Sakuhime (Blossoming Princess)

The first time Haramura Nodoka met Miyanaga Saki, it was not in a mahjong table but a place completely unrelated to mahjong. That time she just arrived in Tokyo, and individual tournament was about to begin. Her teammates in middle school went as far as following her to Tokyo to cheer her up, even though it must be sad for them to not able to participate in tournament. Nodoka was determined to win as she bring their hope with her too.
Yuuki decided since they had time, they should take time to relax and at least go to see the nice park near their hotel. Nodoka was hesitate at first but gave in as it won't hurt to go. It's been a while since she had been in Tokyo too.

Nodoka patiently waited for her excited teammates who wanted to see the beautiful fountain in the said park, she chose to go sitting on nearby bench because she simply had no stamina to follow them and they took pity on her and let her rest. Nodoka was about to sit when she saw a girl her age sitting under the shade of lush sakura tree, dozing off with a book open on her lap. The girl was wearing an uniform, a pale blue undershirt shirt with black string ribbon in collar, white jacket and black skirt. Nodoka couldn't help but stare at the uniform, it was not a cute looking one like Achiga's but it looks elegant and elite. It must be a good elite private school the girl attended.

The pink haired girl looked worriedly at the brunette who was wearing a daisy flower pin on the side, she looked she was about to...

THUD!

Nodoka flinched when she saw the girl jerked awake and slammed the back of her head to the hard bark of the tree.

The girl whimpered as she rubbed the back of his head, "Huu... it's hurt..."

"Are you alright?" Nodoka asked as she jogged to where the girl was.

The girl looked up at Nodoka, and the pink haired girl couldn't help but stare at her eyes. In the first glance it was dull brown color but closer Nodoka could see garnet like reddish tint. The girl rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "I am fine... thank you for asking." She blinked owlishly at Nodoka's uniform, "Hm... that uniform, is not from any school around here..."

Nodoka looked down at her sailor uniform, "Ah... I am from Nagano, I come to Tokyo for school activity."

"Ooh..." The girl nodded in understanding, and for some reason her eyes lightened up when Nodoka said Nagano.

Nodoka's eyes were drawn to the book on the brunette's lap. which was closed so she could see the cover. Her eyes widened. "That book! Is that the third book of Hyouka?"

"Ah yes." The girl answered timidly. "It's just out last week... sold out in the first week too." It was a pretty famous series after all.

Nodoka looked envious as she heard that, "In Nagano it won't be out until next month..." The downside of living in small town that borderline a village. She blushed a deep red when she realized she was looking at the novel longingly, it must be unnerved the girl. How embarrassing! Nodoka blinked owlishly when she saw the girl handed her the book with a genial smile.

"You could borrow this book if you would like... you can return it to me later." She offered.

Her blue eyes widened at that, "Thank you but I don't think you should lend me... how can I return it to you later? I don't know if I will see you again before I left Tokyo." And she had no idea how long she will stay, it depend on how far she go in individual after all.

She laughed softly at that, "Oh, you will see me again soon."

Nodoka was about to ask what she meant by that but a voice called out to her, "It's Haramura-san!" Nodoka turned around and saw Nishida Junko and her cameraman running to her direction, she had interview with the blue haired journalist before and apparently the journalist believed she would be a big scoop once she made her debut in national. The journalist suddenly froze then turned sharply to the girls she was talking to, "Miyanaga-san? Why are you here? Lunch break is almost over." She said in panic.

Miyanaga-san didn't looked surprised, "Oh... then I have to go back soon, but my escort is not here yet." Or I will get lost.

"Saaaaaaaaaaakiiiiiiiiiiii-chan!" As if on cue a blond haired girl dressed in the same white blue uniform dashed to their direction, "I come to pick you up!"

"Awai-chan, you don't have to yell." Saki chided, "Well... I should go now, see you later then... Haramura-san."

