Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Konoe Hitomi reminds Natsume Chikage of something in private, piquing Tsukishima Rin and Yukimura Suzune's curiosity.
• The Collection Club's budget application is approved, granting them eighty thousand yen for club activities.
• The club members discuss using the funds and decide to prioritize applying for a mini fridge and potentially an air conditioner.
• Saionji Nanase suggests a "mutual collecting" event within the club, where members can exchange treasured items.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage learns about the strict regulations regarding club funds and understands the importance of proper use.
• Yukimura Suzune demonstrates her seriousness and responsibility in managing the club's funds and activities.
• Saionji Nanase shows her enthusiasm and creativity in suggesting the mutual collecting event.
• Fujiwara Aoi expresses her eagerness to participate in the event, hinting at her interest in collecting Natsume Chikage's personal belongings.

Significant Themes

• The proper use and management of funds, emphasizing responsibility and accountability.
• The importance of planning and prioritizing activities and goals.
• The theme of collecting, extended to include personal belongings and experiences within the club.

Character Interactions

• Konoe Hitomi's mysterious reminder to Natsume Chikage sparks curiosity and speculation from Tsukishima Rin and Yukimura Suzune.
• The club members discuss and agree on the use of funds and the mutual collecting event, showcasing their teamwork and shared goals.
• Fujiwara Aoi's excitement and eagerness hint at her growing interest in Natsume Chikage, potentially leading to further interactions and developments between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Akita Sana, Kondo Miki, Asagiri Kazuya, and Yamaguchi Hirota happen to pass by the Starlight Coffee Shop where Natsume Chikage works part-time.
• Akita Sana, who likes Natsume, suggests they go in, hoping to interact with him.
• They find a long line outside the shop, but Akita insists on waiting.
• Inside, they witness many female customers asking for Natsume.
• Natsume finally appears at the counter, causing Akita to be thrilled and Asagiri Kazuya to feel jealous.

Character Developments

• Akita Sana: Shows determination and persistence in pursuing Natsume, even going out of her way to visit his workplace.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Realizes the extent of Natsume's popularity and decides to use it to his advantage in pursuing Akita.
• Kondo Miki: Struggles with her feelings for Natsume and his lack of ambition, leading to internal conflict.
• Natsume Chikage: Maintains his popularity and professionalism at work, showing surprise at seeing Akita and Kondo.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and determination in pursuing one's goals (Akita Sana)
• The impact of popularity and fame (Natsume Chikage)
• Internal conflict and self-reflection (Kondo Miki)
• Competition and strategy in romantic pursuits (Asagiri Kazuya)

Character Interactions

• Akita Sana and Kondo Miki: Best friends who support each other, with Akita confiding in Miki about her feelings for Natsume.
• Asagiri Kazuya and Yamaguchi Hirota: Friends who discuss strategies for pursuing Akita, with Asagiri Kazuya acknowledging Natsume's popularity but remaining confident.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: Colleagues who work together at the coffee shop, with Natsume showing concern for Fujiwara's well-being.
• Customers and Natsume Chikage: Many female customers are drawn to Natsume's appearance and seek his attention, causing him to feel uncomfortable.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Akita Sana, Kondo Miki, Yamaguchi Hirota, and Asagiri Kazuya visit the café where Natsume Chikage works.
• They learn about Natsume Chikage's financial struggles and the likelihood of him transferring to a public school due to tuition costs.
• Fujiwara Aoi and Natsume Chikage discuss his relationship with Kondo Miki and her mother, and Aoi expresses her desire to meet them.

Character Developments

• Akita Sana: She remains infatuated with Natsume Chikage despite warnings about their differing backgrounds and the likelihood of him transferring schools.
• Kondo Miki: She tries to dissuade Akita Sana from pursuing Natsume Chikage, acknowledging the challenges of their different worlds.
• Asagiri Kazuya: He feels disdain for Natsume Chikage's financial situation and believes that Natsume's transfer is inevitable, which will end any chance between him and Akita Sana.
• Natsume Chikage: He remains focused on his work and doesn't dwell on his financial struggles, showing maturity and resilience.
• Fujiwara Aoi: She becomes more determined to win Natsume Ruri's favor to improve her chances with Natsume Chikage.

