Steal the Wind- Part 2

To discuss review points in no particular order... I'm rebooting my work on Yumi and Momo's backgrounds, though a lot of it will be along the same lines. Yumi is just so bourgeois, after all.

This time I'm Anglicising the dialogue, so no honourifics and common use of first names.

I've written a one-shot on how Tsuruga could win. A less convoluted method would be 'Yumi wins from Koromo's 1-pin with her 13 Orphans'.

Comments on how my stuff is dialogue heavy and lacks description is accurate and appreciated. I'll see what I can do, but description is something I've always struggled with.

"Tsumo. Riichi, Strongly Closed, Endless, Pointless, Dora One." Yumi reached for the dead wall, placing the Dora indicator aside and flipping the reverse Dora. "Reverse Dora One. Six thousand all."

"Ouch. Somebody's on perfect form." Kanbara tossed the point sticks across the table. "A dealer limit and a half... not a bad way to finish."

"Quite" Yumi said. "I'm worried about Momo, though. Were you waiting?"

"Yes. I'd called riichi." Momo's presence strengthened again as she pushed her hand open. "Seven Pairs, Dora Two. I was hoping for the direct hit, but I'd have taken it from anyone."

"A wait I was in furiten for, of course. Well done." Yumi smiled. "Looks like I had a lucky escape."

"Um. Is it okay if I play in the next game?" Kaori said, leaning against another of the tables.

"No. Remember the plan." Yumi closed her eyes. "I used to think beginner's luck was just selection bias, but after the tournament, I'm not so sure. Considering the short amount of time to the Individuals, I'm betting on that rather than any small improvements you could make over the next few days."

"It's unfair," Kaori said. "I want to play."

"It's fine. You can learn a lot by watching others play, as well." Kanbara grinned. "Just watch Yumi and try to understand her discards."

"Okay," Kaori said, looking disappointed.

"I've finished recording the scores," Mutsuki said, placing the score-sheets on another of the desks. "One more game?"

"We can finish East, at least," Yumi said. "After that, I'll go over our strategy for the Individuals one more time."

They were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," Kanbara said, looking puzzled.

The door slid open and two adults entered, one of them holding a recorder and one of them holding a camera. "Sorry for intruding. I'm Nishida from Weekly Mahjong Today. We've received permission from your school to interview Yumi Kajiki. Would you be willing to answer a few questions?"

"I don't mind," Yumi said. "Though we're busy preparing for the Individuals, so please keep this as brief as possible."

Nishida looked around the room. "This is your club room? Fairly sparse, isn't it?"

"Tsuruga's mahjong club has always barely existed, since Kazekoshi attracts all the students interested in mahjong in this prefecture," Yumi said. "But these facilities are plenty. Mahjong is a game that can be played with a set, four players and a table, after all. Everything else is just a luxury."

"I see. But that makes your victory in the Team Tournament for this region all the more unexpected. How did you feel going into the Finals?"

"Of course, I had the mentality of a challenger," Yumi said. "But mahjong is a game of chance as well as skill. Even if we didn't have the power of Ryumonbuchi or Kazekoshi, we felt we could still win. And just as I'd hoped, we made it through."

Nishida nodded. "Your clutch play in South Four of the final han-chan has attracted a lot of attention, but going over the records, you've had no past appearances in any mahjong event. When did you start playing mahjong?"

"I've played with my family and family friends since I was a child," Yumi said. "I also play online."

"Why didn't you attend Kazekoshi yourself?"

"Until very recently, I wasn't interested in competitive mahjong in real life. That's all."

Nishida nodded again. "The Captain's match was filled with extremely unlikely statistical occurrences. The Rinshan Kaihou wins from Kiyosumi's Captain and the Haitei Raoyue wins from Koromo Amae were remarkable. How did you feel to be playing against those opponents?"

"Naturally, they were intimidating. Considering their playing styles, they are both clearly used to being able to win in that manner on a regular basis. For a more orthodox player like myself, that is a frightening thought." Yumi frowned. "However, when all's said and done, those matches were extremely enjoyable. Those two players, and Kazekoshi's Captain, all of them are capable of abnormal but extremely high-level play. I would play them again without hesitation."

"You consider yourself an orthodox player, then?" Nishida said. "At several points, you diverged drastically from standard play. Robbing Kiyosumi's kan was the most dramatic example, of course."

