Chapter 48

The twilight filtered through the gymnasium's glass windows, gilding the backs of the hands clasped between Haramura Nodoka and Miyanaga Saki with a warm, golden hue.

When Kageyama Sora hurried over, he caught Haramura Nodoka lifting her sweat-dampened face in a smile. Her pink hair trembled slightly with the sound of their high-five, and the Penguin Plushie in her arms tilted its head, as if sharing in the excitement.

Miyanaga Saki's crimson eyes shone with a faint, excited luster, and the hem of her uniform skirt flared in a delicate arc as she moved.

"Whew..." Haramura Nodoka panted lightly, her cheeks flushed a ripe cherry red from the intense match, even the tips of her ears tinged with a lovely pink.

Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the penguin, the soft fur leaving a warm sensation against her palms.

Miyanaga Saki, meanwhile, was completely immersed in the afterglow of victory, her voice trailing off with a cheerful lilt: "Haramura Nodoka-san's match was so brilliant, so amazing..."

Though the two looked completely different, the way they smiled at each other was exactly like twin flowers entwined in the spring.

Kageyama Sora leaned against the doorframe, a few strands of his black hair lifted by the draft.

Thinking of Amae Koromo, whose expression had grown increasingly dangerous and closer to a full-moon state as the tournament progressed, Kageyama Sora looked at Miyanaga Saki's back and whispered, "Perhaps, you might just be the one to bring her a new beginning..."

Just then, Haramura Nodoka and Miyanaga Saki exchanged a glance and hugged Kageyama Sora together.

The lightly scented tips of Haramura Nodoka's hair brushed against the tip of his nose, and the fur of the Penguin Plushie rubbed against his chin; Miyanaga Saki's warm palms rested firmly on his shoulders, her grip filled with unquestionable resolve.

"The next match is up to me!" Miyanaga Saki tilted her head to look straight at him, sparks of eagerness dancing in her eyes. "And as for Haramura Nodoka-san..." She turned to wink at the still-dazed pink-haired girl: "I'll leave it to Kageyama-kun to take her back to rest!"

Haramura Nodoka, clutching her penguin, blushed and blinked in surprise: "I can go by myself..."

"No way!" Miyanaga Saki's voice was as crisp as a silver bell: "I want Nodoka-san and Kageyama Sora to witness it together! When I take the championship, I want to see the look of surprise on your faces first thing!"

She stood on her tiptoes, holding up a victory V-sign in front of them.

She was being overly energetic.

Kageyama Sora looked down at Haramura Nodoka's flustered expression, then met Miyanaga Saki's expectant gaze, suddenly feeling like a social butterfly.

"Alright." He chuckled, raising a hand to ruffle Haramura Nodoka's warm hair: "It's a deal."

Just then, as the lights in the competition arena flickered on, the broadcast sounded once more:

[And now, the General Battle is upon us.]

[Currently in first place, Kiyosumi High School, taking over for Haramura Nodoka is fellow first-year student, Miyanaga Saki.]

Miyanaga Saki smiled at Kageyama Sora: "I wanted to join in so badly when I saw Haramura Nodoka-san playing mahjong earlier, and now it's finally my turn!"

[Also starting out as an unknown, currently in second place is the third-year student from Tsuruga Academy, Yumi Kajiki.]

This was someone Kageyama Sora was completely unfamiliar with, but he knew she must be the important person Toyoko Momoko had mentioned. To be so trusted by someone with special abilities like Toyoko Momoko, she couldn't be an ordinary person.

[And, the prestigious school currently struggling in a bitter fight, just like last year, has sent their second-year student, Ikeda Kana, as their General.]

Kageyama Sora froze upon hearing that name, the events from the warehouse that day flashing uncontrollably through his mind... It left him with a subtle feeling, and he felt he should find a time to meet and talk with her alone.

