Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage continues his winning streak, defeating four opponents in a row, including the "venomous snake in the mist," the "unbreakable castle gate," and the "late-strike prodigy."
• He reaches the finals against Sakamoto Takashi, the strongest kendo prodigy of the Reiwa Era.
• Natsume Chikage's legend grows, with the entire venue and livestream audience erupting in excitement and support.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Proves his strength and skill by defeating four powerful opponents, becoming a legend in the Dragon Flag tournament. He shows adaptability, strategic thinking, and exceptional control over his swordsmanship.
• Sakamoto Takashi: Shows interest in Natsume Chikage as a worthy opponent. His confidence in his own strength grows, and he prepares to face Natsume Chikage in the finals.

Significant Themes

• Unmatched Strength: Natsume Chikage's dominance in the tournament highlights the theme of being unmatched under heaven, with his opponents struggling to keep up with his skill and strategy.
• Perseverance: Natsume Chikage's continuous victories despite fatigue and increasingly powerful opponents demonstrate his determination and perseverance.
• Adaptability: Natsume Chikage's ability to analyze and adapt to his opponents' fighting styles showcases his intelligence and flexibility as a kendo practitioner.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage vs. Endo Satoshi: Natsume Chikage analyzes Endo Satoshi's fighting style and uses it against him, defeating him with precise timing and strategy.
• Natsume Chikage vs. Shimazu Masayuki: Natsume Chikage discovers a tiny opening in Shimazu Masayuki's defense and uses it to break through his "unbreakable" stance.
• Natsume Chikage vs. Kobayashi Hiroki: Natsume Chikage uses his exceptional control over his swordsmanship to disrupt Kobayashi Hiroki's counterattack strategy, defeating him with a well-timed strike.
• Sakamoto Takashi and Castle Keep Academy competitors: Sakamoto Takashi expresses disappointment in his teammates' performance and prepares to face Natsume Chikage in the finals, showing interest in him as a worthy opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sakamoto Takashi and Natsume Chikage face off in the final match of the Dragon Flag tournament.
• Sakamoto offers Natsume a chance to become his master's disciple if he loses, but Natsume declines.
• Sakamoto uses his ultimate technique, Secret Technique: Returning Swallow, but Natsume blocks it.
• Natsume counters with an even more advanced version of the technique, True Returning Swallow, scoring an ippon (point) against Sakamoto.

Character Developments

• Sakamoto Takashi: Initially confident and condescending, he becomes more serious and focused after Natsume scores a point against him.
• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and collected throughout the match, showing exceptional skill and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of strength and recognition.
• The gap between talented individuals and ordinary people.
• The importance of humility and respect in competition.

Character Interactions

• Sakamoto and Natsume's exchange highlights their contrasting personalities and skill levels.
• The audience's reactions showcase their shock and disbelief at Natsume's performance.
• Various characters watching the match on TV express their surprise and nervousness.

Natsume Chikage defeated Sakamoto Takashi in the Dragon Flag final, winning the championship after breaking Sakamoto’s bamboo sword and landing the decisive strike. As the crowd celebrated his forty-five straight wins, Natsume looked toward the trophy and thought of the promise he had kept to Mido Orihime.