"A sound grasp of the basics is necessary to win at mahjong," Yumi said firmly. "But I also believe that if you rigidly follow those rules without responding to the situation at the table, you won't do yourself justice as a player. Sometimes it is necessary to diverge from theory in order to exploit the tendencies and expectations of your opponents."

"Will Tsuruga be attending the Individuals? What are your expectations for this event?"

"Our main aim remains the Team Tournament. But we intend to use the Individuals to gain experience in national-level play, so we will be attending." Yumi closed her eyes. "And naturally, we will be attempting to win."

"As for the National Team Tournament, Shiraitodai has retained their lock on the championship ever since Teru Miyanaga appeared on the national scene. In light of such strong competition, what do you consider a realistic goal?"

"I could give a cautious answer, but our victory in the Regional Finals shows powerhouse teams are not invincible." Yumi narrowed her eyes. "I consider victory our overall goal, but for now, we intend to move forwards one step at a time."

"Thank you very much," Nishida said. "Could we take a few photos?"

"That's fine," Yumi said patiently.

"First, a shot of Miss Kajiki, I think," the photographer said. "Could I ask you girls to set up the tiles for a group shot of you playing after this?"

"Leave it to us," Kanbara said, looking amused by the whole process.

Yumi sighed when the two journalists finally left. "Well, that was tiring."

"Wahaha. It was all about you, wasn't it?" Kanbara grinned at the older girl. "Well, I can understand that. Momo isn't the type whose talents get noticed, after all."

"Judging the quality of players based on the results of two han-chan is ridiculous to begin with," Yumi said. "But if it's the media, they aren't interested in anything else. I suppose I should be glad we're getting any media attention at all."

"Indeed. It is flattering. But in the end, we're just a foot-note next to all those articles on the big name players and schools, even now." Kanbara smiled. "If you win the Individuals, that might change, of course."

"I tried to put on a confident front for them, but I don't fancy my odds. Koromo Amae and Kiyosumi's Captain are just too strong. If they're playing, it's going to be a battle for third." Yumi shrugged. "Well, we'll see what we can do, even so."

"True enough," Kanbara said. "Anyway, we've lost time with that. You three go home. Yumi and I have some business to deal with."

"Momo, Mutsuki, I want you to play at least five online games, time permitting. The Team Tournament was do-or-die mahjong, but the Individuals rewards consistent play over lucky flukes. Get back into the mindset you developed before the tournament began." Yumi frowned, folding her arms and glancing at Kaori. "Kaori, I want you to read and memorise the list of doubles. Especially the yakuman."

"Is there much point in memorising the yakuman?" Mutsuki asked. "That's not the kind of thing that happens twice, right?"

"It's just a precaution," Yumi said. "Consider it something worth knowing from a defensive angle, as well. Deal into a yakuman in the Individuals and you're probably finished right there."

"I see," Kaori said, nodding thoughtfully. "That makes sense."

Mutsuki looked dubious, but said nothing more.

The journalists stepped outside. The man frowned thoughtfully. "What did you think of them, Miss Nishida?"

"What's there to say," Nishida said cynically. "They have spirit, but it's a classic case of a one-player team. Yumi Kajiki will get headlines for the come-back win, but when all's said and done, she just lucked into a yakuman in South Four. I don't accept her free-form moves, either. As for the rest... the Vice-Captain exploited some sloppy play from Touka Ryumonbuchi, and their second player was a complete amateur who happened to win Four Closed Pons. It's a second rate team. Defeating Kazekoshi and Ryumonbuchi was just a coincidence."

"I wonder about that," the photographer said, frowning. "For a start, isn't 'sloppy play from Touka Ryumonbuchi' a contradiction in terms?"

"There's no other explanation, is there?" Nishida said.

"Maybe. But though that Vice-Captain did carelessly deal into Nodoka Haramura's hand, she still managed to gain points on that table," the photographer said. "I don't think you can just call that a coincidence. Haramura made no mistakes."

"I suppose so, though even an amateur can lead Nodoka Haramura, if it's only for two han-chan," Nishida said. "Two decent players, if that, won't cut it at the National level. I'm sure the Individual tournament will show that as well."

"Perhaps so," the photographer agreed. "I wonder if the Miyanaga we're watching will do well there."

"Who knows," Nishida said. "I think it will be Touka Ryumonbuchi, Nodoka Haramura and either Mihoko Fukuji or Kunihiro Hajime. Enough games are played to let that kind of stable, reliable playing style come into its own."