Significant Themes

• Social Class and Wealth Disparity: The characters discuss the differences in their backgrounds and the impact of wealth on their lives and opportunities.
• Infatuation vs. Realistic Love: Akita Sana's infatuation with Natsume Chikage is contrasted with the more pragmatic views of her friends and the challenges of their different worlds.
• Family and Friendship: The importance of family and friends is highlighted, with characters like Kondo Miki and Fujiwara Aoi showing concern for Natsume Chikage and his sister.

Character Interactions

• Akita Sana and Natsume Chikage: Akita Sana's infatuation with Natsume Chikage is evident, while he remains polite and professional.
• Kondo Miki and Fujiwara Aoi: Both show concern for Natsume Chikage's situation and try to help him in their own ways.
• Asagiri Kazuya and Akita Sana: Asagiri Kazuya tries to dissuade Akita Sana from pursuing Natsume Chikage, highlighting his disdain for Natsume's financial situation.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: They discuss their shared experiences and Natsume Chikage's relationship with Kondo Miki, strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage returns home to find Kaga Resaki and his sister Natsume Ruri drawing each other's portraits.
• He agrees to let them draw his portrait as well.
• Natsume Chikage learns about a "mutual collection" activity proposed by Saionji Nanase and decides to participate.
• He exchanges messages with Yukimura Suzune, deciding to collect an ink bottle charm from her schoolbag in exchange for a sketch portrait of him drawn by his sister's friend.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows interest in art and appreciates the drawings of his sister and Kaga Resaki. He also demonstrates understanding and respect for Yukimura Suzune's preferences in the exchange.
• Kaga Resaki: Becomes more comfortable around Natsume Chikage and his sister, spending time with them drawing and having late-night snacks. She also shows interest in Natsume Chikage's portrait.
• Natsume Ruri: Enjoys drawing and spending time with Kaga Resaki and her brother. She is also excited about their upcoming visit to Aunt Miyuki's house.
• Yukimura Suzune: Initially confused by Natsume Chikage's request to collect the ink bottle charm, she eventually agrees to the exchange. She also shows a deeper interest in Natsume Chikage's drawing.

Significant Themes

• Art and creativity: The chapter highlights the talent and enjoyment both Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki find in drawing.
• Exchange and mutual understanding: The "mutual collection" activity encourages characters to appreciate and understand each other's preferences and values.
• Respect and consideration: Natsume Chikage shows respect for Yukimura Suzune's preferences in the exchange, valuing the personal significance of the items rather than their monetary worth.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Kaga Resaki: They grow more comfortable around each other, with Kaga Resaki visiting his home twice in a row. They also share a meal and conversation.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri: The siblings spend quality time together, with Natsume Chikage walking her home from school and planning a visit to Aunt Miyuki's house.
• Natsume Chikage and Yukimura Suzune: They exchange messages about the "mutual collection" activity, with Natsume Chikage expressing his appreciation for Yukimura Suzune's preferences and valuing the personal significance of the items.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage receives messages from Kondo Miyuki, Saionji Nanase, and Fujiwara Aoi about a collectible exchange.
• He agrees to have dinner at Miyuki's house the next day.
• He agrees to exchange a stone from Nanase's collection for a stone of his choice for her.
• He expresses interest in Fujiwara Aoi's Sports Watch, planning to buy a similar one to exchange.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows thoughtfulness and consideration towards his friends, especially Fujiwara Aoi.
• Kondo Miyuki displays a friendly and casual attitude towards Natsume.
• Saionji Nanase's enthusiasm for her stone collection is evident.
• Fujiwara Aoi's excitement and affection towards Natsume Chikage become more apparent.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and mutual respect.
• Affection and romantic feelings (between Fujiwara Aoi and Natsume Chikage).
• The value of time management and responsibility (Natsume Chikage's work schedule).