• Sakamoto Takashi unleashed Celestial Dipper Wind Flash, then pushed his swordsmanship further and attacked Natsume Chikage with Secret Sword: Fine Snow.
• Natsume Chikage analyzed Sakamoto Takashi’s rhythm, found a gap in his thrusts, and snapped his bamboo sword with a precise upward strike.
• Natsume Chikage followed with a men strike that knocked Sakamoto Takashi down, earning the second point and the championship for Moonlight Academy.
• The crowd and Natsume Chikage’s supporters celebrated his undefeated forty-five-win run, while Natsume Yuma and others at the Natsume Main House reacted with shock and dismay.
• Natsume Chikage looked toward the Dragon Flag and trophy, relieved that he had kept his promise to Mido Orihime.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins the Dragon Flag Championship, defeating all opponents single-handedly.
• He receives the championship trophy, which has a special effect when equipped.
• Natsume Chikage is interviewed and responds to challenges from other teams, expressing confidence in future matches.
• He dedicates his victory to his sister, Natsume Ruri.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Proves his exceptional skill and determination, becoming a legendary figure in the kendo world.
• Sakamoto Takashi: Experiences defeat for the first time, acknowledges his arrogance, and vows to improve and challenge Natsume Chikage again.
• Maruyama Yosuke: Vows to train harder and challenge Natsume Chikage in the future.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• The importance of self-reflection and growth after defeat.
• The bond between siblings, as shown in Natsume Chikage's dedication to his sister.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Oshima Tomokazu: The coach expresses his pride and admiration for Natsume Chikage's achievements.
• Natsume Chikage and Sakamoto Takashi: They exchange words, acknowledging each other's strength and setting the stage for future competition.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Natsume Chikage dedicates his victory to his sister, showing his love and care for her.

Plot Points & Events

• Natsume Chikage returns to the inn after winning the kendo championship, accompanied by Konoe Hitomi.
• They are surrounded by fans and media at the arena before leaving.
• Natsume Chikage visits his injured teammates at the hospital, where they express their gratitude and admiration.
• He receives a video call from his sister and friends back home, who gathered to watch his match.
• Konoe Hitomi joins the call, causing a brief moment of tension.
• Natsume Chikage registers the Dragon Flag Championship Cup and discovers its effect, which triples his innate speed for three seconds.
• He receives a prompt to synthesize a set with his registered equipment: "Rusty Wooden Sword," "Water-Song Kitchen Knife," and "Dragon Flag Championship Cup."

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage's growth as a kendo practitioner is acknowledged by his teammates and fans.
• He discovers the power of his new equipment and its potential applications.
• Konoe Hitomi remains calm and collected throughout, showing no signs of jealousy or possessiveness despite the girls' reactions to her presence.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and hard work, as seen in Natsume Chikage's rapid improvement in kendo.
• The importance of teamwork and camaraderie, as demonstrated by the Kendo Club members' support for each other.
• The challenges and rewards of competition, as experienced by Natsume Chikage and his teammates.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi maintain a friendly, comfortable dynamic, with no signs of romantic tension.
• Natsume Chikage's teammates express their gratitude and admiration for his accomplishments.
• Natsume Chikage's friends and family at home show their support and excitement for his victory.

Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage discovers he can synthesize three special pieces of equipment into a powerful "Sword Saint Set."
• The set's effects include increased speed, kendo talent, and a powerful invisible slash.
• Chikage decides not to synthesize the set immediately due to the trophy's public significance and plans to commission a replica.

Character Developments

• Chikage: Struggles with temptation but ultimately decides to delay synthesizing the set due to practical considerations.
• Konoe Hitomi: Teases Chikage about their previous promise, leading to a tense and revealing moment in the hot spring.

Significant Themes

• Temptation and self-control: Chikage's internal struggle with the desire to synthesize the set immediately and the need for discretion.
• Trust and honesty: Chikage's decision to find a trustworthy shop to commission a replica of the trophy.
• The power of suggestion: Hitomi's ability to manipulate Chikage's expectations and reactions.