"Tsumo. Riichi, Strongly Closed, Three Colour Straight, Three Red Fives, Rinshan Kaihou." Saki deftly flipped over the Reverse Dora. "None. That's 4000/8000, please."

"Ouch, vicious," Mako Someya said, handing over her points.

"That's a turn-around victory," Saki said, smiling slightly. "Thank you for the game."

Nodoka Haramura sighed, closing her eyes. "Even after leading you all game, it ends like this."

"Sorry. But I have to try to win now," Saki said.

"Yes," Nodoka said, smiling slightly. "That's why I'm still a little happy, even when I lose to you like this."

The door to the club-room was pushed open as an older woman strode into the room. "Yo. How are you girls doing?"

"Fujita," Nodoka said, blinking in surprise.

"Save a seat, I'll school you girls in a minute," Fujita said, grinning. "Hisa, let me borrow your ear."

The club's president looked up from her book. "Sure, sure. Let's go out onto the balcony."

Mako watched them step out onto the roof, her expression puzzled. "I wonder what breeze blew her here, of all places."

"I don't know," Nodoka said. "It's clear she knows the president well, but I've no idea what context that comes from. Hisa hasn't played in the competitive scene since middle school, right?"

"Exactly," Mako said. "She's not like Koromo, someone whose played pro-amateur events and done well. But her level doesn't feel that short, for all that."

"I don't think it matters," Saki said shortly. "I'm just glad she's here. I need to play and beat more strong opponents, so I can go to the Nationals."

"That's right," Nodoka said. "Even if we lost the Team Tournament, there's still the Individuals."

Saki nodded. "I will keep my promise with you. And I will see my sister again." She closed her eyes. "I won't make any more mistakes. Whoever the enemy is and whatever they do, I'll defeat them and win."

Nodoka watched Saki nervously. "Well, don't overdo it, okay?"

"I'll be fine," Saki said. "So you do your best as well, Nodoka."

"Even if I do my best, I just get crushed by you two," Yuuki said, resting her head on her hands. "I'm tired."

"Well, if it helps, the first day of the Individuals is East-only rounds," Mako said, grinning.

Yuuki sat up instantly, her eyes wide. "Is that true?"

"Yes, it is," Nodoka said. "Didn't I mention that to you before?"

Yuuki laughed. "Then we're definitely going to the Nationals! I'm sorry, but you two will have to settle for second and third. The throne belongs to me!"

"Even though you were crumpled in defeat until just now," Mako muttered, sighing.

"Kyotaro, I'll be counting on you to bring my tacos," Yuuki said. "I'll pat you on the head if you do a good job."

"Yes, yes," he said, sighing. "I understand."

Fujita looked out over the horizon, grinning. "You have cute juniors. Even after your defeat in the Tournament, they're still playing mahjong with smiles."

"If we were crushed by one defeat, that just means we didn't have the spirit to win to begin with," Hisa said. "This team is better than that. It hurt to lose, but we'll come back strongly in the Individuals."

"So it would seem. I was worried Miyanaga would lose her drive," Fujita said. "She's the type of player who isn't used to losing when she's trying to win."

"If this was the first time, this might be a problem," Hisa said. "But thanks to a certain someone who defeated her before the tournament, she's still in good form."

"Well, I'll reinforce the point today," Fujita said. "Just leave it to me."

"I wonder if it'll go so well for you this time," Hisa said.

"There's only one way to find out." Fujita frowned. "Calling a kan to cut her off at the pass... Tsuruga's Kajiki hit on the same way to seal Miyanaga as the method I used in that game. Just like Koromo, even though they're incredible, you can't consider them complete as players."

"If this form is Saki when she's imperfect, I'm not sure if I want to see her full strength," Hisa said. "But you didn't just come here to play my team, did you?"

"No, I didn't. For a start, I'd like your opinion," Fujita said. "Who will win the Individuals?"

"Saki and Nodoka will place in the top three," Hisa said confidently. "Koromo's form will be hard to predict, since she's probably unused to being defeated. So the final placement is hard to predict. Kazekoshi's lead-off, Tsuruga's Captain, Jun Inoue or myself all have a strong chance."

"Modest as always," Fujita said, amused.

"But it's also possible somebody completely unknown will appear and place strongly," Hisa said. "Talking about this is interesting as an intellectual exercise, but the results are hugely in doubt."

