Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage's novel passes the publisher's review on its first attempt.
• Natsume Ruri is surprised and delighted by her brother's achievement.
• They go out for ramen, and Chikage uses his "Oden Immortal's Broken Ladle" to enhance the flavor of their ramen.
• They visit the Hachiko Statue in Shibuya, where Chikage notices that the statue is not special equipment.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows growth in his writing skills and gains confidence after his novel passes review. He also starts exercising, which improves his skin and overall appearance.
• Natsume Ruri: Becomes more concerned about her brother's well-being and future, showing her affection and support.

Significant Themes

• Talent and hard work: Chikage's novel passing review highlights the importance of both natural talent and effort.
• Sibling bond: The chapter emphasizes the strong bond between Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri, with Ruri showing unwavering support for her brother.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Their sibling bond is strengthened as they celebrate Chikage's achievement together. Ruri shows concern for Chikage's well-being and future, while Chikage reassures her about their financial situation.
• Chikage and foreign tourists: Chikage attracts the attention of foreign tourists, causing Ruri to feel jealous and protective of her brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume siblings shop and go home. Ruri spots a white cat named "Nani-Oh" with a special equipment effect.
• Takahashi Jun, an editor, calls Natsume Chikage, excited about his novel "The Devotion of Suspect X," and invites him for a contract signing on Monday.
• Natsume Ruri starts reading "The Devotion of Suspect X" and stays up late to finish it.
• Natsume Chikage plans to write "Snow Country" next and decides to take a good night's rest.
• He finds unexpected messages from Fujiwara Aoi, Araki Yua, Konoe Hitomi, and Mido Orihime on his LINE.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Submits his first novel, plans to write "Snow Country" next, and decides to take a break.
• Natsume Ruri: Excited about her brother's success, stays up late reading his novel.
• Takahashi Jun: Impressed by "The Devotion of Suspect X," eager to sign Natsume Chikage.
• Konoe Hitomi: Mysteriously appears on Natsume Chikage's LINE, hints about Mido Orihime visiting.

Significant Themes

• The impact of Natsume Chikage's novel on his life and family.
• The mystery surrounding Mido Orihime's visit.

Character Interactions

• Natsume siblings: Share their excitement about the novel's success and discuss the cat, Nani-Oh.
• Takahashi Jun and Natsume Chikage: Discuss the contract signing for "The Devotion of Suspect X."
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Discuss the novel, their financial situation, and Ruri's desire to read it.
• Natsume Chikage and unknown senders (Fujiwara Aoi, Araki Yua, Konoe Hitomi, Mido Orihime): Exchange messages, with Konoe Hitomi hinting at Mido Orihime's visit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage discovers he can't block or delete Konoe Hitomi or Mido Orihime on LINE, suggesting the Mido family's influence.
• He plans to meet Fujiwara Aoi and Araki Yua, and takes the day off for his shogi tournament on Monday.
• Natsume Chikage wakes up early, exercises, and decides to raise his Strength and Agility attributes.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Starts exercising to raise his Strength and Agility attributes, shows concern for his sister's well-being.
• Natsume Ruri: Shows affection towards her brother, supports his decision to exercise, and expresses suspicion about Fujiwara Aoi's intentions.

Significant Themes

• The Mido family's influence and power.
• Brother-sister bond and care for each other.
• Personal growth and self-improvement through exercise.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi: They communicate briefly, with Konoe Hitomi being playful and mysterious.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: They plan to meet after work to go to a movie with Natsume Ruri.
• Natsume Chikage and Araki Yua: They arrange a dinner date for Monday, and Natsume Chikage wishes her luck for her shogi match.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: They share a meal, discuss Natsume Chikage's novel, and Natsume Ruri expresses concern about Fujiwara Aoi's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage finishes work and looks for Fujiwara Aoi, but she's already left.
• He runs into Fujiwara Aoi near her apartment, and they decide to walk to the movie theater together.
• They watch "Zootopia 2" with Natsume Ruri. After the movie, Fujiwara Aoi goes to the restroom.
• Natsume Chikage sees Yukimura Suzune being harassed by a man and intervenes.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara Aoi: She's smitten with Natsume Chikage and tries to spend more time with him.
• Natsume Chikage: He's polite and respectful, standing up for Yukimura Suzune when she's being harassed.
• Yukimura Suzune: She's independent and can handle herself, but she's also not above accepting help when needed.