Character Interactions

• Chikage and Hitomi: Their dynamic continues to evolve, with Hitomi playing a more assertive role, teasing Chikage and pushing his boundaries.
• Chikage's internal dialogue: He grapples with his desires, practical considerations, and his perception of Hitomi's intentions.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi take an overnight luxury bus, the Dream Liner, from Fukuoka to Tokyo.
• They discover the bus's high-end amenities and privacy, with individual semi-private compartments.
• Natsume Chikage communicates with his sister, Tsukishima Rin, Akita Sana, and his editor about his travel plans and upcoming shogi match.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows concern for his younger sister and maintains his professionalism regarding his shogi match.
• Konoe Hitomi displays curiosity about ordinary people's travel experiences and hints at her interest in Natsume Chikage.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between luxury and ordinary travel experiences.
• The importance of rest and preparation for Natsume Chikage's upcoming shogi match.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi share a quiet, intimate moment on the bus, with Konoe Hitomi leaning against Natsume Chikage as they prepare to sleep.
• Natsume Chikage's conversations with his sister, Tsukishima Rin, Akita Sana, and his editor reveal his relationships with them and his responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi share a compartment on an overnight bus to Tokyo for the shogi tournament.
• The bus breaks down due to engine malfunction, stranding them on a highway in the middle of nowhere.
• Natsume Chikage realizes he won't make it to his match on time and seeks help from Konoe Hitomi.
• Konoe Hitomi arranges for a private car to pick them up, with the condition that Natsume Chikage accompanies her on a future outing.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Struggles with anxiety and helplessness when faced with missing his match but remains determined to find a solution.
• Konoe Hitomi: Shows a more assertive and commanding side when arranging the car, revealing the extent of the Mido family's influence.

Significant Themes

• Time: The ticking clock adds urgency and tension to the situation, highlighting the importance of punctuality and preparedness.
• Power and Influence: The Mido family's power is demonstrated through Konoe Hitomi's ability to arrange a private car at a moment's notice.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi: Their dynamic shifts as Natsume Chikage seeks help from Konoe Hitomi, highlighting their growing familiarity and mutual reliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The shogi tournament is in its final stages, with Natsume Chikage's popularity surging due to his recent Dragon Flag victory.
• Natsume Chikage's next opponent is Watanabe Toshiya, the reigning "Triple Crown," considered one of the strongest players.
• Natsume Chikage is late for his match, causing concern among his supporters.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage's popularity grows, attracting fans who may not fully understand shogi but are drawn to his appearance and recent achievements.
• Furukawa Ayuo's faith in her "big brother" remains unwavering despite the challenges he faces.
• Furukawa Masahiro, Ayuo's grandfather, remains enigmatic and wise, offering insights into Natsume Chikage's potential.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and its impact on perception and expectations.
• The role of experience and mental fortitude in high-stakes competitions.
• The power of faith and belief in one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Furukawa Ayuo's unwavering support for Natsume Chikage contrasts with the more cautious optimism of his other supporters.
• Furukawa Masahiro's calm confidence in Natsume Chikage's abilities hints at his own past experiences and understanding of the game.
• Fukuda Tsukasa's recognition of Furukawa Masahiro's familiarity suggests a potential connection between their pasts.

Summary: Chapter — “The Eighth Round Begins! Natsume Chikage Is the Type to Pick on the Weak and Fear the Strong!”

1. Key Plot Points / Events

• The eighth round of the Rising Star Shogi Tournament begins, with only eight players remaining. The winner of this round advances to the final four; the loser is eliminated.
• Natsume Chikage has not arrived by 8:45 a.m. His opponent, triple-crown champion Watanabe Toshiya, waits calmly in the players’ area.
• Natsume’s supporters grow increasingly worried. Furukawa Masahiro, Horikawa Kaori, and others repeatedly call him, but both Natsume and his family are unreachable.
• The tournament host, Sawada Rika, announces the eighth-round prize: 2,560,000 yen — quadrupled from previous rounds.
• As the 9:00 a.m. start time approaches, the venue buzzes with speculation. Some spectators accuse Natsume of cowardice, saying he is “the type to pick on the weak and fear the strong.”
• At 9:00 a.m., Natsume still hasn’t appeared. The match is officially declared started, and Watanabe makes his first move.
• Because Natsume is absent, the referee activates his clock with a triple-time penalty, draining his thinking time at three times normal speed.
• With only a few minutes of Natsume’s time left, commentators and spectators conclude there is no chance of victory even if he arrives.

