Sakayanagi Arisu

Ring-ring-ring~

The school bell rang across the campus, and accompanied by the laughter of students, the grounds instantly became lively.

First-year students gathered in groups, discussing where to go to have fun and enjoying their newfound after-school freedom.

Yet, this enthusiasm was limited to them. The seniors in their second and third years were mostly busy with their respective club activities, appearing exceptionally fulfilled and occupied.

As for the club recruitment for the first years, that wouldn't begin for another week.

There was a full half-month between the start of school and club recruitment, a period meant to give students time to familiarize themselves with the campus, adapt to the environment, and learn about the various clubs.

This buffer period wasn't just for settling into daily life; it also provided an opportunity for them to choose the clubs they might deeply involve themselves in over the next three years.

After all, joining a good club didn't just mean rich activities; it also offered the chance to win valuable point rewards by placing in competitions.

Naturally, these seniors, who were clearly more well-off, were the targets of Onizuka's second phase of operations.

However, it was obvious that these people wouldn't be out conducting club activities during class hours, so Onizuka had waited until now.

...Chess Club...

Onizuka walked through the doors of the Chess Club, and the scene before him caught him off guard. Two players were engrossed in a match, surrounded by a crowd of spectators, the atmosphere exceptionally tense and quiet.

Since I'm already here, I might as well take a look.

He squeezed through and asked a fellow student watching nearby, only to learn that this was a duel between a first-year student who had come to challenge them and the president of the Chess Club.

Furthermore, it was said that this first-year newcomer had already challenged everyone in the Chess Club without a single loss, finally provoking the president to step in.

Onizuka turned his gaze toward the two players; one of them looked quite nervous, constantly wiping sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

And what about the one on the opposite side?

Her short, silver-white hair shimmered under the lights like brilliant stars in the night sky, and a beret tilted at just the right angle added a touch of playfulness and mystery.

Her delicate facial features were well-defined, her skin as smooth as white porcelain, and her slightly upturned red lips revealed a confident yet gentle temperament.

Even with Onizuka's critical eye, it was hard to find a single flaw on her face.

If one had to pick a fault, it would probably be that she was as flat as a board...

Beside her sat a lady's cane, its smooth surface reflecting a warm glow under the lights, as if it were a meticulously polished work of art.

Onizuka observed closely and noticed that the wear on the tip of the cane could only have been formed through years of constant use.

He then looked at the silver-haired girl's legs; it was hard to imagine that such straight legs would have such an unspeakable affliction.

Perhaps sensing Onizuka's intrusive gaze, the silver-haired girl turned her head and scanned the room.

He hurriedly withdrew his gaze, silently blending back into the crowd.

It was a bit awkward to get caught in the act; after all, he still considered himself a gentleman... mostly.

He shook his head, reined in his wandering thoughts, and continued to observe the match against the Shogi Club president.

If he had to describe it in four words, it would be: crushing defeat.

No other phrase could be more fitting; it seemed the Chess Club was suffering from a lack of talent.

How could the members be defeated by such a character when their president was so strong? Truly pathetic.

Onizuka cast a disdainful glance at the man still wiping his sweat; he was nothing more than a frog in a well. To be proud after defeating a group of gnats only proved that your talent was mediocre at best.

The match between the two ended quickly, and the result was without suspense—the silver-haired girl had won.

She gently set down the piece in her hand, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly with the composure of a victor.

However, Onizuka was not the type to show mercy because of someone's cute appearance.

He stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the boy who had just been defeated.

Unfortunately, Onizuka was not a man who cherished the fair sex.

He walked up and looked at the defeated man.

"Since the challenge failed, how about letting someone else have a turn? I'd like to test the strength of the Chess Club president myself." Onizuka's tone was flat, but the provocation was obvious.

The man opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he could only lower his head in resignation and silently vacate the seat.

Onizuka placed his school bag on the floor to the side, then knelt in the player's seat, looking at the cute silver-haired girl who was about to stand up.

"Nice to meet you, I'm a first-year from Class D. I wonder if this 'senior president' would be willing to offer some guidance to a junior?"

Onizuka still held a certain degree of respect for those with genuine ability.

However, the silver-haired girl did not stop her movements, continuing to stand up and pick up the cane beside her.

"Unfortunately, I don't like to offer guidance to 'juniors'."

"90,000 points, and I can go higher if needed!"

Hearing this, the silver-haired girl stopped, looking at Onizuka with a cunning smile.

"1 million. How about that?"

She wasn't very tall, yet she had an inexplicable aura. Onizuka couldn't help but shift his gaze to her delicate face and soft silver hair. It was truly... he almost couldn't bear to make a move.

"Deal!"

After a flurry of chaos, the onlookers finally settled down.

Once the two of them signed a contract with the faculty advisor of the Shogi Club, the wager was officially established.

"Ladies first."

"How elegant of you, Pawn e4."

"And yet, you show no mercy in return? Pawn e5."

"I suppose there is no need to be overly polite to a [junior] who comes knocking on my door, Knight f3."

"Hmm... fair enough. I imagine I am quite the uninvited guest in the eyes of my [senior], Knight c6."

"Unh-hunh, at least you have self-awareness, Pawn d4."

"Naturally. If I hadn't even grasped that much, I doubt I would have the courage to sit here, Pawn takes d4."

"Well~ regardless of all that, I am far more interested in the 1 million points you are holding, Knight takes d4."

"On that point, we are in complete agreement~ [senior], Knight takes c6."

As they battled across the board, pieces were traded one by one until, at a delicate moment, both sides let out a simultaneous sigh.

--Draw--

After retrieving their respective points from the faculty advisor, Onizuka stepped forward and looked at the girl leaning on her cane.

"Do you need a hand?"

Upon hearing these words, the silver-haired girl revealed an elegant smile.

"I would be delighted, Sakayanagi Arisu."

"Onizuka Tsukasa."