[And that player known as Ikeda Kana's fated rival, the second-year student from Ryumonbuchi High School, the former MVP with a god-like playstyle and the record holder for the highest score in last year's National Tournament... Amae Koromo.]

The moment that name was announced, Miyanaga Saki, who had been smiling so sweetly just a moment ago, suddenly stiffened.

A very subtle expression appeared on her face: "This feeling... it's back again..."

Kageyama Sora looked at Miyanaga Saki, seemingly understanding something: "Is it a resonance between monsters...?"

No one explored it, nor could they continue to explore it...

Because...

[The outcome of this match rests on the final person; the ultimate battle is about to begin.]

Watching Miyanaga Saki walk toward the competition arena, Kageyama Sora took Haramura Nodoka's hand: "Let's go, I'll take you back."

But just as they reached the door to the Kiyosumi High School lounge.

They found Takei Hisa, Mako Someya, and Yuki Kataoka all waiting there.

"Welcome back, Nodoka." Takei Hisa smiled and looked at Kageyama Sora: "It seems you had a Prince Charming to pick you up."

Haramura Nodoka blushed, clutching her penguin as she stepped forward: "I'm back, Captain, everyone."

"Nodoka, you have guests." Takei Hisa pointed behind her...

The next second...

Two girls in middle school uniforms stepped forward: "Welcome back, Nodoka-senpai!"

One girl was tall with short dark-green hair, and the other was short with short purple hair; both were very cute girls.

Haramura Nodoka was startled, a look of immense joy appearing on her face: "Ah! It's you two!"

Mako Someya asked appropriately: "Are these your juniors from middle school??"

The purple-haired girl nodded, her face full of joy: "Yes, we came to cheer for Nodoka-senpai. Senpai is truly amazing!"

The dark-green-haired girl nodded along: "Maho insisted on coming..."

Just then, Yuki Kataoka, who was standing to the side, suddenly went berserk: "Hey! You guys, how come you didn't cheer for me, who is also your senior from middle school!"

The purple-haired loli shrank back: "That's because Maho accidentally overslept and didn't wake up this morning..."

A truly, genuinely honest reason.

But Yuki Kataoka wouldn't accept it, pouncing on the girl who called herself Maho to tickle her: "That's just because you didn't have enough drive..."

Kageyama Sora watched this scene and draped an arm around the shoulder of Haramura Nodoka: "What a cute underclassman, though I'd forgotten that Yuki and you go to the same school... but looking at this, she doesn't act like a senior at all..."

Kageyama Sora swore he had no intention of targeting Yuki Kataoka; he was truly just expressing his thoughts based on her reaction.

As the words left his lips, Yuki Kataoka, who had just been attacking Maho, lunged directly at Kageyama Sora, but due to the height difference... she ended up hanging right off him.

Chapter 108: Saki Miyanaga's Match

Like a little monkey clinging to a tree trunk, Yuki Kataoka wrapped her legs around Kageyama Sora's waist and tugged hard on his collar, shaking him: "Kageyama Sora, you jerk! How dare you say I don't act like a senior? Do you want me to bite you?!"

Her twin tails swept across Kageyama Sora's cheek with the movement, carrying the warmth from her having just run back from the tournament floor.

Kageyama Sora stumbled half a step under her sudden weight, reaching out to hook her by the nape of her neck to steady himself: "Let go, or I won't be polite if you keep acting up!"

Kageyama Sora was genuinely helpless; he was such a serious, young, genius CEO, yet every time he met them, he was dragged down to the level of a peer... sigh.

"Eek!" Yuki Kataoka instantly bristled, struggling with all her limbs, but she accidentally kicked the storage rack nearby.

Empty plastic bottles on the shelf clattered to the floor. The purple-haired girl, Maho, covered her eyes in fright, and her companion with short moss-green hair reached out to help, only for the two to collide and tumble to the floor, knocking the Penguin Plushie out of Haramura Nodoka's arms.