2. Character Developments

• Watanabe Toshiya: Remains composed and professional. He briefly wonders if Natsume fled, but dismisses it, recognizing Natsume’s strong will from the Dragon Flag final. He proceeds with the match without complaint.
• Natsume Chikage: Does not appear in this chapter. His absence dominates the chapter and raises questions about his reliability and whether something has happened to him.
• Furukawa Masahiro and supporters: Show deep loyalty and anxiety. They refuse to believe Natsume abandoned the match, fearing instead that he has encountered an emergency.
• Fukuda Tsukasa / Yasuhiro / Ishida Kazuo: Express frustration and disappointment, feeling that Natsume’s promising run may end in a senseless forfeit.
• Audience/public: Turn quickly from admiration to doubt and mockery, illustrating how fragile a player’s reputation can be.

3. Significant Themes

• Public judgment and reputation: Without any explanation, people assume the worst of Natsume, labeling him a coward and a deserter despite his past achievements.
• Cruelty of rules: The triple-time penalty means even a short delay is practically a guaranteed loss against a top-tier opponent. The tournament system is unforgiving.
• Pressure and uncertainty: Even strong competitors can be undone by circumstances outside the board; talent alone does not protect against fate.
• Loyalty vs. doubt: Natsume’s inner circle struggles to defend him while the crowd turns hostile, showing the isolation of an athlete under scrutiny.

4. Character Interactions

• Watanabe Toshiya waits silently, observes the empty seat, and later calmly begins the game.
• Furukawa Masahiro repeatedly tries calling Natsume; Horikawa Kaori also attempts and fails.
• The Fukuda brothers argue anxiously about whether Natsume would handle the pressure.
• Young Furukawa Ayuo asks if Natsume will lose automatically, showing her fear and hope.
• Commentators Nanjo Maiko and Inoue Masami struggle to fill airtime as they announce Natsume’s continued absence.
• Sawada Rika privately questions tournament officials and learns that contact with Natsume and his family has been completely lost.
  Overall: The chapter builds suspense around Natsume’s mysterious no-show, while exploring how quickly public opinion turns and how merciless tournament rules can be. The match has effectively already been decided — unless something miraculous happens.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage's bus breaks down on his way back to Tokyo from Fukuoka, causing him to miss the start of his Rising Star Shogi Tournament quarterfinal match against Watanabe Toshiya.
• The tournament officials and his school teachers try to contact him but fail, leading to speculation and concern about his whereabouts.
• Natsume Ruri, his younger sister, receives a message from him stating that he's on his way but has run out of phone battery.
• The commentators announce the reason for Natsume's delay, and the audience reacts with sympathy and disbelief at his string of bad luck.
• Natsume Chikage finally arrives at the venue just one minute and thirty-six seconds before his time runs out.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Despite facing numerous transportation issues, he remains determined to make it to his match, demonstrating his resilience and commitment.
• Akita Sana: She becomes increasingly worried about Natsume's safety and is relieved to learn that he's on his way but has run out of phone battery.
• Kondo Miki: She feels a sense of relief that Natsume might lose the match, possibly due to lingering feelings of jealousy or resentment.
• Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya: They both feel a mix of schadenfreude and jealousy upon hearing about Natsume's misfortune.
• Tsukishima Rin: She is concerned about Natsume's safety and is relieved to learn that he's okay.
• Koi Yuna, Kikuchi Kotono, and Sakai Shion: They are worried about Natsume's safety and are relieved when they learn that he's on his way.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Misfortune: Natsume Chikage's string of bad luck highlights the theme of misfortune and how it can affect one's plans and goals.
• Perseverance: Despite facing numerous obstacles, Natsume Chikage remains determined to compete in his match, demonstrating his perseverance and resilience.
• Concern for Others: Several characters, such as Akita Sana and Tsukishima Rin, express genuine concern for Natsume's well-being, highlighting the theme of empathy and caring for others.

