At West Tokyo Prefecture, the tension in the mah-jong hall hung in the air like a thick fog. Another match had just concluded, and once again, Miyanaga Teru stood victorious, her face an impassive mask as the final scores were revealed. One team had been thoroughly decimated, their points slipping into the negatives under the onslaught of her relentless play. It was just another day in Teru's world.
As she left the playing table, the murmurs of awe and fear echoed through the hall. Teru ignored them, her mind elsewhere. The whispers of "monster" and "unstoppable" didn't faze her. They were the same words she had heard countless times before. To her, it was all part of the game.
She walked silently; her footsteps soft but purposeful as she made her way back to the Shiraitodai viewing room. The sounds from the hall faded behind her as she approached the door. But just before she could turn the handle, a familiar voice rang out from the other side.
"Sakiii~~ Haramura Nodoka's game is starting,"
Awai's voice, as energetic as always, pierced through the walls, making Teru pause for a moment. She shook her head at Awai's antics, most likely teasing Saki relentlessly.
Opening the door, Teru glanced inside. Awai stood up, holding the remote control for the television. When she spotted Teru, her movements halted abruptly, a nervous grin plastered on her face as she tried to explain herself. ""I swear, Teru, I was totally watching your match!"
Teru raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Her gaze shifted to Saki, who was sitting near a laptop, blushing—no doubt because of Awai's teasing. The room had a strange sense of peace, the other members of Shiraitodai—Sumire, Takami, and Seiko—sipping tea as if it were an afternoon picnic.
The laptop is showing West Tokyo's match, her match…
That just ended.
Teru closed the door, and looked back at the television again. Finally noticing that while it is showing a mah-jong tournament, it isn't the one in West Tokyo. It is showing Nagano Prefecture Finals.
Her eyes flicked to Saki, who quietly handed her a snack as soon as she sat down. "Onee-chan, thank you for your hard work," Saki said, her voice soft. Teru's neutral expression remained, though a brief flicker of warmth crossed her face. Saki had always had that effect on her—calming, grounding.
Takami handed her a cup of tea, and Teru accepted it without question, though she briefly wondered where it had even come from. The Shiraitodai viewing room was always prepared for these things. She took a small sip, letting the quiet camaraderie wash over her.
As Teru's gaze settled on the television screen, the Nagano Prefecture Finals scores came into view:
Kiyosumi High School-137,000
Ryuumonbuchi High School- 96,600
Tsuruga Academy -92,200
Kazekoshi Girls' High School- 74,200
Male commentator: Kiyosumi maintained their first place during the Vice-Captain Match. It is such a surprise here in Nagano to have a completely unknown school in first place yet again!
Awai was still sweating from being caught on the act, but Teru just sat down beside her sister and grabbed a snack. Not bothering to address whatever Awai was nervous about.
The television showed the playing hall at Nagano Prefecture. Three players were already seated, their focus razor-sharp as they prepared for the final round. Teru's gaze swept over them, but she only recognized one—Haramura Nodoka, the captain of Kiyosumi.
Teru shifted her attention to her sister, Saki, whose eyes were glued to the screen. The look of concentration on Saki's face was unmistakable, a rare intensity lighting up her normally calm demeanour. The way Saki's fingers subtly tightened around the cushion she held on her lap, the way her eyes never wavered from the screen—these were small, but telling signs of her deep focus.
Teru sighed quietly. Saki… is usually more composed, but when it comes to this girl…
It wasn't like Saki to get this invested in watching a mah-jong match. Usually, her interest was more of a duty—an obligation to observe their opponents or to track their progress in tournaments. But this was different. There was a spark in her sister's eyes, a level of engagement Teru hadn't seen in a long time.
Teru tilted her head slightly, studying Saki's reactions. Is it because of Haramura Nodoka? The thought crossed her mind briefly before she pushed it aside. Whatever the reason, Teru couldn't deny that seeing Saki this invested was… refreshing.
Haramura Nodoka was more than just a mah-jong player; it was clear that she had an impact on Saki in ways that transcended the game itself. Teru didn't need her "Shoumakyou" ability to read the situation—it was obvious from the way Saki leaned just a little closer to the screen, her body language betraying a rare excitement?
For a moment, Teru's usual detached demeanour softened as she glanced at her sister. The quiet bond they shared felt like a thread connecting them in this moment, even though neither spoke a word. Teru leaned back in her seat, content to let Saki enjoy the match in peace.
