of the trees on the school path.

He did not immediately go to chat with his target, Haramura Nodoka, but paused briefly in front of the principal's office. The moment his knuckles rapped against the wooden door, he heard a clear "Come in" from inside.

On the principal's desk lay a half-open notebook, with reading glasses slid down to the tip of his nose.

The moment Kageyama Sora handed over his gold-embossed business card, the old man's eyes behind the lenses suddenly lit up, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the raised gold lettering on the card—Director of the National High School Mahjong Tournament Preparatory Committee.

"So it is Mr. Kageyama! You are truly young..." He stood up quickly, the chair back scraping against the floor with a soft sound. "It is a true honor. I shall call Captain Hisa Takei of the Mahjong Club to take you on a tour of the club."

As he spoke, he grabbed the intercom on the desk, his fingertips tapping out a rapid rhythm on the buttons.

Ten minutes later, light, brisk footsteps echoed in the hallway. As Kageyama Sora turned around, he was met with a pair of bright amber eyes.

Her long red hair hung loose, the collar of her uniform was folded neatly, and there wasn't a single wrinkle to be found on her cuffs. It was worth noting that the girl's uniform skirt was a long one, reaching just above her knees.

Seeing the respectful posture the principal held toward someone of his own age, the girl's eyelashes fluttered slightly, yet within 0.3 seconds, she adjusted into a standard smile: "Hello, Kageyama-kun. I am Hisa Takei, president of the Student Council and captain of the Mahjong Club."

Before her words had even faded, her right hand was already pressed straight against the side seam of her uniform, her fingertips just touching the pleats of her skirt.

"Thank you for your trouble, Captain Takei."

As the two walked side by side through the courtyard, the heels of Hisa Takei's leather shoes tapped out a rhythmic beat on the stone path.

"Our activity room is on the third floor of the old school building. Although the facilities are a bit dated..." She suddenly tilted her head, her gaze sweeping over Kageyama Sora's overly handsome face. "However, this year's members all have great potential."

Kageyama Sora listened to the introduction from Mahjong Club captain Hisa Takei and indicated his understanding...

Seeing Kageyama Sora looking as if he had something on his mind, Hisa Takei couldn't help but feel curious: "According to the principal, Kageyama-kun is one of the investors for this year's national tournament. Why would someone like you come to Kiyosumi High School..."

Although Hisa Takei had her own dreams, she knew full well that the Kiyosumi High School Mahjong Club was not particularly outstanding compared to the many high schools teeming with monsters.

However... Hisa Takei suddenly thought of the first-year students this year... and vaguely wondered if he had come for Nodoka Haramura.

Just as they walked to the entrance of the Mahjong Club, they heard the voices of girls talking inside.

"Oh... the one who was just reading by the bridge..." Nodoka Haramura, a girl with pink twin-tails and a short skirt, pointed a finger at her lips, looking thoughtful...

"Eh? Was I seen?" followed by the slightly surprised response from Saki Miyanaga. Saki Miyanaga didn't seem to expect that the girl who had completely captured her attention had actually seen her as well.

Kageyama Sora understood; it must have been a conversation where two people who had met by chance earlier without speaking were now expressing appropriate surprise at meeting again in the Mahjong Club.

At the same time, a male voice gave a near-exaggerated introduction of Nodoka Haramura's achievements and record in mahjong.