Significant Themes

• The theme of appearance vs. reality is evident as Fujiwara Aoi tries to impress Natsume Chikage, while Yukimura Suzune's appearance initially misleads the man who harasses her.
• The theme of class and wealth is subtly present as Fujiwara Aoi, the boss's daughter, can come and go from work as she pleases, while Natsume Chikage works diligently despite his family's financial struggles.

Character Interactions

• Fujiwara Aoi and Natsume Chikage: They interact warmly, with Fujiwara Aoi trying to get closer to Natsume Chikage, while he remains polite and respectful.
• Natsume Chikage and Yukimura Suzune: They briefly interact when Natsume Chikage defends Yukimura Suzune from a harassing man.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yukimura Suzune and Natsume Chikage meet again at a movie theater.
• Suzune asks Chikage to accompany her to buy couple-exclusive plushies to avoid suspicion from the saleswoman.
• Fujiwara Aoi, Chikage's classmate, sees them together and asks Chikage to help her buy the same plushies, pretending to be his girlfriend.
• The saleswoman, who had served Suzune and Chikage earlier, slips a note into Chikage's hand with her phone number and a suggestive message.
• Chikage, Suzune, and Aoi all leave the theater, with Aoi inviting Chikage and his sister to dinner.
• Chikage is later approached by a group of people in suits who reveal that Mido Orihime is waiting for him in a luxurious limousine.

Character Developments

• Yukimura Suzune: She shows a rare moment of vulnerability when buying the plushies, blushing and being unable to deny her relationship with Chikage. She also shows kindness to Natsume Ruri by giving her a keychain.
• Natsume Chikage: He remains calm and collected throughout the chapter, helping both Suzune and Aoi without expecting anything in return. He also shows concern for his sister's feelings.
• Fujiwara Aoi: She is shown to be quite fond of Chikage, even going so far as to ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend to buy the plushies. She is also quite friendly with Natsume Ruri.
• Natsume Ruri: She is polite and well-behaved, showing no signs of jealousy or resentment toward Suzune or Aoi. She is also quite happy to receive gifts from both of them.

Significant Themes

• Relationships: The chapter explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic. Suzune and Chikage's relationship is ambiguous, while Aoi's feelings for Chikage are clear. Ruri's relationship with her brother is also highlighted.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The saleswoman's assumption that Chikage is a scumbag for buying the plushies with two different girls highlights the discrepancy between appearance and reality.
• Power and Wealth: The appearance of Mido Orihime in a luxurious limousine underscores the power and wealth disparity between her and Chikage.