"Yuki!" Hisa Takei was about to scold her in frustration when she saw Haramura Nodoka bending down to pick up the penguin, only to be tripped by Yuki Kataoka's dangling feet.

Kageyama Sora was quick-witted and caught her by the waist, the two of them nearly falling together onto the pile of cushions.

"Honestly..." Mako Someya stepped forward with a smile to help, intending to peel Yuki Kataoka off Kageyama Sora, but the girl hugged him even tighter, rubbing her face against his neck: "Not unless Kageyama Sora admits I'm the most reliable senior!"

Kageyama Sora felt ticklish from her rubbing and couldn't help but flick her forehead: "Fine, fine, you're the most reliable—can you get down now? If you keep hanging on me, I'll make you regret it in private!"

Thinking of what could happen in private... Yuki Kataoka instantly behaved.

After all, she had been so caught up in her antics that she'd forgotten about their illicit relationship, and she certainly didn't want to be bullied until she was crying and begging for mercy.

Just at the right moment, Maho suddenly pointed at the door and shouted: "Look! The General Battle is starting!"

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn away.

Yuki Kataoka looked as if she'd been hit with a pause button, sliding obediently off Kageyama Sora while not forgetting to snatch the mints from his pocket.

Kageyama Sora rubbed his aching shoulder, watching Haramura Nodoka hug the Penguin Plushie back to her chest, her fingertips gently brushing the dust off its fur.

Hisa Takei pushed the door open to signal everyone to enter: "Alright, the farce is over, Saki's match is about to begin."

The air in the lounge suddenly went quiet, leaving only the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Yuki Kataoka sat cross-legged on the sofa, with Maho and her companion squeezed in beside her; Mako Someya handed out bananas to everyone, while Haramura Nodoka sat beside Kageyama Sora with the penguin, her knees lightly brushing his pant leg.

When Saki Miyanaga's figure appeared on the screen, Haramura Nodoka subconsciously tightened her grip on Kageyama Sora's sleeve.

The twilight outside the window gradually deepened, and the indoor lights reflected the expectant expressions on everyone's faces. The chaotic scuffle from just moments ago felt like a distant prelude, and everyone's gaze was locked firmly on the upcoming General Battle.

On the screen, Amae Koromo arrived fashionably late, looking petite and cute.

Haramura Nodoka blinked: "She's the child who found my penguin earlier. Just as Sora said, she really is Amae Koromo..."

Yuki Kataoka's expression was more complex: "So it's actually Amae Koromo? She looks even younger than me."

Hisa Takei smiled: "She's actually a year older than you."

By this time, Kageyama Sora's gaze was completely captured by the video.

Everyone else looked serious and solemn, but only Amae Koromo was happily swinging her legs and humming a tune, looking as if she didn't take the match seriously at all.

[General Battle Begins]

The male announcer's voice began the commentary as the match started--

[Only the school that wins after two rounds of East and South matches can advance to the nationals.]

[Can Kiyosumi High School, which has been in the lead since the Center Battle, win and make it to the National Tournament?]

[Or will the two schools that reached the finals last year stage a desperate comeback?]

Sachiko Fujita, the professional player, began to analyze while snacking: "I don't think Amae Koromo of Ryumonbuchi High School will let the match end without a fight..."

Upon hearing the professional player's words, the male announcer nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Amae Koromo has left behind a massive record in the National Tournament... let us wait and see what kind of battle she will display this year."

It could be said that the players in the final group were all highly anticipated, bringing the atmosphere to a peak in more ways than one.

Then... Sachiko Fujita abruptly remarked: "Ah... Koromo is truly cute."

...As someone who also heard the broadcast, Kageyama Sora had black lines running down his forehead: "While she is indeed cute, is it really necessary to say that in public..."

Kageyama Sora was merely complaining.

Just then, Haramura Nodoka, holding the penguin, turned her head slowly.

The Penguin Plushie in her arms still had its head tilted, as if it were also silently watching Kageyama Sora, and her gaze landed on his face with an inscrutable meaning: "Is your possessiveness acting up?"