"Ah." Nodoka watched Saki rushing to opposite direction with the blond girl, chatting animatedly as they run. "Who is she..."

Nishida looked at Nodoka in disbelief, "Don't you know Miyanaga-san? You looks very close."

Nodoka shook her head, "No... I just met her but she lend me this book since it's not out yet in my town." She showed the journalist the book she borrowed. "She said I can return it her later, but I don't even know if I will see her again."

Nishida sighed, "Oh, you undoubtedly will see her again for sure Haramura-san." She informed the Nagano's representative. "In fact, would you like to come with me? I am sure you would be interested."

Nodoka tried to refuse politely as she was waiting for Yuuki and her fellow club member but from afar Yuuki and the rest of the club was running to her direction, babbling about how the fountain was not that interesting. In the end Nodoka and her friends followed Nishida-san, her friends were so easy to be swayed by promise of showing nice taco restaurant nearby. It was not surprising the journalist brought them to see the final of National Team Tournament. At first they didn't really eager to watch since they had lose badly in first round of prefecture, and only Nodoka fare quite well but one strong member was not enough to support a weak team.

Half an hour later the Takatoobara students quickly changed their mind when they saw the score after vice-captain match ended and the top school was already 70000 points ahead.

"Woaaah..." Yuki gaped at the score. "There's no way to close that point gap unless the captain of Shiraitodai is really suck."

Nishida shook her head, "Not going to happen... Shiraitodai middle school is one of few school whose strategy is placing their strongest player as captain, if anything the gap is going to get bigger." Or worse, there won't even a full match required.

'And that's the end of vice-captain's match! Shiraitodai's vice-captain, Oohoshi Awai manage to add 35.700 more points to Shiraitodai's already massive lead!
At this rate Shiraitodai would once again claim this year's champion-ship!
Or will Shouen in second place manage to turn the table?'

"That girl!" Nodoka's eyes widened when the camera zoomed in to the girl who left the final stage, the same girl who picked up the Miyanaga girl. "She is Shiraitodai's vice-captain?"

Nishida Junko nodded, "Yep, that's Oohoshi Awai... she just made it to regular of Shiraitodai's team in her third year so I suppose she is not well known yet." She sighed, "But still... after last year... more school put their ace as last player." It backfired spectacularly though, "Even their regular player is overpowered by Shiraitodai...at this rate Shiraitodai's captain will slaughter their ace." She concluded in somber tone. While she had nothing against Shiraitodai, but if even final match was this one-sided it was just too sad.

Yuuki perked up at that, "But isn't usually the strongest player assigned as the Vanguard?"

The journalist nodded, "Well... most school do, but Shiraitodai put their strongest last." Turned out it was a wise decision as average player of Shiraitodai could play in par with regional ace player, and the final match was decided by their ace. "They're champion school from last year... before that, they're pretty average even though they counted as veteran school of West Tokyo, that changed last year after that girl made her debut in National..."

"That girl?" Nodoka echoed.

"Captain's match is about to begin and here comes our long awaited player, Miyanaga Saki!"

Nodoka was shocked to see the same Saki she met walked confidently to the final, followed by other captains. The other three players looked wary as they took their seat, it as if before the match began they was already lost. "Miyanaga-san?"

Nishida Junko nodded, "Yes, that Miyanaga Saki... the captain of Shiraitodai and last year's champion for both team and individual tournament. The strongest middle school player of Japan."

"Champion... Miyanaga-san is..." Her voice was cut off by the signal of the start of the match.

"Game start!"

East hand 1

"Riichi." A double riichi, a sign that Miyanaga Saki was already in tenpai as she discarded her first tile. With practiced ease she reached out to draw the tile, and she didn't even put it together but set it aside. "Double riichi, ippatsu Tsumo. 1300/2600"

"Oh! The first hand is ended in a flash by champion! By double riichi and ippatsu tsumo no less!"