Character Interactions

• Suzune and Chikage: Their interaction is brief but significant, with Suzune asking Chikage for a favor and Chikage agreeing without hesitation. Their dynamic is still uncertain, with neither of them acknowledging their relationship.
• Aoi and Chikage: Aoi is quite open about her feelings for Chikage, even asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Chikage, while surprised, agrees to help her.
• Ruri and Everyone: Ruri interacts positively with everyone, showing no signs of jealousy or resentment. She is happy to receive gifts from Suzune and Aoi and is content to spend time with her brother and Aoi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage is surrounded and picked up by Mido Orihime's men, with Konoe Hitomi driving.
• Mido Orihime examines Natsume Chikage's hand, finds him "interesting," and asks about his perception of the world.
• Takahashi Jun's manuscript, "The Devotion of Suspect X," is ignored by his colleagues during the editorial group meeting.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains calm and composed despite the strange situation, revealing his improved senses and adaptability.
• Mido Orihime displays her eccentric behavior and intense interest in Natsume Chikage, hinting at her supernatural abilities.
• Takahashi Jun struggles with self-doubt and anxiety as his manuscript is ignored, showing his insecurities as an editor.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perception and reality is explored through Mido Orihime's and Natsume Chikage's contrasting views of the world.
• The struggle for recognition and validation is highlighted through Takahashi Jun's experiences with his colleagues.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Mido Orihime's interaction is tense and unsettling, with Mido Orihime displaying dominance and curiosity.
• Takahashi Jun's isolation and lack of connection with his colleagues are emphasized as his manuscript goes unnoticed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage is brought by Konoe Hitomi to an upscale private hospital for a medical examination, ordered by Mido Orihime.
• Takahashi Jun, an editor, struggles to convince his colleagues to consider signing Natsume's novel, "The Devotion of Suspect X," fearing Natsume will take it to another publisher.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows concern for his physical condition due to fear of needles, but ultimately complies with the medical examination. He remains curious about Mido Orihime's intentions.
• Konoe Hitomi: Remains expressionless and professional, hinting at a mysterious past and exceptional training. She carries a handgun, though it's never explicitly shown.
• Takahashi Jun: Struggles with self-doubt and fear of failure. He's desperate to prove the worth of Natsume's novel to his colleagues, risking his career and reputation.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Takahashi Jun's colleagues doubt him due to past mistakes, while he trusts Natsume's abilities. Konoe Hitomi's loyalty to Mido Orihime is also evident.
• Fear and Courage: Natsume fears needles but faces the examination. Takahashi Jun fears failure but stands up for Natsume's novel.
• Perception vs Reality: Konoe Hitomi's expressionless demeanor belies her dangerous nature. Takahashi Jun's colleagues perceive him as a failure, while he sees himself as a champion of Natsume's talent.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi: Their dynamic is tense and uncertain, with Natsume trying to understand Konoe's motives while she remains stoic and guarded.
• Takahashi Jun and his colleagues: Takahashi struggles to gain his colleagues' trust and respect, facing mockery and doubt. He eventually stands up to them, risking his career to advocate for Natsume's novel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Takahashi Jun, an editor at Midnight Publishing, kneels to block his colleagues from leaving, trying to convince them to read "The Devotion of Suspect X."
• His colleagues dismiss the manuscript and leave, fearing another failure like the previous two books Takahashi Jun recommended.
• Takahashi Jun's assistant, Arakaki Shoshi, and team leader, Miyagi Kazuhiro, stay behind. Arakaki Shoshi reads and praises the manuscript, while Miyagi Kazuhiro also reads it and agrees it's exceptional.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro decides to personally review and approve the novel, sharing the project's performance with Takahashi Jun and Arakaki Shoshi only.
• Takahashi Jun contacts the author, Natsume Chikage, to arrange a contract signing the next morning.

Character Developments

• Takahashi Jun: Starts the chapter desperate and guilt-ridden, but gains confidence and determination after Arakaki Shoshi and Miyagi Kazuhiro support him.
• Arakaki Shoshi: Initially timid, he gains courage and stands up for Takahashi Jun after being inspired by Takahashi Jun's past encouragement.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro: Reveals he has faith in Takahashi Jun's judgment, and takes a strong stance to support "The Devotion of Suspect X."