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with Kondo Miyuki, Saionji Nanase, and Fujiwara Aoi via messages, showing care and consideration.
• Natsume Chikage, Natsume Ruri, and Kaga Resaki meet at the train station, exchanging morning greetings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Yukimura Suzune exchange items on the train: Natsume gives Suzune a sketch portrait of himself, and Suzune gives Natsume her Literary Trinket.
• Natsume registers and equips the Literary Trinket, feeling its effect on his writing.
• At school, Sugiyama Hideki, the kendo club captain, approaches Natsume, asking if he has any kendo experience due to his interest in an old wooden sword.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Obtains the Literary Trinket, feels its effect on his writing, and remains determined to acquire more special equipment.
• Yukimura Suzune: Shows a hint of embarrassment when seeing Natsume's satisfied smile after obtaining the Literary Trinket.
• Sugiyama Hideki: Shows interest in Natsume's potential kendo background but is disappointed when Natsume denies any experience.

Significant Themes

• The power of writing and creativity, emphasized by the Literary Trinket's effect.
• The pursuit of personal interests and passions, as seen in Natsume's determination to acquire special equipment.
• The unexpected and indirect paths one might take to achieve their goals, reflected in the title "What a Long Detour!"

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Suzune: Engage in a casual yet meaningful exchange of items, with Suzune showing a rare moment of embarrassment.
• Natsume and Sugiyama: Have a brief, confusing conversation about kendo, leaving both parties slightly puzzled.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yukimura Suzune exchanges an Easter wood carving for an old poetry collection with Saionji Nanase.
• Natsume Chikage exchanges an amber rough stone for five of Saionji Nanase's stones, with the amber stone being a special piece of equipment, Amber Bastion Stone, which grants him a defensive skill.
• Natsume Chikage plans to take Saionji Nanase to buy a stone as part of their exchange, and he becomes interested in visiting her home to explore her collection.

Character Developments

• Yukimura Suzune: Shows a subtle change in mood when Natsume Chikage plans to go out with Saionji Nanase.
• Saionji Nanase: Reveals her love for collecting stones and her genuine happiness in sharing her passion with others.
• Natsume Chikage: Demonstrates his mild temperament and genuine interest in Saionji Nanase's collection, showing no greed for wealth or fame.

Significant Themes

• The joy of sharing one's passions and interests with others.
• The value of personal connections and understanding others' interests.
• The unexpected value of seemingly ordinary items.

Character Interactions

• Yukimura Suzune & Saionji Nanase: The two exchange collectibles, with Saionji Nanase showing genuine happiness in receiving the Easter wood carving.
• Natsume Chikage & Saionji Nanase: They exchange stones, with Natsume Chikage choosing an amber rough stone that turns out to be a special piece of equipment. Saionji Nanase is delighted that Natsume Chikage understands her love for stones.
• Yukimura Suzune & Natsume Chikage: Yukimura Suzune shows a subtle change in mood when Natsume Chikage plans to go out with Saionji Nanase, hinting at a possible emotional development.

Plot Points and Events

• The Collection Club members exchange collectibles based on what each genuinely likes and uses often.
• Natsume Chikage wants to exchange a stone with Nanase, a painting with Suzune, and Aoi's Sports Watch with Aoi.
• Natsume has to work an extra shift at the coffee shop and will miss the club activities for the day.
• Nanase reminds Natsume about his shogi tournament the next day.

Character Developments

• Aoi feels envious of Nanase and Suzune for the collectibles they exchanged with Natsume.
• Nanase and Suzune feel a subtle jealousy towards Aoi for the Sports Watch exchange with Natsume.
• Natsume shows determination in keeping his promises, even if it means working extra hours.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and envy among the girls towards each other for the collectibles exchanged with Natsume.
• Natsume's commitment to keeping his promises, even when it involves financial sacrifices.