"Her luck is still going as strong as ever." Nishida Junko commented exasperatedly, she had nothing against player with good luck but sometimes it was just too unfair.

Nodoka frowned, "Luck would only go so far even in a game like Mahjong."

This was why Nishida liked Nodoka, but she wished she could agree with Nodoka when it comes to Miyanaga sisters. "Maybe..."

East hand 3, bonus round 4

"Chi!"

"Pon!"

Saki sighed inwardly as she didn't even get a chance to draw for three times in a row because Shouen kept calling, to be honest this was not the first time her opponents tried this, hoping to outrun her to stop her winning streak and in the process ruined their hand. Shouen's hand would worth around 1000 plus her bonus sticks at most if she kept going, Saki estimated. The sad thing was they're tearing down the wall and Saki could tell this time her winning tile was pretty deep, if anything she was thankful for that. Beside...

"Ch-." Shouen opened her mouth.

"Kan." Saki cut her off, calling an open kan on tile Meiou Academy discarded.

It was not like she couldn't call herself, funny that her opponents always forgot that tiny detail whenever they tried this on her. She picked the tile from dead wall and placed it on top of her row of tiles.

Nodoka and the rest of Takatobara mahjong club was thoroughly confused that everyone in the hall suddenly hold their breath and even three players shown in giant screen looked like their execution was near.

"Riichi." Saki declared. ignoring sigh of relieve they exhaled. However their relief didn't last long when Meiou discarded a Chun tile. "Pon." And at last there's no more tile for them to call and she had all winning tile all for herself. "Tsumo."Saki revealed her hand which contained two sets of honor tile, "4000 all."

On the next round Saki decided to let Minamoto to ron Shouen's discarded tile and ended her dealership, Shouen was the only school not in danger of going bust. Probably because their regular players were all defensive type, but in this last round Shouen dropped their guard in favor to attack. It seemed they decided they would might as well compete for second place. At least this way it would last a bit longer.

East Hand 4

"R..rron 8000!" Shouen player revealed a Yakupai as she claimed the green dragon tile Meiou Gakuen discarded. Even though she gained more points Shouen's captain looked really reluctant as she accepted the point stick, gritting her teeth at the folded hand of Miyanaga Saki in frustration.

"Why did she do that?" Yuuki exclaimed in disbelief, "Meiou only have 25000 points left! If Meiou go bust the game would automatically goes to Shiraitodai!"

Nodoka shook her head, "Look at Miyanaga's hand, she had not changed her hand for the last three turns. It's obvious, Shouen know that she is already in tenpai and Shouen has no safe tiles left... if she didn't ron Meiou, Shiraitodai would do her in." However in the last three hand Miyanaga's discard was not easy to read, but in this hand it was so obvious. Could it be... she did that on purpose? That's impossible! From what Nodoka saw Miyanaga was a skilled but in the same time was a really reckless player, she made and unmade her hand in spite of the risk and yet she was never far from ishanten or tenpai. Not to mention in result her discard was really hard to read, had she been there as a player she would be confused too.

But still... usually no player would risk her hand just to confuse their opponent, and not for bailing at that. This kind of player, how could someone like her exist? She was not ruled by logic at all.

South Hand 4

"Shiraitodai's lead in this game is unstoppable, unless in next match other school manage a clean hit with yakuman, they won't be able to turn the table.
They still have chance but will they get it, or the champion will keep her one person domination?"

Nishida Junko sighed, "The announcer said that, but I can't hear his sincerity at all." In fact the announcer sounded like he was trying to cheer up the losing team. Junko had a feeling the three teams were already crying in their waiting room before this match ended.

Nodoka swallowed, "To stage a come back in this situation is almost impossible. Meiou Academy is the last dealer but with only 13000 points left, it doubtful she could think calmly to use her dealership." That would need impressive mental power, but even a pro would have a hard time keeping a cool head in this situation. Was this the level of middle school champion? She was leagues ahead of them, but still... this was a final match, all players suppose to be in the same level but how come the gap in ability is this big?