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Takahashi Jun feels betrayed by his colleagues, while Miyagi Kazuhiro feels betrayed by Yoshida Tomohito's actions.
• Courage and determination: Takahashi Jun finds the courage to fight for the manuscript, while Arakaki Shoshi gains the determination to stand up for Takahashi Jun.
• The power of words and stories: The manuscript's quality influences the characters' actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Takahashi Jun and Arakaki Shoshi: Their relationship evolves from senior-junior to one of mutual respect and support.
• Takahashi Jun and Miyagi Kazuhiro: Their relationship shifts from one of criticism and disappointment to one of understanding and support.
• Takahashi Jun and Natsume Chikage: They establish a professional relationship, with Takahashi Jun showing respect and eagerness to work with Natsume Chikage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Konoe Hitomi, a maid, takes Natsume Chikage to an expensive sukiyaki restaurant as compensation for his interrupted dinner.
• They have a meal together, and Konoe Hitomi hints at future dealings but can't reveal more.
• Natsume Chikage returns home, where his sister Natsume Ruri notices he smells like women's perfume and teases him about his outing with upperclassmen.
• Natsume Ruri attaches a keychain given to her by Fujiwara Aoi to Natsume Chikage's keys.
• Natsume Chikage tells his sister about his novel's cross-review passing and his upcoming contract signing.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: He remains calm and collected despite the unusual situation with Konoe Hitomi and the Mido family. He also shows care for his sister's well-being.
• Konoe Hitomi: She maintains her professional demeanor but shows a hint of personal preference when asking Natsume Chikage to call her by her given name.
• Natsume Ruri: She demonstrates her keen senses and supports her brother's writing aspirations.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family and sibling bond is reinforced as Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri discuss their financial situation and support each other's dreams.
• The theme of secrets and hidden truths is present as Konoe Hitomi hints at future revelations but can't disclose more information.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Konoe Hitomi: They have a civil and somewhat flirtatious exchange, with Konoe Hitomi encouraging Natsume Chikage to call her by her given name.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: They share a warm and supportive sibling relationship, discussing their financial situation and encouraging each other's aspirations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage receives messages from various people the night before his shogi tournament match.
• He learns that Yukimura Suzune might watch his match, and Saionji Nanase reveals that their math class has been changed to PE, allowing her to watch the match.
• The next day, Natsume Chikage accompanies his sister to the train station, where he encounters Yukimura Suzune. He confesses that he entered the tournament to earn money without telling his sister, as he's worried about her reaction.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows concern for his sister's growth and health, and displays confidence in his shogi skills. He also keeps his secret about the tournament from his sister.
• Natsume Ruri: Exhibits a desire to grow taller to match her brother's height.
• Yukimura Suzune: Learns about Natsume Chikage's secret and agrees to keep it confidential. She shows curiosity and concern about his situation.

Significant Themes

• Family responsibility: Natsume Chikage enters the tournament to help his family financially, demonstrating his sense of responsibility towards his sister.
• Honesty and secrets: Natsume Chikage keeps his participation in the tournament a secret from his sister, raising questions about honesty and the consequences of keeping secrets.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: Brother and sister interact affectionately, with Chikage showing concern for Ruri's well-being and growth.
• Natsume Chikage and Yukimura Suzune: They exchange messages, with Suzune learning about Chikage's secret and agreeing to keep it confidential. Their interaction hints at a growing understanding and trust between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage visits Midnight Publishing to sign a contract for his novel, 'The Devotion of Suspect X.'
• Uda Ayaka, an editor from the First Editorial Group, learns about Natsume's visit and tries to poach him.
• Hiiragi Kyoichiro, the head of the First Editorial Group, meets Natsume and offers him a contract with a 18% royalty rate.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro, the head of the Second Editorial Group, storms in and interrupts the negotiation, revealing that Natsume's manuscript was stolen.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and composed, showing business acumen and determination to negotiate a better royalty rate.
• Uda Ayaka: Recognizes Natsume's potential and tries to secure him for her editorial group.
• Hiiragi Kyoichiro: Appreciates Natsume's ambition and intelligence but tries to secure him at a lower royalty rate.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro: Reveals that Natsume's manuscript was stolen, adding a complication to the situation.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Ambition: The different editorial groups compete for promising authors like Natsume.
• Value and Worth: Natsume tries to negotiate a higher royalty rate, reflecting his understanding of his work's value.
• Integrity and Betrayal: The theft of Natsume's manuscript raises questions about integrity within the publishing house.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Uda Ayaka: Uda tries to poach Natsume, showing interest in his potential.
• Natsume Chikage and Hiiragi Kyoichiro: They negotiate the royalty rate, with Hiiragi trying to secure Natsume at a lower rate.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro and Hiiragi Kyoichiro: Their conflict over Natsume's contract escalates, with Miyagi storming in to reveal the manuscript theft.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Miyagi Kazuhiro (Second Group's head) storms in, accusing Hiiragi Kyoichiro (First Group's head) of poaching Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Chikage, a high school student with an exceptional mystery novel, is being courted by both groups.
• Uda Ayaka (First Group's editor) uses her charm to try and win Natsume over, but he remains unfazed.
• Natsume reveals he's not interested in joining any particular group and wants to discuss royalty percentages.
• Both groups increase their offers, with Hiiragi starting at 25% and Miyagi at 27%.
• Natsume expresses disappointment in their offers and threatens to take his manuscript to New Collection Publishing.
• Both group heads panic and beg Natsume to stay, offering to discuss further.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows maturity, calm, and negotiation skills beyond his age, understanding the value of his work and the industry's dynamics.
• Hiiragi Kyoichiro: Initially underestimates Natsume, but later realizes his mistake and becomes more accommodating.
• Miyagi Kazuhiro: Recognizes Natsume's potential early on and is more sincere in his offers, showing appreciation for Natsume's work.
• Uda Ayaka: Attempts to use her charm to win Natsume over, but her tactics backfire.