Character Interactions

• Aoi, Nanase, and Suzune interact with Natsume, showing concern and support for his shogi tournament.
• Aoi feels a mix of shyness and delight about Natsume's determination to exchange her Sports Watch.
• Nanase and Suzune feel a hint of jealousy towards Aoi for the same reason.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Ruri visit the Kondo family, led by Chikage's childhood friend, Kondo Miki.
• Chikage and Ruri have a strained relationship with the Kondo family, particularly Masasuke, due to the Natsume family's fall from grace.
• Akita Sana, a friend of Miki and admirer of Chikage, joins them for dinner.

Character Developments

• Chikage: Maintains his calm and polite demeanor despite his family's past issues with the Kondos.
• Ruri: Shows maturity and politeness, but harbors resentment towards Masasuke's indifference.
• Miki: Initially aloof, warms up to Ruri and maintains a civil attitude towards Chikage.
• Sana: Excited to see Chikage, remains oblivious to the underlying tension between the families.
• Masasuke: Shows favoritism towards Sana and coldness towards the Natsume siblings.

Significant Themes

• Class and social status: The Kondo family's treatment of the Natsume siblings changes after their family's fall from grace.
• Indifference and snobbery: Masasuke's cold-hearted behavior towards the Natsume siblings.
• Family and friendship: Miyuki's warm hospitality contrasts with Masasuke's indifference.

Character Interactions

• Chikage and Ruri: The siblings maintain a close bond, supporting each other.
• Chikage and Miki: Their relationship is polite but strained due to their families' history.
• Ruri and Miki: Ruri is polite but reserved with Miki, while Miki is warmer towards Ruri.
• Sana and Chikage: Sana is infatuated with Chikage, while he remains polite but distant.
• Masasuke and the Natsume siblings: Masasuke shows favoritism towards Sana and indifference towards the Natsume siblings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kondo Masasuke, the patriarch, invites the Natsume siblings for dinner after a year.
• He asks Natsume Ruri about her grades, expecting them to have dropped due to their changed circumstances.
• He then turns to Natsume Chikage, suggesting he pursue special talents instead of academics.
• Akita Sana reveals that Natsume Chikage has beaten the school's baseball special talent student and has advanced to the third round of a shogi tournament.
• Kondo Masasuke dismisses these achievements as luck.

Character Developments

• Kondo Masasuke: Shows his snobbish and dismissive attitude towards the Natsume siblings, underestimating their abilities.
• Natsume Ruri: Maintains her composure and intelligence despite the provocation, showing concern for her brother's actions.
• Natsume Chikage: Keeps his achievements a secret from his sister but is forced to reveal them. He remains calm and polite under Kondo Masasuke's mockery.
• Akita Sana: Shows genuine admiration and support for Natsume Chikage, revealing his accomplishments to the table.
• Kondo Miyuki: Shows kindness and encouragement towards Natsume Chikage, believing in his luck.
• Kondo Miki: Remains silent but privately believes Natsume Chikage's luck will run out in the next round.

Significant Themes

• Class and wealth disparity: Kondo Masasuke's snobbish attitude highlights the differences in their social and economic statuses.
• Luck vs. skill: The debate over whether Natsume Chikage's achievements are due to luck or skill is a central theme.
• Sibling dynamics: The relationship between Natsume Ruri and Natsume Chikage is explored, with Ruri showing concern and anger towards her brother's secrets.