"I kind of doubt it Nodo-chan, that girl have been in yakitori since the start of the match..." Yuuki added her two cents.

It was just nearing the end of the first hanchan, and she didn't even try to win once since the start of south round. The other captain however had lost their will to fight.
Then again with over 100000 points lead and one hanchan left, they had no idea how to turn the table.
A direct hit yakuman on her would, but what was the chance of that happening?
Saki narrowed her eyes as she scanned their discarded tile, it's the 13th turn of this round and two of them had bailed.
And by 16th turn Shouen who had been in second place bailed too.

So this is it, there's no reason to drag this game to the next round to continue their suffering.
Saki thought as she draw her tile, taking a deep breath as she glanced at the discard and then back to her hand. She straightened her back, looking straight at her fellow players' eyes, and they flinched like a frightened rabbit. There's no fighting spirit left in them.

'The bud of flower of the zenith is ready to bloom... ' Mirage of white bud glowed on top of her row of tiles. 'One, two... three layers...' She counted mentally.

"Kan." The first layer of petals unfurled as she revealed four 1-pin tiles and from dead wall she drew 9-sou.

"Kan." Second layer unfurled, four nine-pin tiles. And she drew another 9-sou.

"One more time, Kan." Third layer and the last petal unfurled as she drew a 1-wan.

Her garnet eyes eyes flashed as she revealed the rest of her tiles, the flower... had bloomed in this zenith. "Tsumo, Chinroutou... 8000/16000."

"Ya... Yakumaaan, a yakuman through Rinshan Kaihou! And that's the end of the match! That last hand drops Meiou's score to -3000!
And that's the first triple kan of Champion's signature Rinshan Kaihou in this tournament, the flower that blooms on the peak of National tournament!
Miyanaga Saki!
Shiraitodai's Sakuhime once again solidified her position as the strongest middle school player!

"Sakuhime..." Nodoka echoed.

Nishida Junko nodded, "Sakuhime... a name after her favored yaku, Rinshan Kaihou... last year in a practice match Mihirogi-pro is so impressed of her play and gave her that name. The blossoming princess... Miyanaga Saki."

And that's the end of this year's national. Saki thought as she stood up from her seat, neither of them even manage to reply her customary greeting until Shouen player uttered a timid 'Good game' but none of them moved from their seats. On their face was not sadness for losing but relieve that the game at last over, it was a losing battle they didn't bother to put up a fight for.
The flower that blooms atop the mountain
... but to bloom that flower greedily extended its root and devour their fighting spirit. She blooms as strongly as she could but this... this was what she got in return?

''Mo...monster...'' Shouen player murmured fearfully under her breath and Saki could read her lips, after all she had lost count of how many times that word spoken in regards to her and her sister.

'Mahjong is... no longer fun'

As the camera zoomed in to the champion's face as she descended the stairs Nodoka couldn't help but thought, 'She had such a gentle smile on her face and yet... why her eyes looks so sad?'


One week later, Final Match of Individual

Nodoka looked at the first player who arrived in final stage, reading a novel with dazed face just like when the first time they met. She looked so frail and not undefeated champion who demolished her opponent in one hanchan from last week.

The champion closed her book then smiled at her who walked up the steps then flip one of the wind tiles prepared. "We meet again Haramura-san."

"Miyanaga-san." Nodoka nodded curtly as she gazed at the champion, then she raised her hand, which was holding the book she borrowed. "Thank you for lending me the book."

Saki smiled at that as she accepted the book, "You are welcome Haramura-san..." She titled her head to the side, her eyes narrowed at Nodoka's blue eyes. The pink haired girl had something in mind and was contemplating whether or not she should ask. "If there is... anything you would like to ask, you can ask now." She came few minutes earlier after all and Saki was not sure Nodoka would be in any mood to talk after she played against her.