Character Interactions

• Akita Sana and Kondo Miki: They discuss Natsume's situation, with Akita Sana expressing her worry and Kondo Miki feeling a mix of emotions, including relief.
• Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya: They both react with schadenfreude and jealousy upon hearing about Natsume's misfortune.
• Natsume Ruri and the tournament organizers: They communicate about Natsume's situation, with Natsume Ruri providing information that helps clarify the reason for his delay.
• The commentators and the audience: They react with sympathy and disbelief at Natsume's string of bad luck, with some expressing their hope that he can still make it to the match in time.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage, the protagonist, arrives late for his shogi match against Triple Crown champion Watanabe Toshiya.
• Despite having less than a minute left on his clock, Natsume enters the venue, determined to play.
• The audience and commentators are initially shocked and disbelieving, but the atmosphere shifts as Natsume takes his seat.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage demonstrates his resolve and determination, showing that he won't back down from a challenge despite the odds.
• Watanabe Toshiya displays curiosity and respect for Natsume's decision to return, but maintains his competitive spirit.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Perseverance: Natsume's resolve to play despite the time disadvantage highlights his determination and perseverance.
• Respect and Fairness: Watanabe Toshiya respects Natsume's decision to return and plays fair, despite the lopsided situation.
• Mundane Dreams: Natsume's goal of buying back his childhood home shows that even simple, personal dreams can be powerful motivations.

Character Interactions

• Natsume vs. Watanabe: The interaction between these two shogi players builds tension and anticipation for the match.
• Audience and Commentators: The audience and commentators react with shock, disbelief, and eventually excitement as Natsume enters the venue.

Chapter Summary: A Seventyfold Gap! Like a Cat Toying with a Mouse!

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The shogi match between Natsume Chikage and Triple Crown champion Watanabe Toshiya continues, with Natsume in a desperate situation: 49 seconds remaining versus Watanabe's 58 minutes — a nearly seventyfold time disadvantage.
• Watanabe deliberately plays slowly and defensively, refusing to be drawn into Natsume's rapid-play tempo. He views this as a guaranteed victory strategy and resolves to crush any possibility of a comeback, crushing hope completely.
• Natsume responds to every move instantaneously, playing at blinding speed—picking up pieces, placing them, and striking the clock in under a second per move.
• The commentary desk (Inoue Masami and Nanjo Maiko) analyzes the match for viewers, highlighting Natsume's 40-second average game completion time in prior matches as context.
• Various spectator groups watch: VIPs (Furukawa family, Fukuda Tsukasa), classroom 1-A and 1-B students, the teacher's office, and the Natsume family residence—most believing Natsume's defeat is inevitable.
• Despite the overwhelming odds, Watanabe begins to sense something "strangely off" about the game, though he cannot identify what—suggesting Natsume may have a hidden plan.

2. Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Demonstrates extraordinary determination and resilience. He returned from Fukuoka despite the arduous journey, choosing to face certain-looking defeat rather than accept a default loss. His playing is described as instinctive, suggesting supernatural focus or preparation.
• Watanabe Toshiya: Shows his ruthless competitive side—he genuinely wishes for a fair match against Natsume but consciously suppresses this desire, prioritizing victory. His caution and discipline are emphasized; he refuses to be provoked into playing Natsume's style. A subtle thread of unease begins to develop in his analysis.
• Kondo Miki (Class 1-B): Internally criticizes Natsume's decision to return, viewing it as foolish and hot-blooded—she believes he should have used the travel excuse to protect his reputation.
• Natsume Yuma: Mockingly watches the match, expecting to enjoy his cousin's defeat with red wine.
• Natsume Ruri: Shows genuine care for her brother, prioritizing his safety over victory.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Struggles to reassure his granddaughter, unable to genuinely believe Natsume can win.