Significant Themes

• Information asymmetry and its exploitation in the publishing industry.
• The value of a work and its author in the commercial world.
• The power dynamics between authors, editors, and publishing groups.

Character Interactions

• Hiiragi vs. Miyagi: The two group heads clash over Natsume, initially engaging in a bidding war but later uniting to keep him from leaving.
• Natsume vs. Editors: Natsume remains composed and assertive in his negotiations with the experienced editors, not succumbing to their tactics.
• Uda Ayaka's attempt to use her charm on Natsume fails, highlighting the difference in their expectations and maturity levels.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage negotiates with two editorial groups for his manuscript, The Devotion of Suspect X.
• Editor-in-Chief Kitahara Sosuke intervenes, breaking precedent to offer Natsume Chikage a 40% royalty rate.
• Natsume Chikage chooses to stay at Midnight Publishing and signs the contract with Takahashi Jun as his editor.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage demonstrates maturity and negotiation skills, securing an exceptional royalty rate for a newcomer.
• Kitahara Sosuke shows his authority and willingness to break precedent for exceptional talent.
• Takahashi Jun shows dedication and eagerness to work with Natsume Chikage.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and competition within a publishing house.
• The importance of exceptional talent and potential in the industry.
• The significance of first impressions and initial negotiations in business deals.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with the two group leaders, Miyagi Kazuhiro and Hiiragi Kyoichiro, demonstrating his negotiation skills and composure.
• Kitahara Sosuke interacts with Natsume Chikage, showing his admiration for the young author's talent and potential.
• Takahashi Jun interacts with Natsume Chikage, showing his eagerness to work with him and learn from him.
• Arakaki Shoshi and Uda Ayaka attempt to ingratiate themselves with Natsume Chikage, showing their ambition and desire to learn from him.

Plot Points & Events

• Natsume Chikage reveals his family's financial struggles to his editors, who are shocked by his resilience and achievements.
• Takahashi Jun, Arakaki Shoshi, and Uda Ayaka pledge to support Natsume Chikage in his career and personal life.
• Natsume Chikage is set to compete in the second round of the shogi tournament, with his editors and friends watching.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows maturity and resilience in facing his family's financial crisis and maintains his dignity.
• Takahashi Jun: Feels inspired and motivated by Natsume Chikage's story, vowing to become a better editor.
• Uda Ayaka: Expresses sympathy and protectiveness towards Natsume Chikage.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• The importance of support and camaraderie in overcoming challenges.
• The power of inspiration and motivation.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with his editors, revealing his personal struggles and gaining their support.
• Takahashi Jun, Arakaki Shoshi, and Uda Ayaka express their admiration and commitment to helping Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Chikage avoids an interview with Sawada Rika, showing his discomfort with public attention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horikawa Kaori and Furukawa Ayuo approach Natsume Chikage before his match.
• Horikawa Kaori warns Natsume about Mido Orihime's strength.
• Furukawa Masahiro offers Natsume a part-time job teaching shogi to Ayuo for 10,000 yen per two hours.
• Natsume agrees, and Ayuo is excited about playing shogi with him again.
• The second session contestants are called to gather for the competition to begin.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: He remains calm and confident about his match, showing no signs of preparation. He agrees to teach shogi to Ayuo for the money.
• Furukawa Ayuo: She overcomes her initial disappointment with Natsume and is eager to play shogi with him again.
• Horikawa Kaori: She feels overlooked as a potential shogi teacher for Ayuo and is surprised by the generous pay offered to Natsume.
• Furukawa Masahiro: He sees Natsume's potential and wants to nurture his talent, offering him a job to spend more time with Ayuo.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and practice in shogi.
• The value of money and the willingness to earn it through one's skills.
• The bond between Natsume and Ayuo, and their shared love for shogi.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Horikawa: They exchange information about Mido Orihime and Horikawa warns Natsume about her strength.
• Natsume and Furukawa Masahiro: Furukawa offers Natsume a job teaching shogi to Ayuo, and Natsume accepts.
• Natsume and Furukawa Ayuo: Ayuo is excited about playing shogi with Natsume again and wants to introduce him to her "senior sister."