Nodoka swallowed heavily, "Was that a coincidence?"

"Eh?"

"That time..." Nodoka began hesitantly, "You said I will see you again soon, and I did. How... do you know I am a player? Or even if I will play against you?"

Miyanaga Saki had the gall to laugh at Nodoka's red face much to the pink haired girl chagrin. "I just have a feeling you would, my sixth sense I guess?"

Nodoka frowned at that, "There's no such thing such as sixth sense."

She hummed softly, "I have a confidence in my sixth sense Nodocchi-san." Nodoka froze, while it was not exactly a secret she never telling people of her net-name but it was best a secret as the less people know of her play style the better. Her game record in real life is miniscule but online... "You don't have to worry, it's just a wild guess in my part... the avatar looks like you and the name is similar." Saki pointed out lightly, as if she didn't find something she could use against Nodoka, and the pink haired girl regretted using such an obvious identity online. "Oh don't worry, I haven't done any throughout research on Nodochi's game record or anything like that... though I did watch a couple of your game."

Nodoka shook her head, "No, I don't mind! It's normal to do research on your opponent. I did some on you too Miyanaga-san!" Nodoka clamped her mouth shut in horror, what did she just babble about to an opponent? Then again since she had spilled her bean might as well get this disturbing question that had gnawed her mind lately. "After I saw your game record I think... as a champion you shouldn't have play so recklessly like that." Never mind she kept winning that way, no luck would hold on for long! Nodoka ignored deadpan snarky voice on her mind that reminded her that the person she was talking to won National twice that way.

"Reckless?" Saki echoed. "My consecutive kan?" That's what everyone thought of her play style when she made her debut in national last year. "I always won that way..." Most of the time at least.

"That is just a coincidence! An Illusion! It is just your mind deluded by temporary luck!" Nodoka didn't know why she was being so disturbed by this but Champion's play style was turning her realistic view of world upside down.

"I think luck is part of skill in mahjong Haramura-san." The champion returned without a hint of shame.

Nodoka blushed a deep red at that, and she couldn't deny that at all. "I don't need luck." She replied stubbornly.

Saki smiled at that, "You're an interesting person Haramura-san..." She murmured as she placed the returned book on the side table. She titled her head to the side, "Oh and before our match begin let me tell you a hint." The blossoming princess placed a forefinger on her lips, "It seems uncomfortable for you to stretch your wing in real match, is this world and online that different to you?"

Nodoka blinked owlishly at that, "What do you mean?"

The inter-middle champion smiled at her, "Hm... " It would be nice if she noticed her weakness before this match, I really want to try playing against Nodocchi. "The match is about to start." She glanced at the two approaching players then back to Nodoka. "Think of what I said after this match, if you figure it out I am sure... you can stretch your wings to its fullest in real world too..."

Nodoka narrowed her eyes as she took her seat on Miyanaga Saki's left, "Miyanaga-san, as a champion you do have flair speaking cryptically."

Saki blinked at that, "I think I was very blunt." She admitted innocently.

GAME START!


When the match began and until it ended, the champion's words didn't cross her mind at all. After devastating defeat Nodoka suffered in final match, the pink haired girl was determined to grow stronger and it's not months later when Hisa pointed out that the way she play online and in real life is different, or rather in real life she did a lot of mistake and noted couldn't concentrate well as her thinking process was interrupted whenever she draw and discard tile. That was when Nodoka realize, this was what Miyanaga Saki told her back then. She spent so much time playing online that in digital world drawing and discarding was just one click away, so convenient that she never realized it was not completely the same to her in real world.

"So she said that kind of advice before a match?" Hisa said in incredulous tone, not to mention she noticed Nodoka's weakness in span of one week? Maybe longer than that if she did some research before hand but still... Hisa knew Nodoka personally and it took her a while to notice Nodoka's glitch when playing in person. She could tell just from her game record, that Miyanaga Saki had some sort of foresight, and also a good analytical mind but still...