3. Significant Themes

• Time as a weapon: The chapter explores time differential as a tactical resource. Watanabe deliberately leverages his time advantage rather than competing on skill alone, making the match less about shogi ability and more about clock management.
• The ruthlessness of competition: Watanabe's internal conflict—wanting a fair match but choosing guaranteed victory—highlights the tension between sportsmanship and winning at all costs.
• Borrowing thinking time: Natsume's strategy of instant responses effectively "borrows" Watanabe's thinking time, turning his opponent's deliberation against him.
• Determination vs. pragmatism: Natsume's choice to return for a near-hopeless match contrasts with Kondo Miki's pragmatic view that he should have forfeited to protect his reputation.
• The "cat toying with a mouse" dynamic: Yasui Ryoto's analysis frames Natsume as completely controlled by Watanabe's tempo—a predator-prey metaphor reinforced by the chapter title.

4. Character Interactions

• Natsume & Watanabe: No verbal communication—their entire interaction is through moves and glances. Watanabe internally praises Natsume's rapid-play skill while determining to crush him. The match proceeds in near silence with only the sounds of pieces hitting the board.
• Commentary duo: Inoue Masami and Nanjo Maiko exchange analysis, with Inoue suggesting Natsume must "reach a realm close to that of gods and demons" to win.
• Classroom 1-A: Fujiwara Aoi questions whether equal time would give Natsume a chance; Yukimura Suzune answers that Watanabe would still win, but comforts the group by noting Natsume's safe return matters most.
• Classroom 1-B: Akita Sana celebrates Natsume's return, while Kondo Miki privately scorns his "foolish" decision. Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya side with Watanabe's tactics; Asagiri shows affection for Akita's cheerful naivety.
• Teacher's office: Nomura Tomohiro, Yasui Ryoto, and Araki Yua analyze the match for the teachers, concluding Natsume is at an insurmountable disadvantage. Sakai Shion mentally encourages Natsume to see this as growth.
• Natsume family: Qihui laughs maniacally at Natsume's predicament; Yuma eagerly anticipates the loss with wine; Tsubae watches silently, showing a rare flicker of confusion about her nephew's motives—she cannot understand why he would return to a hopeless position.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Watanabe Toshiya (first player) and Natsume Chikage (second player) face off in a shogi match.
• Watanabe maintains a steady pace, while Natsume moves instantly, consuming less time.
• Natsume's aggressive play style forces Watanabe to think deeply, consuming more time.
• Natsume launches a Silver General Diagonal Advance, targeting Watanabe's solid right-flank position.
• Watanabe struggles to keep up with Natsume's pace, and his time dwindles.
• Natsume makes a knight leap, piercing Watanabe's defense and reversing the game's situation.
• Watanabe switches to defense, stalling for time, but Natsume continues to attack.
• Natsume checks Watanabe, forcing him to defend, and eventually checkmates him just before his own time runs out.

Character Developments

• Watanabe Toshiya: Initially confident, he becomes increasingly pressured by Natsume's play, eventually losing his composure and the game.
• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and focused throughout the game, demonstrating exceptional skill and stamina in speed shogi.

Significant Themes

• The power of speed and precision in shogi.
• The mental strain of extreme thinking and time pressure.
• The ability to adapt and change strategies in response to an opponent's play.

Character Interactions

• Watanabe and Natsume engage in a tense, high-stakes game, with Watanabe's initial confidence giving way to frustration and eventual defeat.
• The commentators, spectators, and VIPs react with shock, excitement, and disbelief as Natsume's strength becomes apparent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins the eighth round of the tournament against the Triple Crown champion in just forty seconds.
• His victory is met with shock, disbelief, and admiration from various characters.
• Natsume Chikage's popularity and reputation continue to rise.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Proves his exceptional shogi skills by defeating the Triple Crown champion in a short time, further boosting his popularity.
• Kondo Miki: Struggles with her feelings for Natsume Chikage, trying to convince herself that his shogi and kendo skills don't matter.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Feels relieved that Natsume Chikage's increasing popularity makes it less likely that Akita Sana will have a chance with him.
• Yasui Ryoto: Realizes the extent of Natsume Chikage's shogi skills and understands that he might not have been serious when they played.
• Tsukishima Rin: Determines to confess her feelings to Natsume Chikage after school.
• Natsume Qihui: Becomes more infuriated and worried about Natsume Chikage's growing success.
• Natsume Yuma: Feels threatened by Natsume Chikage's increasing influence and decides to discuss the matter with his grandfather.
• Natsume Ruri, Ando Chizuru, and Kaga Resaki: React differently to Natsume Chikage's victory, with Natsume Ruri and Ando Chizuru asking for her help, while Kaga Resaki struggles with her feelings.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and admiration for Natsume Chikage's skills and achievements.
• Internal struggles and insecurities among characters regarding their feelings for Natsume Chikage.
• The impact of Natsume Chikage's success on his family and those around him.