Character Interactions

• Kondo Masasuke and Natsume Chikage: Kondo Masasuke tries to belittle Natsume Chikage, but Chikage remains calm and polite.
• Natsume Ruri and Natsume Chikage: Ruri shows concern and anger towards her brother's secrets, planning to interrogate him later.
• Akita Sana and Natsume Chikage: Sana admires and supports Natsume Chikage, revealing his accomplishments to the table.
• Kondo Miyuki and Natsume Chikage: Miyuki shows kindness and encouragement towards Natsume Chikage, believing in his luck.
• Kondo Miki and Natsume Chikage: Miki privately believes Natsume Chikage's luck will run out in the next round.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage expresses interest in a Collector-Grade Fighting Magazine at the Kondo family's storage room, offering 100,000 yen for it, which Kondo Masasuke agrees to hold for a month.
• Akita Sana, secretly in love with Natsume Chikage, buys the magazine to give to him, unaware that he can already see special equipment, including the magazine's green-quality status.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage demonstrates maturity and long-term planning by agreeing to buy the magazine despite his current financial situation.
• Akita Sana's feelings for Natsume Chikage grow stronger, leading her to spend 100,000 yen on the magazine to give to him.
• Kondo Miyuki shows concern for the Natsume siblings, offering her help whenever they need it.

Significant Themes

• The theme of love and pursuit, as Akita Sana's feelings for Natsume Chikage deepen, leading her to act impulsively.
• The theme of financial struggle and long-term planning, as Natsume Chikage agrees to buy the magazine despite his current poverty.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Kondo Masasuke engage in a tense negotiation over the magazine's price, with Kondo Masasuke naming a high price to teach Natsume Chikage a lesson.
• Akita Sana and Kondo Miki have a heated argument about Akita Sana's impulsive purchase of the magazine, with Kondo Miki trying to dissuade her from pursuing Natsume Chikage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Ruri go to the supermarket, and Ruri confronts Chikage about his shogi tournament entry.
• Chikage explains his reasons for entering the tournament and his plans to support them financially.
• Ruri asks about Chikage's baseball skills and his decision not to join the school's Baseball Club.
• Ruri questions Chikage about his intention to spend 100,000 yen on a magazine.
• Chikage and Ruri agree to play shogi later.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows maturity and responsibility in handling their financial situation. He also demonstrates his baseball skills and willingness to protect his sister.
• Natsume Ruri: Realizes her brother's capabilities and decides to support him. She also considers finding a way to earn money to help their family.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and maturity: Chikage takes on the role of supporting their family, showing growth and responsibility.
• Sibling bond: The siblings grow closer as they support and confide in each other.
• Financial struggles: The family's financial difficulties drive the plot and character development.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Ruri: Their relationship deepens as they communicate openly about their concerns and plans. They also share a moment of bonding through a pinky promise.
• Chikage and Aunt Miyuki: Chikage considers asking Aunt Miyuki for help if necessary, showing his willingness to swallow his pride for his family's sake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri return home to find Kaga Resaki waiting outside their door.
• Kaga Resaki has been waiting for a long time, highlighting her loneliness at home.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri engage in shogi training, with Natsume Chikage intentionally losing to his sister.
• Natsume Ruri suggests drawing a manga together with Kaga Resaki to help her brother financially.
• Natsume Chikage agrees, but emphasizes the importance of their studies.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows concern for Kaga Resaki's safety and well-being, highlighting his protective nature. He also displays understanding and support for his sister's initiative to draw manga.
• Natsume Ruri: Demonstrates her competitive spirit during shogi games and her desire to contribute to the family financially. She also shows her eagerness to learn and create manga.
• Kaga Resaki: Reveals her timid and reserved nature, as well as her loneliness at home. She also shows interest in drawing manga with Natsume Ruri.