Nodoka nodded, red faced that it took months for her to realize it and Buchou had to point it out for her to boot. She could almost imagine Miyanaga Saki smiling at her amusedly and said, You just noticed, Haramura-san? Nodoka shook her head, "Did she give me that hint to make fun of me?" She wondered out loud.

Hisa laughed at that, "I don't think so Nodoka..." And the pink haired blushed deeper red as she realized she just spoke her mind out loud. "I don't know Miyanaga Saki personally, but from what you told me of her, she seems to be a sincere girl." Never mind she was a national class monster whose play style was infamously ruthless among mahjong players. Then again all national class monster player called as such for their ruthless style.

"I don't think I can face with her with a straight face next time." Nodoka murmured sadly, and she had to hug Etopen to solve it! What next? Wearing the same battle dress her avatar wore?!

"You won't face her next time in National." A feminine stern voice said. "I am."

Hisa sighed, here comes their resident granddaughter of a pro-player. "Nanpo... I have not decide member placement, and we don't know Shiraitodai's line up yet." And they shouldn't concern about a national level team when they even had not pass regional tournament.

Nanpo Kazue was transferred recently to Kiyousumi after her grandfather saw Hisa's performance in Mako's mahjong parlor, and he believed Kiyousumi would bring her granddaughter to national. Pro-Nanpo also coached Kiyousumi from time to time even though he was not official coach of theirs. While Hisa could say she liked the old pro, she had trouble reigning his proud granddaughter. She even called some favor from Fujita-pro to stir up Nodoka and Nanpo a little. It did wonder on their spirit as expected. Nanpo however was still at odds with Nodoka and Yuuki, and Hisa had hoped training camp she was planning would bring them closer. Well... it was a good thing mahjong team matches was not really a teamwork game, but still...

Kazue frowned at her, "Miyanaga Saki has been in team position for two years, there's no reason to think otherwise."

Mako who had watched the conversation from sidelines joined in, "But her older sister, Miyanaga Teru is a captain player too... " She adjusted her glasses, "The worse thing Shiraitodai could do with their line up is placing the two sisters one after another."

Hisa nodded in agreement at that, "To survive one of them is already tough, if for example Miyanaga Teru is the Vanguard and her sister is the Sergeant... most probably a lot of matches will end in two games." Out of frying pan to the fire.

Yuuki huffed, "It's not like you to be so pessimist Buchou!"

Hisa just laughed sheepishly at that, "No no... it's not being pessimist, I am just being realistic as we are looking at two players who have record of gaining over 100000 points by themselves in team matches."

"Ooh, I see..." Yuuki hummed then she paused, "Over 100000 points?! By themselves?!" She squeaked, "Are they even human?!"

Nodoka frowned at that, "Of course they are, I have met Miyanaga Saki-san in person..."

Yuuki gulped, "Scary!"

Hisa sighed at that, please don't let any of them lost their gut before the match begin. One of her acquaintances from her old middle school made it to National but eliminated in second round of individual. That kouhai of hers however was grateful she was eliminated in second round, after the girl watched third round she was glad she didn't face Miyanaga Saki. Apparently the girl from Saitama who defeated her was curb-stomped by 70000 points gap.

At any rate Hisa knew they had to concern on how to pass regional first, Kazekoshi and Ryuumonbuchi were the dangerous one. Forget Shiraitodai if they couldn't even beat the big two of their region. But still... National team tournament this year depends a lot on how Shiraitodai decide their line up, majority of veteran school would pull some strings to be informed of Shiraitodai's line-up to decide theirs. Of course the Vaguard-Sergeant position would be a big hurdle if Shiraitodai placed their champion sisters there but there's another line up that would be even worse.