"That's correct, of course. I'll keep my own opinions to myself, for that reason." Fujita frowned. "But if you're looking for a testing ground of true strength, I think the Individuals is still more reliable than the Team Tournament."

"I see." Hisa smiled. "So, what does that have to do with me?"

"I'm looking to put together a team of mahjong players for a certain purpose," Fujita said. "I won't say more than that right now. But I want you to be my eyes and ears for that purpose. Just watch for interesting players... it doesn't matter if they're the strongest right now, as long as they're willing to improve. It doesn't matter if they win, either. But they need to have that something, the spark of fire necessary to beat any opponent."

"That's a pretty unreasonable instruction," Hisa said. "But if you're asking, I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks. I'll probably be forced to cover the same old players, like Haramura and Koromo. I'll miss the really interesting games thanks to that. Those two are amazing enough, but their play-styles are set in stone. I've seen them already." Fujita turned around, grinning at Hisa. "In return, I'll tell you something good. If you're playing Ryumonbuchi Touka and she plays as she does normally, you were correct to leave her off your short-list of possible winners. Take her for everything she's worth."

"I intended to do that from the start," Hisa said. "Digital type players tend to struggle against me."

"Of course. But if she plays like she did when she won the East Double Limit, it's best to run for cover," Fujita said. "Just make it through without direct hits, that'll be all you can do."

"Will that really happen twice?" Hisa asked skeptically. "That kind of luck?"

"It's already happened twice," Fujita said. "The first time was at the Nationals last year. Just hope there's no third time."

"I didn't watch those matches. But if it's a warning from you, I'll take it to heart." Hisa frowned. "Even so, I won't hold back. We're going to the Nationals, even if it means taking a different route from my plan."

"Of course. Your team has the power and the skill for it." Fujita stretched her arms, turning back towards the club room. "So I'll play with you all a while."

"Thanks for your hard work," Hisa said, smirking. "I think I'll join in, too. Let's get the stars fired up."

"Ron. Closed Half Flush, Straight Through, Double South. Sorry, Kana. That's 12,000." Mihoko smiled softly. "It was a good game, everyone."

"I see." Kana rubbed the back of her head. "I'd definitely riichi to get the Double Limit, though."

"My preferred wait was a safe tile from you, so I was expecting it to come out if I kept quiet," Mihoko said. "And this way, I'd be able to break up my hand if I drew the 2 man, 5 man or 8 man."

Kana winced. "So you knew that much... you really are amazing, Captain."

"I'm not really amazing at all. It's just a matter of experience." Mihoko smiled radiantly. "Anyone can do this if they keep trying and they're willing to learn. So work hard, everyone."

"Yes, Captain," Kana said, in chorus with the other players.

"I'm going to check on the rest of the team," Mihoko said, standing up. "Miharu, take my place, please."

"Yes, Captain," Miharu said, nodding her head.

Kana sighed as Mihoko approached another table in the huge club room. "There she goes again. Even though she's our best hope for the Individuals... well, that's just the kind of person she is."

"Exactly. And Captain is strong, even without training as hard as we do," Seika Bundo said. "I can't imagine her losing to anyone."

"I know. But that's not good enough. We need to make up for our defeat in the Team Tournament." Kana grinned. "Let's make the top five a straight run of Kazekoshi players! That'd wipe out the headlines about Tsuruga's weird win!"

"That might be a little ambitious, even for us," Miharu said quietly. Sumiyo Fukabori grunted her agreement.

"There's no such thing as too ambitious," Kana said firmly. "Ambition never hurt anyone."

The door slammed open as Kazekoshi's coach strode in. "You four, get playing! I don't want to see the club reps slacking off and chatting when you could be practising."

"Yes," Kana said, hurriedly pressing the button to spin the dice. "We'll do so immediately."

"Mihoko, get over here." Coach Kubo stared imposingly at the teenager, her expression cold. "I need to discuss something in private. Come to my office."

"Yes, Coach," Mihoko said obediently. She followed Kubo out into the corridor. "What do you need with me?"

"We'll be discussing our plan of attack for the Individuals," Kubo said, pushing open the door to her office and slumping into her leather swivel chair. She placed her hand on a roughly scribbled piece of paper on her desk, sliding it across the table to where Mihoko was standing. "Those are the four players we're marking for caution."

Mihoko picked it up. "Koromo Amae, Saki Miyanaga, Jun Inoue, Hisa Takei... if it's players we're concerned about, I think we could stand to add Yumi Kajiki and Tsuruga's Vice-Captain to the list."