Significant Themes

• Family: The siblings' strong bond and mutual support are emphasized throughout the chapter.
• Loneliness and Isolation: Kaga Resaki's loneliness at home is highlighted, contrasting with the warm and supportive environment at the Natsume siblings' home.
• Ambition and Initiative: Natsume Ruri's desire to contribute to the family financially and her eagerness to learn and create manga are emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Siblings: Their strong bond and mutual support are evident in their interactions, with Natsume Chikage showing concern for his sister's well-being and Natsume Ruri showing her desire to help her brother.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki: They bond over their shared interest in drawing manga and discuss their plans for their manga project.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage checks his LINE messages late at night.
• He agrees to teach Saionji Nanase's granddaughter shogi after his match.
• He receives encouragement from Yasui Ryoto, Araki Yua, and Tsukishima Rin for his upcoming match.
• He arranges to meet Saionji Nanase, Suzune, and Aoi on Sunday to buy stones.
• He asks his homeroom teacher, Sakai Shion, for leave to participate in the tournament.
• The next day, Natsume Ruri insists on buying her brother new clothes after his match.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows responsibility and consideration for his commitments, agreeing to teach Saionji's granddaughter shogi and arranging to meet his friends on Sunday.
• Natsume Ruri demonstrates concern for her brother's appearance and wants him to have suitable casual clothes.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and commitment: Natsume Chikage shows dedication to his part-time jobs and arrangements with friends.
• Brotherly love: Natsume Ruri cares for her brother and wants him to have nice clothes, showing her affection and concern for him.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with his friends and homeroom teacher via LINE, showing mutual support and understanding.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri have a sibling interaction, with Ruri expressing her desire to buy her brother new clothes and Natsume Chikage agreeing to her request.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The third round of the Rising Star Shogi Tournament begins, with 512 contestants remaining.
• Natsume Chikage and Tanabe Yuto are both contestants in the first session.
• Natsume Chikage avoids Sawada Rika, who wants to interview him.
• Natsume Chikage sits with Furukawa Masahiro, Furukawa Ayuo, Horikawa Kaori, and Fukuda Tsukasa.
• Asahina Akizuki, Tanabe Yuto, and Suzuki Takayuki sit nearby, cheering for Tanabe Yuto.
• Tanabe Yuto uses a "Two-Sided Heads Coin" for luck before the match.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains humble and focused, despite his strength.
• Sawada Rika is determined to interview Natsume Chikage.
• Furukawa Masahiro plans to reveal his past as the Dragon King to Natsume Chikage.
• Asahina Akizuki plots to make a wager with Natsume Chikage after the match.
• Tanabe Yuto is confident but superstitious, using a coin to predict his match outcome.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and luck in competition.
• Avoidance and confrontation (Natsume Chikage and Sawada Rika).
• Planning and scheming (Furukawa Masahiro and Asahina Akizuki).

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo share a warm bond.
• Natsume Chikage and Horikawa Kaori maintain a polite, friendly relationship.
• Natsume Chikage and Fukuda Tsukasa have a tense dynamic, with Fukuda Tsukasa hoping to see Natsume Chikage's defeat.
• Asahina Akizuki, Tanabe Yuto, and Suzuki Takayuki support each other as friends and teammates.
• Sawada Rika is persistent in her pursuit to interview Natsume Chikage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage discovers Tanabe Yuto missing after their locker room encounter.
• Natsume proceeds to the players' passage for the draw, while Tanabe, struggling with emotions, eventually joins him.
• Natsume draws board number 10, and Tanabe draws the same number, making them opponents.
• The audience, including Horikawa Kaori, Furukawa Masahiro, and others, discuss Natsume's prospects, with most expecting his defeat against Tanabe.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains calm and focused on his task despite Tanabe's absence.
• Tanabe Yuto struggles with emotions but ultimately regains composure and prepares for the match.
• Horikawa Kaori worries about Natsume's match, while Furukawa Masahiro remains optimistic.
• Fukuda Tsukasa, Asahina Akizuki, and Suzuki Takayuki discuss Natsume's chances, with most expecting his loss.