West Tokyo, Shiraitodai Mahjong Club

Awai laughed so hard that she shed tears when she read the line up for team tournament this year, she couldn't believe their coach was this cruel! "Ha ha ha ha... seriously?! We might as well put Teru as Vanguard and Saki as Sergeant! A quick death would be more merciful than this!"

Sumire sighed as she reread the paper of the line-up, she didn't know which was better, Awai's example or this. "Well... the line up from other region's team would be interesting this year for sure." It was no secret that Shiraitodai's line up won't be a secret, but with their current power that was no problem. She was sure other representative team would have a headache of century to think of how to deal with this line-up.

Seiko nodded sagely, "I have to say in a sense this is better, if we put both Saki and Teru in front line we don't have to show up at all."

Takami frowned at that, "Seiko..."

Teru was not sure this was a wise decision but their coach's decision was absolute. "Well... no matter how we're lined up, there's only one thing to do. It's winning... " She glanced at her sister who had been too silent since the announcement. "Saki?"

Saki stared at the line-up and then stiffly turned to face her older sister, "It's... a good strategy." She said in monotone.

As always she is really bad at lying. She is forcing it, she didn't like the line-up at all to the point she almost wanted to cry. They thought in the same time.

Awai draped her arms around Saki's neck, "Now now... Saki-chan, don't be sad..." She snuggled her cheek against Saki's. "I promise I will go easy on them so you can play with them not in too bad condition." She offered.

"Awai!" Sumire scolded the blond.

Saki shook her head, sighing wearily. "It's fine... I am understand why coach made this decision, Shiraitodai's aim is our third championship. With this... all of us, both Onee-chan and I will be national champion all three years of our career..." For their team's sake she had to be ambitious and forsake hers, this was the first and last Inter-high together with her sister, they had to be victorious!

"Saki..." Teru sighed, "I am sure coach won't mind if we switch, our strategy won't change if we do..."

Saki shook her head again, "No Onee-chan, it's fine like this... this line-up is good. We will win our third championship... I will make sure of it."

"If you say so... Saki..." Teru murmured as she reread the line up Saki was holding, 'Truly... how cruel.'


Few days later, North Osaka (Senriyama High School )

Coach Atago,the coach adviser for Senriyama's mahjong club, and mother of Himematsu's Atago sister trembled as she read the email she received from her acquittance in National mahjong association. It seemed Shiraitodai really spared no opening this year to set their record on third National championship, or was this twisted form of mercy in their part?

Her niece, Hiroko frowned at their coach. "What's wrong? Did Shiraitodai put their double aces as Vanguard and Sergeant as expected?"

Toki, their new ace titled her head to the side. "Hm... if that's the case we should have me, Sera or Ryuuka in that position..." Izumi won't fare well facing either of them, she would get slaughtered in instant.

Masae shook her head, "In a way it's worse... they didn't give us time to breathe, Look by yourselves girls..." She said as she showed the email she just received on her phone.

Shiraitodai's team line up for the 71st National Tournament

Vanguard: Miyanaga Teru*
Sergeant:
Hirose Sumire
Lieutenant: Shibuya Takami/Matano Seiko (alternate)
Vice Captain:
Oohoshi Awai
Captain:
Miyanaga Saki *

Hiroko and Izumi looked like they were about to have a heart attack at the list, "Are you kidding me?! They put us against catastrophe at the start and a hell ride in the end?!" Most team had hoped if both sisters were placed one after another, as long as those two rounds passed they would have a chance but this...

"They put a tiger in the front door and a lion on the back." Sera hummed thoughtfully. "Bring it on!"

Atago sighed at the sight of ever-confident Sera and Izumi who trembled at the memory of her last year's individual match against Miyanaga Saki, it was not pretty. This was why Sera was their ace, she won't crack under a threat of national class monster like the Miyanaga sisters.