Character Interactions

• Various characters express their disbelief and admiration for Natsume Chikage's victory.
• Kondo Miki and Asagiri Kazuya have internal monologues about Natsume Chikage's impact on their lives.
• Tsukishima Rin decides to confess her feelings to Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Qihui and Natsume Yuma discuss Natsume Chikage's situation.
• Natsume Ruri, Ando Chizuru, and Kaga Resaki react to Natsume Chikage's victory and express their thoughts to each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins his eighth-round match against Watanabe Toshiya.
• Natsume explains his delayed arrival due to a series of transportation mishaps.
• Natsume reveals his goal of buying back his family's old house and supporting his younger sister.
• Watanabe Toshiya expresses his anticipation for a potential match between Natsume and the Eternal Dragon King, Tendō Ryūji.
• The audience eagerly awaits a potential showdown between Natsume and the Eternal Dragon King.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage demonstrates resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles to reach the match.
• Natsume opens up about his personal goals and motivations.
• Watanabe Toshiya shows sportsmanship and respect for Natsume's skill.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
• The pursuit of personal goals and dreams.
• The anticipation of a historic match between two exceptional players.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Watanabe have a respectful exchange after the match, with Watanabe acknowledging Natsume's skill.
• Natsume's interview reveals his personal motivations to the audience and his classmates, Saionji Nanase, Yukimura Suzune, and Fujiwara Aoi.
• An unknown adult in the audience shows interest in Natsume's response to facing the Eternal Dragon King.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins the Dragon Flag tournament, defeating a Triple Crown champion in just one minute.
• He receives praise and admiration from his peers, including Horikawa Kaori, Fukuda Tsukasa, Fukuda Yasuhiro, and Ishida Kazuo.
• Konoe Hitomi delivers a message from Mido Orihime, who wants to discuss the agreement they made regarding the tournament.
• Natsume Chikage calls Matsuo Yuka to arrange a meeting to sign the contract for his novel, "Snow Country."