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rising Star Shogi Tournament's second round begins, with the second session of Zone A being particularly competitive.
• Natsume Chikage's entry into the tournament with only 16 games played is discussed by commentators and noticed by his classmates and friends.
• Akechi Sogo, a fourth-dan professional player, encounters Furukawa Masahiro, who expresses interest in Natsume Chikage's strength.
• Natsume Chikage and Fukuda Tsukasa draw lots for their opponents, with Fukuda hoping to face Natsume for an easy win.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains determined and serious about the tournament, despite his lack of playing experience.
• Furukawa Masahiro, the former Dragon King, shows interest in Natsume's potential as a disciple.
• Akechi Sogo becomes wary of Natsume after learning about his potential strength from Furukawa.
• Fukuda Tsukasa hopes to face Natsume to secure an easy victory.

Significant Themes

• Luck and skill in competition.
• The impact of experience and preparation on performance.
• The potential for hidden talent and underdogs to surprise.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage is discussed by commentators and noticed by his classmates and friends, leading to mixed reactions.
• Akechi Sogo and Furukawa Masahiro encounter each other, with Furukawa expressing his interest in Natsume.
• Natsume and Fukuda draw lots for their opponents, with Fukuda hoping to face Natsume.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Fukuda Tsukasa are matched against each other in the second round.
• Fukuda suggests a bet: the winner takes the ten thousand yen the loser won in the first round.
• Referee Kishida Minesuke agrees to serve as witness to the bet.
• Natsume and Fukuda begin their match.

Character Developments

• Fukuda Tsukasa is confident in his victory and sees Natsume as an easy target.
• Natsume Chikage remains calm and composed, showing no signs of nervousness.
• Asahina Akizuki, a third-dan women's player, takes interest in Natsume and considers a bet if he wins.
• Commentators and spectators expect Natsume to lose due to the skill gap between him and Fukuda.
• Horikawa Kaori is worried about Natsume's match, while the Furukawa grandfather and granddaughter have faith in Natsume's strength.
• Tsukishima Rin is concerned about Natsume's well-being and the potential financial loss if he loses.

Significant Themes

• The gap in skill and experience between amateur and professional shogi players.
• The impact of bets and wagers on the players' motivations and attitudes.
• The expectations and perceptions of others influencing a player's performance.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Fukuda's tense exchange before the match, with Fukuda trying to psych out Natsume.
• Referee Kishida Minesuke's neutral stance on the bet, acknowledging its potential to increase the players' determination.
• Asahina Akizuki's interest in Natsume, considering a bet if he wins against Fukuda.
• Commentators and spectators discussing Natsume's likely defeat, contrasting with the Furukawas' faith in him.
• Tsukishima Rin's worry for Natsume's well-being and the potential financial loss if he loses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fukuda Tsukasa underestimates Natsume Chikage, expecting an easy win.
• Natsume's aggressive opening surprises Fukuda, who expects a quick victory.
• Fukuda's solid defense crumbles as Natsume's carefully planned attack unfolds.
• Natsume checkmates Fukuda, winning the game in under a minute.
• Fukuda, humiliated, pays Natsume the wagered 10,000 yen.