Kubo snorted. "Kajiki was just lucky, but putting that aside, Tsuruga's Vice-Captain? What was scary about her?"

"I've played Touka Ryumonbuchi before, so I know with certainty," Mihoko said. "She's not someone who would make that kind of mistake once, never mind twice. There's something strange about Tsuruga's Vice-Captain."

"Something strange? What the hell is that?" Kubo snapped. "Ryumonbuchi just screwed up, that's why she's off the list this year. I overestimated her."

"It's precisely because I don't understand that she's so dangerous," Mihoko replied. "In any case, what purpose does this list serve? All our members are aware of our strongest opponents."

"We're changing plans. Essentially, if any of the other representatives on our side are playing these opponents, they are to play pure defence, only attacking with hands they can bail on." Kubo closed her eyes. "Our current team is too weak, so we'll work around the most problematic enemies. The only one I can count on to take those four is you."

"With all due respect, I'm against this idea," Mihoko said. "I don't think it's a sensible strategy-"

"I didn't ask for your opinion," Kubo said shortly. "Tell the others."

"I refuse."

Kubo narrowed her eyes. "What?"

"Even though the loss at the Team Tournament hurt our morale, everyone has recovered," Mihoko said. "Kana and the others are planning to enter the Individuals playing to win! But if the Coach and the Captain tell them they're weaker than the opponents they most want to defeat, that they can never defeat those opponents... what do you think will happen? I won't willingly destroy their confidence like that." Mihoko opened both her eyes, glaring at the Coach. "Mahjong is a game of taking chances! If we're too afraid to take on the strongest opponents head-on, we deserve to lose!"

Coach Kubo gritted her teeth, apparently taken aback. "Shut up! Do you think I'll let you say that after the performance in the Team Tournament?"

"Those girls are reflecting on that loss much more than you are," Mihoko said, eyes blazing. "But unlike you, they aren't being dragged down by it. Please show some more faith in us. We will definitely reward you for that faith."

Kubo snorted. "Since you're my valued Captain, I'll take you at your word. But if you let me down, you won't get away with just an apology. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Mihoko said, her expression firm. "That won't be necessary. Kazekoshi will go the Nationals."

"Ron. Riichi, Seven Pairs, Dora 2." Koromo grinned as she took the Dora and placed it to one side, exposing the Reverse Dora. "Reverse Dora 2. 12,000."

Touka's expression shifted as she leaned forwards, studying Koromo's hand. "Kindly explain this hand, Koromo! Five of your pairs are Terminals and Honours, and you've discarded the third tile of several of them, including the Dora. Wouldn't you normally win by tsumo on Toi-Toi, Pure All Ends, Red, White, Dora 3 and perhaps even Three Closed Pons? 16,000 points or 24,000 points!"

"I wanted to try a Seven Pairs hand, though," Koromo said patiently. "Koromo wins huge Toi-Toi hands all the time, but I've almost never won with Seven Pairs. Tsuruga won through my control with a hand like this, so I wanted to try it."

"I can't accept that," Touka said. "Playing meekly like this is unlike you, Koromo."

"Now, now," Hajime said cheerfully. "It looks like Koromo is having fun playing like this, so let's just leave this at that."

"Really?" Touka said, glancing at Koromo. "You're having fun playing mahjong with us?"

Koromo nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Winning with this kind of hand is fun, Touka."

Touka sniffed, lips forming a slight smile. "Then I'll overlook it, this one time. As long as you're satisfied."

"In any case, aren't you just bitter because you dealt in?" Jun said, smirking. "Though since you're Dealer, you may well have paid 12,000 in the end anyway."

"Normally, I would have defended just fine against that hand," Touka said. "But Koromo never goes for Seven Pairs, so this was outside my expectations!"

"Yes, yes," Jun said. "And isn't that a fine reason for her to win with it?"

"Hmm. So by playing with this kind of variation, even if it's worth less points, it will take our strongest opponents off-guard," Touka said thoughtfully. "To think things through to that extent... I'd expect no less from my cousin, Koromo."

"Koromo didn't think anything of the sort, though," Koromo said, sticking her tongue out at Touka and grinning.

"I see." Touka frowned. "Well, I suppose I still don't mind, after all."

There was a polite knock at the door. "Miss Ryumonbuchi?"

"Enter, Hagiyoshi," Touka said, her tone dignified.