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains humble despite his victory and acknowledges the tension of the match.
• Furukawa Ayuo is excited and eager to learn shogi from Natsume Chikage after watching his match.
• Konoe Hitomi shows a rare, playful side by poking Natsume Chikage's cheek.
• Mido Orihime is busy with important matters but plans to meet Natsume Chikage when she has free time.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and admiration for Natsume Chikage's skills and achievements.
• The anticipation of Natsume Chikage's meeting with Mido Orihime to discuss their agreement.
• The theme of work and responsibility, as seen in Konoe Hitomi's accumulation of unfinished tasks.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with his peers, receiving praise and autograph requests after his victory.
• Furukawa Masahiro and Furukawa Ayuo invite Natsume Chikage to lunch and ask him to teach Ayuo shogi.
• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi have a private conversation, with Konoe Hitomi delivering Mido Orihime's message.
• Natsume Chikage calls Matsuo Yuka to arrange a meeting to sign his novel contract.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage receives a call from Sakai Shion about his make-up exam.
• He meets Matsuo Yuka, and they go to Shin-Ei Publishing to discuss the contract for 'Snow Country'.
• At the publishing house, Natsume Chikage meets the editor-in-chief, Miura Shinsuke, and they discuss royalty terms.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains calm and composed during the royalty negotiations, showing maturity and determination.
• Matsuo Yuka is nervous but professional during the meeting, showing her dedication to her work.
• Miura Shinsuke demonstrates his experience and skill in negotiations, trying to balance the company's interests with Natsume Chikage's demands.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between authors and publishers in the literary industry.
• The commercial value of literature and the balance between art and commerce.
• The importance of communication and negotiation in business relationships.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Matsuo Yuka: They maintain a professional relationship, with Matsuo Yuka showing concern for Natsume Chikage's well-being and Natsume Chikage appreciating her efforts.
• Natsume Chikage and Miura Shinsuke: They engage in a polite yet firm negotiation, with Miura Shinsuke trying to persuade Natsume Chikage and Natsume Chikage standing his ground.
• Matsuo Yuka and Asada Reiko: They work together to present the company's position, with Matsuo Yuka being more nervous and Asada Reiko remaining calm and collected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage (Sanqianli-sensei) negotiates with Miura Shinsuke (editor-in-chief) for the royalty share of his novel 'Snow Country.'
• Sanqianli-sensei initially asks for a share equivalent to master-class authors, surprising everyone.
• Editor-in-chief Miura proposes a 'bet agreement': if 'Snow Country' sells out its initial print run of 100,000 copies within a week, Sanqianli-sensei gets a 50% share; otherwise, he gets 40% or can choose a guaranteed 43% share.
• Sanqianli-sensei accepts the bet agreement.

Character Developments

• Sanqianli-sensei demonstrates maturity, confidence, and excellent negotiation skills, surprising the publishing team.
• Editor-in-chief Miura shows willingness to take risks and recognizes Sanqianli-sensei's potential.
• Matsuo Yuka and Asada Reiko (team leader) initially underestimate Sanqianli-sensei but come to appreciate his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Confidence in one's work and abilities.
• Risk-taking and its potential rewards.
• The publishing industry's evaluation of an author's worth based on market performance.

Character Interactions

• Sanqianli-sensei remains calm and composed throughout negotiations, maintaining a clear advantage.
• Editor-in-chief Miura shows respect and admiration for Sanqianli-sensei's confidence.
• Matsuo Yuka and Asada Reiko initially attempt to keep Sanqianli-sensei from leaving but later acknowledge his skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kojima Shuji, a senior editor at Shinei Publishing, returns to the office after signing a successful author and witnesses Natsume Chikage (Sanqianli) signing a new work with the editor-in-chief, Miura Shinsuke.
• Natsume Chikage declines an invitation to dinner with female editors, citing his desire to spend time with his family.
• Kojima Shuji learns about Natsume Chikage's new work, "Snow Country," and reads it, becoming deeply immersed in the story.

Character Developments

• Kojima Shuji: Initially dismissive of Natsume Chikage's literary ambitions, Kojima Shuji becomes intrigued and ultimately engrossed in "Snow Country," challenging his previous prejudices.
• Natsume Chikage: Maintains his humility and focus on family despite his growing success, declining social invitations to prioritize time with his sister.

Significant Themes

• Literary Merit: The value and recognition of literary works, as exemplified by the editor-in-chief's personal involvement in signing Natsume Chikage's new novel.
• Prejudice and Bias: Kojima Shuji's initial underestimation of Natsume Chikage's literary abilities, which is challenged and potentially reversed upon reading "Snow Country."

Character Interactions

• Kojima Shuji and Natsume Chikage: Though they do not interact directly in this chapter, Kojima Shuji's growing interest in Natsume Chikage's work hints at a potential shift in their professional relationship.
• Natsume Chikage and Female Editors: Natsume Chikage politely declines their dinner invitation, maintaining his focus on family and personal priorities.
• Natsume Chikage and His Sister (Natsume Ruri): Their warm reunion emphasizes the importance of family in Natsume Chikage's life, despite his growing literary success.