Still, something about the way Saki watched Nodoka stirred a faint feeling in Teru's chest. Despite her usual detachment, there was an unfamiliar feeling gnawing at Teru as she watched Saki. Not jealousy, exactly. More of a protective instinct, tinged with curiosity. Teru wasn't used to seeing anyone have such an effect on Saki.
Without drawing attention to herself, Teru returned her focus to the screen, her thoughts wandering even as the match began to unfold.
Teru shifted her gaze back to the screen, watching as the match continued. The camera zoomed in on Haramura Nodoka, whose steely gaze was locked on the tiles in front of her. Teru narrowed her eyes. I hope you don't disappoint Saki, she thought, almost daring the girl in her mind. Or else.
Meanwhile, Saki's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around the cushion on her lap as the camera zoomed in on Nodoka. A faint smile tugged at her lips, one so subtle that it could've gone unnoticed by anyone but Teru. It wasn't just admiration—it was something else, something personal. What it is? Teru wasn't sure and Teru wasn't sure if Saki also knows but the intensity of Saki's focus on Nodoka left no room for doubt—there was more than just strategy behind her gaze.
A short blonde-haired girl was being shown on the television as she sat down on the mah-jong table.
The commentator's voice once again rang out over the loudspeakers, further raising the stakes. "Welcome to the Nagano Prefecture Captain's match! We have an exciting final with two unknown teams this year for you today. Last year's inter-middle runner up Haramura Nodoka is representing our current leading team Kiyosumi High, on second place is Ryuumonbuchi's Amae Koromo who was last year's Inter High MVP, A total Darkhorse from Tsuruga Academy is Kajiki Yumi, and from Kazekoshi a powerhouse school Ikeda Kana. It looks like we are in it today!"
As the broadcast cut to a close-up of Haramura Nodoka, her gaze was steely and focused, though internally, her thoughts were anything but calm. The pressure of the Nagano Prefecture Finals had settled heavily on her shoulders, and she needed every ounce of concentration to navigate the high-stakes match ahead. Yet, despite her best efforts to push distractions aside, one persistent thought refused to leave her mind.
Miyanaga Saki.
Her heart raced, not from the usual competitive thrill. A slight frown can be seen on her face, confused at her own thoughts. Nodoka is being increasingly aware that she might be affected more than normal by the brown-haired girl despite their minimal encounters.
She squeezed Etopen the penguin stuff toy a tad tighter. Concentrate.
Nodoka shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the distraction. She needed to refocus. The match was starting, and she had to channel her thoughts into her strategy, into the game itself. She looked at the Ryuumonbunchi player, Amae Koromo, she is last year's MVP.
Nodoka took a deep breath, centring herself. The stakes were high, and she couldn't afford to let her focus waver.
Nodoka's resolve hardened as she drew her tiles. The match had begun, and she was ready to face whatever came her way.
The game progressed smoothly into the first East round, with Kazekoshi's Ikeda Kana taking the dealer seat. The opening hands were dealt, and the players began their first turns with careful deliberation.
Nodoka observed the game closely, her mind working in overdrive as she assessed her tiles and the potential strategies of her opponents. Her thoughts were momentarily diverted by a fleeting memory of her earlier encounters with Saki, but she quickly dismissed it, refocusing on the task at hand.
With each turn, Nodoka's calculations were precise. Her play was methodical and as the round progressed, the tension in the room mounted, and the spectators' excitement grew palpable.
On the fourth turn of the East round, the opportunity for a decisive play presented itself. Nodoka's eyes narrowed as she spotted the perfect chance. Her hand had come together well, and she could sense that a winning move was imminent.
As the tiles were drawn and discarded, Nodoka executed her plan with flawless precision. She drew the final tile that completed her hand. "Tsumo," Nodoka declared.
The announcer's voice rang out, emphasizing the significance of the play. "First blood by Haramura Nodoka with a brilliant tsumo win on the fourth turn! That's a 4 han hand, bringing in 6400 points. Will Kiyosumi run away with their comfortable lead?"
The atmosphere in the mah-jong hall shifted subtly after Nodoka's initial victory, her tsumo win setting the tone for the match. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she mentally recalibrated, slipping into what those who knew her best referred to as "Nodocchi mode." It was her state of perfect, logical clarity—where emotions faded into the background and the game became nothing more than a series of calculated decisions.