The butler entered, bowing. "Miss Ryumonbuchi, some individuals from the magazine Weekly Mahjong Today request your attention."

Touka sniffed. "Tell them Ryumonbuchi won't be taking any interviews until the Individual Tournament in this prefecture is concluded."

"As you command." Hagiyoshi bowed again, turning and leaving.

Hajime blinked. "Touka, are you feeling ill?"

"What?" Touka said, snorting. "I'm just fine, thank you very much."

"That's good. It's just... I've never known you to pass up a chance to talk to the media," Hajime said. "I was a little worried."

Touka sniffed. "I already know the kind of things they'd ask us. About how we feel about our defeat, and so on. I have no intention of permitting such a negative interview to be written about our team."

"Though even if we don't give an interview, they'll probably write an article with that kind of negative spin to it anyway," Jun said. "After last year, there are pleanty of people glad to see us fail."

"We'll wipe that shame away at the Individuals," Touka said. "We'll show our rivals that Ryumonbuchi are still a powerhouse team."

"Well, don't get too worked up about it," Jun said calmly. "Just leave it to me. I'll place in the top three."

"We're strong players," Tomoki said shortly, still typing on her laptop.

"Yes. I'll do my best as well, Touka. So smile for us." Hajime glanced sidelong at Touka. "It's not right if you're not smiling confidently."

Touka closed her eyes, smiling. "I suppose so. I'll admit my confidence took a blow after our defeat, but I really chose my companions wisely, after all."

Hajime put her hand on Touka's shoulder. "Exactly. And we have Koromo, right?"

"Well, there are a few players Koromo is interested in," Koromo said. "But I'll certainly massacre the other peons without difficulty."

"Of course," Touka said. "I won't lose to you all, of course. This will be the time of the final showdown between Nodoka Haramura and I! I'll prove who the true idol is, once and for all!"

"Haramura aside, I'm interested in Kajiki," Jun said. She grinned. "That style of play isn't bad at all. I'd have fun breaking her down and seeing what she'd try to keep up with me. And of course, I still need to get my revenge against Kazekoshi's Fukuji."

"Kajiki is Koromo's prey," Koromo said, pouting. "She promised to play me again. And Kiyosumi's Rinshan user, as well."

"I'll leave that to you," Hajime said. "She's too much for me to handle, I think. But I'll take on Kiyosumi's President any time. I was positive on the table with her, but I can't be happy with that indirect method of getting by. I want to defeat her cleanly next time."

"Of course, I wish to defeat Tsuruga's second player," Tomoki said quietly. "No more beginner's luck."

"That's the spirit," Touka said, her grin widening. "And of course, my one and only rival remains Nodoka. Once again, we'll show everyone our true strength!"

Hajime watched Touka with a calm expression, her hands clasped together. Her chains moved slightly as she twisted her hands. "Leave it to us. We'll definitely make you smile."

"It was amazing, wasn't it?" Kaori said cheerfully. "Yumi being interviewed by a mahjong magazine."

Mutsuki nodded in agreement. "It's great that people recognise how strong she is as a player. But there's no interest in the rest of us, after all."

"That can't be helped," Kaori said. "It'd be strange if an improvised club like ours had that many strong players."

"I suppose so. But it's still painful. Not because I want to be interviewed... but I want to be stronger." Mutsuki frowned. "It feels like I'm just a burden for Yumi and Momo, after all. Even if Kanbara and Yumi say otherwise, that's how it seems to me. All I can do is make up the numbers."

"That's not true at all," Kaori said, waving her hands. "From my perspective, you're also really amazing."

"I'm just normal, though," Mutsuki said. "A player you could find anywhere."

"We count on you, though," Momo said quietly. "We can trust you as the lead-off."

Mutsuki didn't reply. Momo wasn't sure if she'd heard or not.

"That's not true, either," Kaori said. "I don't really know anything about mahjong, even now. But you're your own person. And it's strange to get depressed after one or two games. Even someone like Yumi can have far longer losing streaks than that, right?"

"You're right," Mutsuki admitted. She sighed. "I need to pull myself together, so I don't let everyone else down."

Kaori nodded. "In a small club like this, everyone is irreplaceable. I think that's a nice feeling."

Mutsuki nodded. "True. Okay, I'll do my very best at the Individuals."

"Right. Me too." Kaori sighed. "It will be a good chance to try and learn the rules."

"I'll do my best as well," Momo said quietly. "Yumi is still watching me. So I won't lose."