Significant Themes

• Luck and its role in shogi and life.
• Preparation and study in shogi, with Natsume's potential homework on Fukuda Tsukasa mentioned.
• The unpredictability of the world, as noted by Furukawa Masahiro.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Tanabe's paths cross again, setting up their match.
• Horikawa Kaori, Furukawa Masahiro, and others discuss Natsume's prospects, with differing views on his chances.
• Kondo Miki, Akita Sana, Yukimura Suzune, Saionji Nanase, Fujiwara Aoi, Yasui Ryoto, Araki Yua, and Nomura Tomohiro all show concern for Natsume's match, with some watching or discussing it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tanabe Yuto reveals his past and his feelings for Asahina Akizuki to Natsume Chikage before their match.
• He asks Chikage to date Akizuki to prevent Suzuki Takayuki from confessing and to maintain their childhood friendship.
• Chikage and Yuto make a wager: if Chikage wins, Yuto will give him a double-headed coin; if Yuto wins, Chikage must date Akizuki for three years without taking Yuto's financial support.
• Kishida Lajie, a match official, volunteers to witness the wager.
• The match begins with Chikage having the first move.

Character Developments

• Tanabe Yuto: He reveals his deep love for Akizuki and his selfless desire to maintain her happiness and her friendship with Suzuki Takayuki, even if it means sacrificing his own feelings.
• Natsume Chikage: Chikage shows his integrity and respect for genuine feelings in relationships, refusing to accept Yuto's financial support and only agreeing to date Akizuki if she confesses to him.
• Asahina Akizuki: Though not present, her character is further developed through Yuto's and Chikage's perspectives, showing her to be highly valued and sought after.

Significant Themes

• Selflessness: Yuto's willingness to sacrifice his own happiness for Akizuki and Suzuki Takayuki's friendship.
• Genuine Feelings: Chikage's refusal to accept Yuto's financial support, emphasizing the importance of genuine feelings in a relationship.
• Childhood Friendship: The importance of maintaining childhood friendships, as seen through Yuto's and Suzuki Takayuki's perspectives.

Character Interactions

• Tanabe Yuto and Natsume Chikage: Their interaction reveals their contrasting personalities and values, with Yuto being selfless and Chikage valuing genuine feelings and integrity.
• Tanabe Yuto and Asahina Akizuki (implied): Their relationship is further developed through Yuto's monologue, showing his deep love for her and his desire to maintain their friendship.
• Natsume Chikage and Kishida Lajie: Their brief interaction raises questions about Lajie's presence and intentions, as he appears at an opportune moment to witness their wager.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Tanabe Yuto face off in the third round of the Rising Star Shogi Tournament.
• Commentators Inoue Masami and Nanjo Maiko discuss the players' profiles and styles.
• Tanabe opens aggressively with a rapid-attack style, while Natsume surprisingly mirrors his approach.
• The game becomes a high-speed, intense offensive battle, captivating the audience.

Character Developments

• Tanabe Yuto is revealed to have a rapid-attack style and a high win rate, indicating great potential.
• Natsume Chikage demonstrates adaptability by matching Tanabe's aggressive play, showing he's more than just a Static Rook player.
• Furukawa Masahiro, watching from the audience, knows Natsume's true strength but chooses not to reveal it yet.

Significant Themes

• The clash of aggressive playing styles: rapid-attack vs. Static Rook.
• Youthful, reckless abandon versus cautious, calculated play in a high-stakes tournament.
• The excitement and unpredictability of intense, high-speed games.