Her focus sharpened, her mind running through potential strategies, analyzing every discarded tile and predicting her opponents' moves. She felt her heartbeat slow as she immersed herself in the rhythm of the game. Each draw and discard were part of a carefully constructed equation, and Nodoka knew how to solve it.
As the East round continued, Nodoka's mind worked in overdrive, processing every detail of the game. Her hands moved fluidly, drawing tiles with an almost mechanical precision, her strategy unfolding before her opponents could react.
By the eighth turn, Nodoka's hand had formed perfectly. She recognized the winning tile when it appeared, and her heart surged with anticipation. With calm confidence, she called out once again, her voice steady.
"Tsumo."
The announcer's voice crackled over the speakers, heightening the tension in the hall. "Haramura Nodoka secures yet another win with a tsumo on the eighth turn! Kiyosumi is pulling ahead. Will the other teams manage to turn the tide?"
As the players settled into their seats for the East 3rd round, a tense atmosphere filled the room. The crowd had grown quieter, their eyes glued to the screens showing the game in progress. It was Kiyosumi's dealership, and Haramura Nodoka was at the helm once again.
She glanced down at her tiles and let out a quiet sigh, her hand, unfortunately, didn't offer much hope. It wasn't particularly fast, and the potential points weren't impressive. Nodoka's sharp gaze flickered around the table, observing her opponents. Tsuruga Academy's Kajiki Yumi and Kazekoshi Girls' Ikeda Kana both showed signs of tenpai, their focus sharp and their discards deliberate. Ryuumonbuchi's Amae Koromo, on the other hand, seemed to play erratic and inconsistent. But Amae Koromo was no ordinary player, and Nodoka knew better than to underestimate her.
The round progressed, turn after turn, and Nodoka found herself backed into a corner. It was the 14th turn, and with no promising tiles in sight, Nodoka made a calculated decision. It was time to bail. She discarded her tile and declared no-ten, deciding to fold rather than risk losing points on a low-value hand.
As the round came to a close, with no one winning and Nodoka declaring 'no-ten,' the tension in the room shifted. There was a brief moment of silence before a high-pitched voice broke through.
"How tedious!"
The voice belonged to none other than Ryuumonbuchi's Amae Koromo. The small, doll-like girl spoke with a casual air, but her words were anything but polite. Nodoka blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the comment.
What? That's so rude, Nodoka thought, her brows knitting together. She had played cautiously, and while it hadn't been an exciting round, it was a sound strategic decision. Still, Koromo's words stung more than they should have.
"Excuse me?" Nodoka asked, her voice calm but with a hint of confusion. Perhaps she had misheard? Koromo, despite her size, had an eccentric personality, and Nodoka was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
But Koromo's next words dispelled any hope of misunderstanding.
"I was so excited to play against the famous Haramura Nonoka, but I find you lacking." Koromo tilted her head, her large eyes glinting with mischief. "You are deficient. Perhaps it is time to open the floodgates!"
Nodoka blinked again, her polite smile faltering. What on earth is this girl talking about? Open the floodgates? She could feel the stares of the other players at the table, equally perplexed by Koromo's strange proclamation.
Before Nodoka could respond, Ikeda Kana from Kazekoshi, who had been listening to the exchange, spoke up. "So, you plan to win again this year?" Her voice carried a mixture of curiosity and wariness, clearly wary of Koromo's eccentricity.
Koromo's lips curled into a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, you are talking about your match with me last year?" she asked, her tone laced with mock innocence. "You did not witness my true self last year. Forget about that. Last year, I was on the same plane as you mere mortals."
The air in the room shifted again, the tension palpable. Kana's frown deepened, clearly not enjoying Koromo's arrogance. "Erm… If you aren't human, what exactly are you?" Kana asked, half-joking, but with a serious undertone.
Koromo giggled, a sound that was as unsettling as it was childlike. "You will find that out soon enough!" she said with a laugh that echoed through the hall, her words sending a ripple of unease through the other players.
Nodoka's mind was racing, trying to make sense of Koromo's cryptic statements. She's... acting like some kind of supernatural being? It was clear that Koromo had a flair for the dramatic, but her performance wasn't just for show—there was something more to it, something that made Nodoka uneasy. I better be careful.