Character Developments

• Fukuda Tsukasa: Realizes his underestimation of Natsume's skills, leading to his defeat and humiliation.
• Natsume Chikage: Proves his strength and strategic prowess, advancing to the next round and winning a wager.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation and overconfidence leading to downfall.
• Strategic patience and planning in chess (shogi) and life.
• The importance of not judging a book by its cover or an opponent by their appearance.

Character Interactions

• Fukuda Tsukasa and Natsume Chikage: Their game highlights the contrast between Fukuda's overconfidence and Natsume's strategic prowess.
• Horikawa Kaori, Furukawa Masahiro, and Furukawa Ayuo: They discuss and analyze Natsume's game, with Ayuo correctly predicting Natsume's victory within ten moves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage unexpectedly defeats Fukuda Tsukasa, a Reward Association player, causing surprise among commentators and viewers.
• News of Natsume's victory reaches his classmates, who are shocked and curious about his sudden win.
• Akita Sana and Kondo Miki discuss Natsume's win, with Kondo believing it was due to luck and his opponent's mistakes.
• Yasui Ryoto and Araki Yua are also surprised by Natsume's win and plan to confront him about his hidden skill.
• Araki Yua messages Tsukishima Rin about their plan to "run into" Natsume in Shibuya.
• Sawada Rika attempts to interview Natsume but is thwarted by his evasive maneuvers.
• Asahina Akizuki, a women's third-dan player, approaches Natsume to ask about Araki Yua and invites him to dinner, but he declines.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Proves his skill by defeating a Reward Association player, but continues to hide his true level of experience.
• Araki Yua: Becomes more determined to introduce Natsume to Tsukishima Rin, believing her childhood friend plan is now useless.
• Kondo Miki: Shows skepticism about Natsume's skill and believes his win was due to luck and his opponent's mistakes.
• Asahina Akizuki: Shows interest in Natsume and tries to befriend him, but is turned down.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and skill versus luck in shogi.
• The perception of Natsume's skill level and the number of games he has played.
• The dynamics between Natsume, Araki Yua, and Tsukishima Rin.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Fukuda Tsukasa: Their shogi match is the central event of the chapter, with Natsume's unexpected win causing shock and curiosity.
• Natsume Chikage and Asahina Akizuki: They have a brief interaction where Asahina asks Natsume to deliver a message to Araki Yua and invites him to dinner, but he declines.
• Araki Yua and Tsukishima Rin: They message each other about their plan to "run into" Natsume in Shibuya.
• Akita Sana and Kondo Miki: They discuss Natsume's win and express different opinions about his skill level and the role of luck in his victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage encounters Furukawa Masahiro, Furukawa Ayuo, and Horikawa Kaori at Tokyo Shogi Hall after winning his match.
• Horikawa Kaori is surprised by Natsume's skill after learning he's played only a thousand games.
• Natsume inflates his gaming experience to avoid suspicion.
• Furukawa Masahiro invites Natsume to be Ayuo's shogi teacher, but Natsume declines due to prior plans.
• Natsume exchanges contact information with the three.
• Natsume waits for his upperclassmen at Shibuya, eating the lunch his sister made for him.
• Tsukishima Rin arrives early and spots Natsume, planning to "accidentally" meet him with Araki Yua's help.
• Yukimura Suzune, Saionji Nanase, and Fujiwara Aoi unexpectedly appear, threatening Tsukishima's plan.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Realizes his shogi skills are exceptional, even after playing only a thousand games. He's invited to be a shogi teacher but declines due to punctuality and prior commitments.
• Horikawa Kaori: Recognizes Natsume's talent and underestimates him less. She also scolds him for lying about his gaming experience.
• Tsukishima Rin: Plans a date with Natsume but encounters unexpected obstacles in the form of his Collection Club seniors.

Significant Themes

• Talent and hard work in shogi.
• Honesty and the consequences of lying.
• Planning and unexpected obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with Furukawa Masahiro, Furukawa Ayuo, and Horikawa Kaori, revealing his shogi prowess and declining an invitation to be a teacher.
• Tsukishima Rin plans to meet Natsume but encounters his seniors from the Collection Club, putting her plan at risk.