Character Interactions

• The commentators' analysis and excitement as they watch the game unfold.
• The audience's captivation by the intense, unexpected battle.
• Furukawa Masahiro's silent observation and understanding of Natsume's true abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage's game against Tanabe Yuto in the Rising Star Shogi Tournament enters a high-speed exchange phase.
• Natsume's aggressive, reckless play draws concern from spectators, including Kaori Horikawa, Ayuo and Masahiro Furukawa, Asahina Akizuki, and Suzuki Takayuki.
• Fukuda Tsukasa watches the game, expecting Natsume's defeat due to his impetuous play.
• Tsukishima Rin secretly watches the livestream in her math class, getting caught by her teacher.
• Yasui Ryoto and Araki Yua watch the livestream in the Shogi Club, expressing concern for Natsume's strategy.
• Kondo Miyuki and Kondo Masasuke watch the livestream at home and in his office, respectively, with Kondo Masasuke displaying contempt for Natsume's skills.
• Natsume's seemingly reckless play begins to show signs of calculation as he lands a knight in a seemingly insignificant position.
• Tanabe Yuto starts to feel unease about Natsume's strategy, but continues his attack.
• Natsume lands a bishop, connecting it with the knight and rook, and declares "check," revealing his hidden setup.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows aggressive, high-speed play, but reveals hidden calculation and setup.
• Tanabe Yuto: Initially confident in his rapid attack, starts to feel unease about Natsume's strategy.
• Kaori Horikawa: Concerned about Natsume's reckless play, wants him to defend.
• Ayuo and Masahiro Furukawa: Excited about Natsume's play, Masahiro understands its difficulty.
• Asahina Akizuki and Suzuki Takayuki: Analyze the game, expecting Natsume's defeat due to his aggressive play.
• Fukuda Tsukasa: Expects Natsume's defeat, believing he's overestimating his skills.
• Tsukishima Rin: Secretly watches the livestream, gets caught by her teacher.
• Yasui Ryoto and Araki Yua: Worry about Natsume's strategy, but acknowledge his small profit.
• Kondo Miyuki: Worries about Natsume's reckless play, hopes he switches to defense.
• Kondo Masasuke: Contemptuous of Natsume's skills, expects his defeat.

Significant Themes

• The danger of emotional fluctuations in shogi and the importance of calm, rational play.
• The mutual restraint and countering aspects of shogi strategy.
• The gap between Natsume's aggressive play and his hidden calculation.
• The expectations and concerns of spectators regarding Natsume's skills and strategy.

Character Interactions

• Natsume and Tanabe: Engage in a high-speed, aggressive exchange, with Natsume revealing his hidden setup.
• Kaori and Natsume: Kaori watches the game, concerned about Natsume's reckless play.
• Ayuo and Masahiro: Ayuo is excited about Natsume's play, while Masahiro understands its difficulty.
• Asahina and Suzuki: Analyze the game together, expecting Natsume's defeat.
• Tsukishima and her teacher: Tsukishima gets caught watching the livestream, gets warned by her teacher.
• Yasui and Araki: Worry about Natsume's strategy, acknowledge his small profit.
• Miyuki and Natsume: Miyuki watches the game, hoping Natsume switches to defense.
• Masasuke and Natsume: Masasuke watches the game, contemptuous of Natsume's skills.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins against Tanabe Yuto in the third round, breaking the record for the fastest win in the tournament (3 minutes and 13 seconds).
• Natsume Chikage uses the same rapid-attack style as Tanabe Yuto, taking advantage of his first move (sente) to secure victory.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Proves his skill and adaptability by using Tanabe Yuto's own strategy against him. Shows reckless and intuitive playing style.
• Tanabe Yuto: Loses due to underestimating Natsume Chikage and being caught off guard by Natsume's aggressive play. Realizes his mistake in not paying attention to the first move.

Significant Themes

• The importance of the first move (sente) in shogi, especially in rapid-attack games.
• The clash of aggressive playing styles and the outcome when both players are evenly matched.
• The element of luck and intuition in shogi, as seen in Natsume Chikage's victory.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Tanabe Yuto: Their aggressive playing styles clash, leading to a quick and decisive victory for Natsume Chikage.
• Natsume Chikage and Sawada Rika: Natsume is interviewed after his win, revealing his intuitive and reckless approach to the game.
• Kondo Miyuki and Kondo Masasuke: Both watch Natsume Chikage's match, with Miyuki impressed by his skill and Masasuke dismissive of his victory.
• Kondo Miki and Akita Sana: They discuss Natsume Chikage's win via messages, with Akita Sana expressing her admiration for him.