Koromo's playful demeanour suddenly shifted, her eyes narrowing as she leaned forward slightly, her presence becoming more intimidating. "You see, Nonoka, I like to toy with my opponents before I crush them." She smiled sweetly, but there was something cold behind her gaze. "And when I open the floodgates... well, let's just say you'll find out what real fear is."
Nodoka straightened in her seat, her heart skipping a beat. Is she serious? The way Koromo spoke, with such confidence and certainty, made Nodoka wonder if there was more truth to her words than she cared to admit.
But Nodoka wasn't one to be easily intimidated. She took a deep breath, her mind clearing as she refocused. Koromo might be trying to play mind games, but Nodoka wouldn't let her get inside her head. She had faced strong opponents before, vaguely remembering a pair of garnet eyes.
"I look forward to seeing what you can do, Amae-san," Nodoka said evenly, her voice steady despite the tension. She wasn't about to let Koromo's theatrics shake her resolve.
Koromo's grin widened. "Oh, you will. You will."
Nodoka knew one thing for certain—Koromo was not to be underestimated. She might have been eccentric, but behind that childlike facade was a player who could very well live up to her reputation.
The next round was about to begin, and as the tiles were shuffled, Nodoka steeled herself. No more distractions, she told herself. I have to stay focused if I want to win this.
The intensity of the game was palpable. It was already the East 4th round with Ryuumonbuchi as the dealer. Despite the tense atmosphere, Nodoka maintained her composure, her hand not promising at all, but something was off. They were already in the 16th turn, and she couldn't shake off the sense of confusion lingering in her mind. She surveyed the table, looking at the discards from her opponents. Except for Ryuumonbuchi, who seemed to be playing a relatively normal hand, her other two opponents, had discarded nearly nothing but honour and terminal tiles.
Nodoka thought to herself, what are they doing? Are they just trying to stay safe? But this is unusual...
A creeping unease settled in. Amae Koromo hasn't changed her hand for several turns. Could she be in tenpai? If Koromo was in tenpai, things could get dangerous. The peculiar silence from the usually whimsical Koromo added to her concern. I have to bail, she thought, recognizing the rising pressure in the air.
Nodoka was starting to feel relieved. the hand was nearing its conclusion, and Koromo hadn't made any moves. But then she remembered Hisa, her Buchou, warning her about players like Koromo. Be wary of things like Haitei Raoyue, Hisa had said during practice. Nodoka had brushed it off at the time, thinking that such luck-based strategies were more superstition than reality.
When Nodoka and Hisa had a conversation regarding the team line-up during their training camp, Hisa urged her to consider, "Nodoka normally certain hands are rare or improbable just like rinshan kaihou but there are outliers in statistics, you can't deny the percentage and rates certain people are using rare hands. Denying it is not logical at all when the data is already in our faces."
Nodoka also remembered her conversation with Saki quite vividly. She remembered that Saki looked slightly surprised by her question but tried to respond as best as she can. "Um, well, I think I see the tiles a bit better than some people."
Nodoka remembered being puzzled. "See the tiles better?"
And Saki struggling to find the right words. "It's like, um, I don't know… It's not just about what I see on the table. It's more like… I get a feeling? How I can win?"
"Hmm… Haramura-san is used to digital mahjong right?... In net mah-jong all you see is your own hand and your opponents' discards, right? So, you have to predict which tile will come up. But in actual match, don't you think it is not the same?" She remembered Saki trying to explain.
Nodoka's face turned even more crimson when she recalled what Saki said next. Her hold towards Etopen her penguin stuffed toy tightened even more. She took a deep breath and said to herself that now is not the time to focus on her thoughts regarding the brown-haired girl.
I said I'll be at the Nationals, Nodoka can't help but recall her own words towards Saki. She took another breath and tried to remember the play records that her Buchou gave her to study Amae Koromo.
It's absurd, she thought. But I can't deny the absurdity according to her records. Nodoka suddenly thought of a certain someone's favourite yaku, rinshan kaiho.
Suddenly, Tsuruga's player, Kajiki Yumi, called a Chi on one of Kazekoshi's discards, stirring the flow of the game. Nodoka glanced at Kazekoshi's player, who looked visibly upset. She was last year's Kazekoshi's captain against Amae Koromo right? Nodoka wondered.