"Huh!?" Kageyama Sora was startled by her sudden words, his eyes full of confusion and bewilderment: "Nodoka... you... why would you think that?"

Haramura Nodoka's voice remained calm and collected, without a hint of displeasure or dissatisfaction, as if she were stating the most ordinary fact: "Sora is very concerned about Amae Koromo. Ever since she appeared on the screen, your eyes have been following her, and you haven't even looked at Saki Miyanaga once." She paused, and the penguin in her arms seemed to sway slightly with her movement: "And yet, you promised to watch Saki Miyanaga's match with me."

However, for some reason, Kageyama Sora felt an indescribable pressure from that calm tone, as if an invisible net were quietly descending...

Thus, to avoid a disaster, Kageyama Sora quickly said: "Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore Saki. I was just... a bit too concerned about Koromo, after all, it is a full moon tonight."

Perhaps fate was looking out for Kageyama Sora, for just as he finished speaking.

Saki Miyanaga on the live stream had already won her first hand, using her signature Flower on the Tile to take the first round.

At the same time, Saki Miyanaga's way of winning had shocked everyone watching, especially the sharp-eyed Fukuji Mihoko, who keenly realized that there wasn't just one monster on the playing field, but... two.

The lights above the arena suddenly focused on the mahjong table, making Saki Miyanaga's fair fingers appear almost translucent.

As the tile that would decide the match leaped from the wall into her palm, a faint glimmer flickered in her dark brown eyes, like crushed stardust.

The words Flower on the Tile fell softly, and the entire arena seemed to be hit with a mute button before erupting into a thunderous roar a few seconds later.

The male announcer's voice vibrated through the speakers, making the glass of the lounge hum; his knuckles turned white as he gripped the microphone: [Saki Miyanaga of Kiyosumi High School is the first to declare a win! Will the point gap continue to widen from here!?]

His deliberately elongated tone was filled with incredulous excitement, as a hand as highly coincidental as Flower on the Tile was as rare as a flash in the pan.

[Is it a coincidence? Player Saki Miyanaga also won with Flower on the Tile in her first and second matches—this is truly remarkable!]

In the close-up shot on the broadcast screen, Saki Miyanaga lowered her eyelids to tidy her tiles, her long, slender lashes casting shallow shadows beneath her eyes.

Her profile was clean and sharp, her nose bridge as straight as fine porcelain, and her lips pressed into a pale pink; despite the heart-stopping victory, there was not a ripple of emotion on her face, as if she had merely finished a mundane task.

If only it were a coincidence. Sachiko Fujita, who had played against Saki Miyanaga and won, knew of Saki Miyanaga's ability to pull the Flower on the Tile and naturally wouldn't be as foolish as the announcer to think it was mere luck.

Nor would she be like the reporters outside, who thought that Saki Miyanaga calling a kan while already in the lead was the move of a beginner.

After a brief intermission, the match resumed, and Ikeda Kana's eyes suddenly lit up as she stared at her hand.

A healthy flush rose to her cheeks, her nose twitched slightly, and it was as if a pair of fluffy cat ears had sprouted atop her head, trembling gently with her breath.

In the lounge, Kageyama Sora watched this scene on the screen, the corners of his lips curving upward involuntarily.

Sunlight filtered through the blinds onto the back of his hand, dyeing that smile with an extra touch of gentleness: "What an easy expression to read..."

Ikeda Kana's fingers, gripping her tiles, turned white from the pressure; the corners of the tiles peeking through her fingers seemed to act like a cat toy, making her entire being radiate with eager excitement.

Haramura Nodoka turned her head slowly once again: "Sora, you seem very interested in this cat from Kazekoshi Girls' High School as well..."

Kageyama Sora immediately offered a conciliatory smile: "I'm watching Saki's match, I'm not looking at anyone else, you have to believe me."