South Osaka, Himematsu High School

Atago Hiroe looked at Suehara Kyouko who paced back and forth in the club room since their interim coach brought the fantastic news. Kyouko was probably reconsidering her attempt in tempting fate right now, Hiroe thought. She wanted to see how she fare against monster, and Kyouko did get one as she asked. Miyanaga Saki, The blossoming Princess of Shiraitodai and one of the strongest National level monster. If they're unlucky they would be in the same block as Shiraitodai. They probably had to redo their line up now because in case Suzu faced the older Miyanaga, it would be a disaster if she misfired. Then again Himematsu was a proud school, so they won't change the line up. Hiroe herself won't mind to change position to face the Miyanaga sisters. She had heard Teru was a stoic player who spoke as little as possible, it would be fun trying to rile the champion up.

"Ne ne..." Hiroe interupted the pacing Kyouko who was wearing down their club's flooring. "Do you think I can go as Vanguard and Kinu go against Miyanaga Saki? Atago sisters VS Miyanaga sisters!" She nodded sagely at that.

Kyouko stared at the trap master incredulously, "As epic as it sounds in your ears and how touching that you have that much trust in Kinu-chan..." She trailed off, "Are you trying to get her slaughtered?!" Kinue had struggled so much in last tournament just to be labelled useful and not a burden, pitting her against monster like The blossoming Princess of Shiraitodai was going to break the younger Atago. "At any rate... I get what I asked... we will win this or else!"

"That's the spirit Kyouko!" Their interim coach cheered, "I will ask for some great people to come for practice match! Preferably one who can emulate Miyanaga sister's play style!"

"Ou!"


GIANT UPDATE that worth two chapters, why? Because I can LOL

As you can see Saki and Teru in this story is different kind of broken from canon... the woe of all prodigy I guess :)

At any rate I am still not sure what to give Teru as a nickname as Saki have one, Torahime is the name of combo she made with Sumire though I am not sure it's official or not... Ah well... give me suggestion for this please. I am sure I heard outrage of why Nanpo Kazue of all people filled Saki's place in Kiyousumi... because I try to work on Maho and it's difficult!

As for why Shiraitodai made that kind of line up, simply because it's relevant to canon. Once Teru's position as Vanguard reach other school it's obvious they would focus extra power in another position if they have it like Senriyama did with placing Sera and Ryuuka as Lieutenant and Captain. Not to mention it's too good to pass up the thought Teru is building mountain of points and Saki is the flower blooming on top of it LOL...
I will also mix up canon's bracket... who knows.

As you would wonder why Awai is in team tournament and not in individual... here is the reason...


OMAKE

"It can't be!" Awai wailed. "Impossible."

Saki sighed, "Failing math is not 'impossible' for you Awai-chan, if anything it's more likely..."

"But the remedial exam is in the same day as individual preliminaries!" Awai wailed again.

The brunette sighed, "Nothing we can do about it, coach can get you permission for team tournament as we have no one as skilled to replace you... but for individual... " Saki trailed off, "You have to abstain..."

"Huwee... Hishigi-sensei is so cruel!"

"Actually..." Saki began hesitantly as she patted Awai's back, as the girl was busy wetting her pristine white jacket. "You should be thankful he give you a remedial exam after you score 38 in his last test."

Awai sobbed, "But that's the best I ever scored for math this year!"

"... how did you count score as good as I did again?" Saki wondered out loud, as normally people who just started Mahjong less than one year like Awai won't be as good in counting score. Saki had played Mahjong since she was five, but even her needed more than one year to memorize it. "And you're third year student Awai-chan, at this rate you can't graduate."

""Well! My skill in mahjong alone can raise me to 100th grade!" Awai exclaimed as her fingers formed 100 gleefully.

Saki stared at Awai incredulously and thought, 'That's what I worried about, at this rate it would take 100 years for you to graduate.'

Fortunately Saki's fear never come true, it was close but Awai manage to pass and graduate from middle school. Saki just hoped Awai had not wasted too many luck on that stunt.