Nodoka shifted her attention back to Amae Koromo, hoping to finish the game without further surprises. But half expecting something unexpected will happen.
"Riichi!" Ryuumonbuchi declared, her voice ringing with confidence.
Nodoka's eyes widened.
Then it hit her. She's actually aiming for a Haitei Raoyue, is she? Nodoka's pulse quickened, her mind racing. Amae Koromo's riichi had just shifted the entire game dynamic. The prospect of a Haitei win, drawing the winning tile from the last possible draw, seemed so distant yet suddenly so real.
The tension hung in the air, thick and oppressive. There was one tile left. Then Koromo smiled—a slow, deliberate smile that sent chills down one's spine.
'Tsumo!' Koromo's voice rang out, triumphant and certain, like the final note of a symphony.
Nodoka stared in disbelief... It actually happened. Amae Koromo displayed her hand, her expression radiating victory.
"Haitei Raoyue, Riichi, Ippatsu Tsumo! 4000 all!"
Nodoka glanced down at her tiles, mentally calculating her current position. Two tiles away from tenpai, she thought, her brow furrowing slightly. Her hand was decent but not coming together as quickly as she had hoped. The tempo of the game wasn't in her favour.
On the opposite side of the table, Amae Koromo's presence felt heavier with each passing moment. Nodoka ignored it, focusing on her own hand, but it was impossible not to notice the way Koromo's lips curled into a sneer as she confidently discarded her tile, her gaze locking onto Nodoka's. The air around them seemed to grow denser as Koromo declared, "Riichi," her voice laced with an almost taunting edge.
Nodoka blinked in surprise at the blatant display of arrogance. She was no stranger to confident players, but there was something about Koromo's attitude that felt particularly unsettling. Why is she looking at me like that? Nodoka wondered. Is she trying to get into my head? She quickly brushed off the thought. It was nothing more than competitive behaviour—after all, her own captain, Hisa, was known for pulling similar tactics during matches, especially with her bad waits.
Stay focused, Nodoka reminded herself, taking a deep breath and trying to steady her thoughts. Koromo's boldness didn't change the fact that she still had time to build her hand, though the game was approaching its critical moment. There were only a few turns left, and Nodoka knew she needed to act quickly if she wanted to contest the dealership.
Then came Koromo's move, she drew her tile with a flourish, her grin widening as she slammed it down onto the table. "Haitei Raoyue, Riichi, Ippatsu Tsumo, Hatsu, and a Dora," she declared triumphantly, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "6100 all!" she added, her laughter echoing mockingly throughout the room.
Nodoka's heart sank as the reality of the situation settled in. Our lead is dwindling down.. It wasn't the first time Koromo had pulled off such an impossible hand, and the fact that it was Haitei Raoyue—a win with the final draw from the dead wall—made it all the more devastating. The entire table seemed to recoil at the audacity of it. Nodoka stared in disbelief at the tile that sealed Koromo's victory.
As the points were tallied, Kazekoshi's Ikeda Kana and Tsuruga's Kajiki Yumi exchanged uneasy glances, clearly trying to come to terms with the situation. Both of them had been attempting to change the drawing order, throwing discards that were meant to disrupt Koromo's strategy, but it hadn't been enough. Even when they tried to block her, she still managed to pull the last tile, Nodoka thought, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Koromo's mocking laughter echoed in the hall, her doll-like face twisting into an expression of gleeful triumph. "Did you really think you could stop me?" she teased, her voice lilting as she addressed the entire table. "You should have known better. The moon is at its peak tonight, and under its light, none of you stand a chance!"
Nodoka clenched her fists under the table, resisting the urge to respond to Koromo's provocation. And what's the relation between the moon and mah-jong? She could feel the sting of the loss, but more than that, the unease of facing an opponent who seemed to thrive on manipulating both the tiles and the mental state of her opponents. Koromo's confidence was unnerving, and the way she played—almost as if she could control fate itself—left a lingering chill in the air.
I can't let her get to me, Nodoka thought, her grip on Etopen tightening slightly. She had faced strong players before, but there was something uniquely oppressive about Koromo's presence.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense as the bonus round ended, with Koromo still holding the dealer's seat for the next round. The spectators were buzzing with excitement, and it was clear that the momentum had shifted entirely in Ryuumonbuchi's favor. Koromo's string of victories had rattled the table, and now the question was whether anyone could break her streak before she pulled off yet another improbable win.
Nodoka exhaled slowly, trying to steady her nerves.
A male commentator can be heard on the television saying, "Two Haitei Rayue in a row! As expected Amae Koromo wouldn't disappoint! The last year's MVP everyone!"
"She is slowly but surely closing the gap between her and Kiyosumi," Fujita-pro can be heard commentating on the television.
"We are jumping back on East 4 Amae Koromo's 2nd dealership repeat!" The male commentator announced.
Amae Koromo was seething as the new round began, her eyes narrowing in frustration. How dare these upstarts even think to challenge her reign? The audacity of them! Colluding against their rightful superior, her regal dominance over the table. It was clear to Koromo that these lesser players were conspiring to bring her down, a pathetic attempt to disrupt the natural flow of the game—her game. What blatant interference!
She wasn't particularly shocked that the purple-haired girl from Tsuruga, could read the flow of the game. What with a miniscule—a flicker of light within that lesser being. But the blatant collusion that followed? Unacceptable! Koromo's eyes burned with disdain as she recalled the moment Kajiki had called 'pon' right into Kazekoshi's hand, then deliberately feeding a tile that ultimately gave Nonoka 3800 points and breaking Koromo's dealership. Unbelievably feeding the first place points just to kick her out of the dealership.
It wasn't even the loss of points that annoyed her the most, though that was irksome enough. No, what truly stung was the fact that Haramura Nonoka—Nonoka, of all people—had been in tenpai in the first place. The very thought made Koromo feel like she had swallowed something sour. That girl had no right to be anywhere near the finish line of a hand against her. Yet, there she had been, poised and ready, capitalizing on the moment, as if she actually believed she could compete with the likes of Amae Koromo.
Koromo clenched her tiny hands into fists beneath the table. They think they can outmaneuver me? she thought, her eyes flicking between her opponents with a fierce determination. Well, they will soon learn the consequences of their insolence.
"The MVP's dealership was broken! By none other than Haramura Nodoka," The male commentator announced. "We are now off to the South round of this hanchan."
"Ron," a sharp, resolute voice echoed across the table, breaking the tense silence. All eyes turned to the source. That damned girl from Tsuruga again! Koromo's lips curled in annoyance as she eyed the player who dared challenge the natural flow of the game. Who does she think she is? That girl had not only evaded Koromo's control but had somehow crafted a dora-fueled chiitoitsu seemingly out of thin air. The precision of her play, coming out of nowhere, felt like a personal affront. A mangan direct hit – and right on that peasant from Kazekoshi while she was the dealer, no less.
The weight of the loss hung in the air, as if the very room felt the sharp sting Kazekoshi endured. Points were bled from the Kazekoshi dealer, who now sat motionless, her face pale and eyes wide. A small whimper escaped her; her mind clearly overwhelmed by the pressure. Useless. Frozen in fear, that girl's spirit was long gone. Pathetic, Koromo thought.
Koromo sneered. They will pay dearly for this. If these amateurs think Haitei Raoyue is all the Koromo has up her sleeve, then they are sorely mistaken. They are going to be obliterated. They better brace themselves.
Amae Koromo wasn't someone who would allow this insult to pass lightly. The dim lighting of the room seemed to emphasize the chilling aura that began to build around her. She grinned, what her opponents failed to grasp was that Koromo didn't just play mahjong – she controlled it. The tides of the game ebbed and flowed at her command, and soon, she would remind them of that. The moon is out bright and clear.
It is the 2nd round of the South and Nodoka was contemplating the current score, analyzing the points with her usual calm precision, we are ahead but— Suddenly, something strange caught her attention. The purple-haired girl from Tsuruga, who had just won with that unusual chiitoitsu hand, leaped out of her seat. Nodoka blinked, momentarily confused. What is she doing? It was an unspoken rule among mah-jong players that one must never stand during a match. Such an action was considered rude and disruptive. And yet, here this girl was, standing in clear defiance of that etiquette.
Nodoka frowned, her eyes narrowing. She looked up at the girl's face, trying to discern her motives. But instead of arrogance or impatience, Nodoka saw something else—fear. The girl's expression was tight, her body stiff, and her wide eyes were locked onto one person: Amae Koromo. Kazekoshi's player on the other hand was also visibly shaking.
Why does she look so scared? Nodoka followed the girl's gaze to Koromo, who sat eerily with that ever-present sneer on her face. Has she said something? No, that couldn't be it. Just earlier, the Ryuumonbuchi girl had been openly rude and dismissive toward everyone, making snide comments without hesitation, and the Tsuruga player hadn't flinched then.
Concern flickered across Nodoka's face as she leaned forward slightly. "Are you okay?" she asked the girl from Tsuruga, her voice low but firm.
The girl blinked as if snapping back into reality, her hand trembling slightly as she forced a weak smile. "Erm. I guess so, sorry. Please excuse that outburst." She bowed slightly before hurriedly sitting back down, clearly trying to compose herself.
Nodoka watched her for a moment longer, her frown easing. At least the girl had the decency to apologize. Perhaps she wasn't as tactless as she initially appeared.
Shaking off her thoughts, Nodoka returned her focus to the game. I can't afford to be distracted right now.
They resumed the game, proceeding in a typical manner. Nodoka maintained her focus, reading the tiles, calculating her moves. But as the 11th turn approached, something strange happened. The girl from Kazekoshi, clearly shaken, discarded a tile – a wind tile – that had been played by the Tsuruga player just two turns ago. It seemed like a safe bet, especially given the earlier discard.
But then, Koromo's face twisted into a vicious grin. Her eyes gleamed with a predatory gleam as she leaned forward slightly, her lips parting to call out with an eerie confidence. "Ron!"
The word echoed across the table, sending a shiver down Nodoka's spine.
"Sanshoku, Chun, and two dora!" Koromo announced gleefully, flipping her hand with a flourish. "8000 points."
Nodoka's heart sank as she watched the Kazekoshi girl freeze, her face crumpling in despair. Tears welled up in her eyes as she hung her head in defeat. The sight tugged at Nodoka's chest. That could have been me. If Nodoka had drawn that tile, she would have discarded it without hesitation. It seemed perfectly safe; a logical move given the flow of the game. But Koromo… it seems like she is playing her own tune.
It wasn't the hand itself that unnerved Nodoka, though it was undoubtedly powerful. It was the way Koromo had achieved it. She had chosen a single wait on a wind tile, something most players would consider foolish, illogical. And yet, she had ignored one of the two remaining winning tiles earlier, allowing it to pass without a second thought. Who does that? Who on earth makes a single wait on a wind tile, then deliberately ignores a winning tile?
Nodoka's mind reeled, trying to make sense of it. Koromo's play was baffling, defying every conventional strategy. But that was exactly the point. Koromo didn't follow the rules of logic or probability.
Nodoka clenched her fists beneath the table, her nails digging into her palms. This girl… spurns logic completely.
A cold chill settled over her. She had faced strong opponents before, but Koromo was different. Her strength didn't lie in her skill alone, but in the way she bent the very fabric of the game to her will, warping reality to suit her. And now, Nodoka realized with a sinking feeling, that she needs to get out of Koromo's wave.
Nodoka was acutely aware of Koromo's impressive run of victories, but she remained focused on her own hand in the current round. It is her dealership and her tiles were coming together nicely, with a favourable wait on sou-tiles, and she decided to declare riichi on the 8th turn, hoping to press her advantage.
Amae Koromo's eyes widened in shock as she observed Nodoka's declaration. Riichi? That should be impossible. How is she managing to withstand the Koromo? Koromo's mind raced with irritation. Despite her frustration, she remained confident. Even if this Haramura Nonoka managed to reach tenpai, Koromo was resolute in her belief that she would ensure Nonoka never got the winning tile. I will show this peasant her place.
Nodoka's frustration grew as she glanced at her own tiles. At least she hadn't dealt into anyone else's hand so far, and she was in tenpai, poised for a potential win from the draw. However, a creeping sense of unease gnawed at her. Despite the fact that there were still plenty of live tiles on the board that should help her complete her hand, she had yet to draw any of them. The inconsistency was unsettling.
Suddenly, a loud voice broke through her thoughts. "Tsumo!" Koromo announced with a mix of triumph and satisfaction. "Haitei Raoyue."
Nodoka's heart sank as she processed Koromo's declaration. Haitei Raoyue—a win from the last tile in the dead wall—was a devastating blow. Moreover, Koromo had no other yaku in her hand, having sacrificed pinfu with her earlier calls. Nodoka had hoped to spot a potential win in her opponent's play, but it was clear: Koromo had managed to assemble a winning hand.
Nodoka's gaze fell to Koromo's hand. As she took in the tiles, it became apparent that Koromo had most of the winning tiles in her possession. The realization hit hard—Koromo had targeted me specifically, manipulating the flow of the game to her advantage. It was a strategic play; I was completely outmanoeuvred.
Despite still holding a slim lead, Nodoka knew that Koromo was renowned for her ability to secure high-value hands. With the game's dynamics still in Koromo's favour, Nodoka felt the pressure mounting. The need to prevent Koromo from gaining more dealer repeats and capitalizing on her current momentum was paramount.
Nodoka took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The stakes were high, and the game was reaching a critical juncture. If she couldn't find a way to disrupt Koromo's streak, her own position in the tournament will be jeopardized. Determined to reclaim control, Nodoka focused on her next move, ready to counter Koromo's relentless strategy with everything she had.
South Round 4, Ryuumonbuchi's Dealership—
Koromo did not understand. None of this made any sense. She was bursting with power, the air thick with the weight of her dominance. By now, the wills of her opponents should have been crushed, their hands trembling as they fed her points. Most of them had already fallen to the despair she commanded—except for one.
Haramura Nodoka.
This pink-haired girl, ridiculously clutching a penguin as if it were a shield, continued to defy her. She sat there, her expression unchanged, as though Koromo's suffocating aura had no effect on her at all. How dare she defy me?! Koromo clenched her fists, her annoyance growing with every passing turn. Moreover, she couldn't even read Nodoka's hands.
Her eyes narrowed at the girl. How dare Haramura Nodoka fight back?!
Koromo's own hand was still two tiles away from completion, but she wasn't worried. She had two hidden dragon melds, and her confidence was unshaken. I will squash all hope from her, Koromo thought, smirking at the thought of the inevitable despair Nodoka would face. If I can't have fun playing this game, then you peasants will have to entertain me.
Her discard clacked onto the table, an afterthought in her mind as she revelled in the anticipation of her next move.
But the next turn brought a shock Koromo didn't expect.
"Tsumo! 800/1600 please."
Koromo's world seemed to slow down as Nodoka calmly announced her win. The table fell into a stunned silence. Impossible. It's the seventh turn… The hand could have been bigger if given more time, but a win was still a win. And yet, the most baffling part was that Koromo hadn't sensed it at all. Nodoka had flown completely under her radar.
Koromo stared at the tiles, her mind refusing to accept what just happened. She defied me… and won?
Kajiki Yumi, sitting quietly, felt a sharp pang of disbelief cut through the haze of the match. Nodoka won? Against Koromo? She gritted her teeth, watching as the tiles were collected for the next hand. Yumi felt Koromo's playstyle all too well—it felt like being submerged in the ocean and drowning. But now, as she glanced at the calm, collected expression on Nodoka's face, something unsettling gripped her.
Is Koromo… not keeping Nodoka in check? The thought gnawed at her. For the first time, Yumi began to question Koromo's unassailable dominance.
Meanwhile, Ikeda Kana from Kazekoshi High sat hunched slightly over her tiles, her hands trembling faintly as she looked at them. She had been shaken earlier, her previous discard feeding right into Koromo's trap, and the sting of failure still lingered. Tears had threatened to surface, but now, watching Nodoka's calm resolve, a spark ignited inside her.
She actually won a hand against Koromo. The thought echoed in Kana's mind, reverberating through the lingering doubts and fears. The sight of Nodoka standing firm, even against someone as terrifying as Koromo, sent a small thrill of inspiration running through her. Maybe… maybe she could still win too. Perhaps she wasn't completely out of this match yet.
Kana straightened her back, a new determination settling in her chest. The gap between her and the other players felt massive, but there was still one hanchan left. All I need is a few dealer repeats and then I can make Captain proud of me!
Kiyosumi High School - Haramura Nodoka 147,500 (10,500)
Ryuumonbuchi High School - Amae Koromo 131,200 (34,600)
Tsuruga Academy - Kajiki Yumi -79,600 (-12,600)
Kazekoshi Girls' High School - Ikeda Kana 41,700 (-32,500)
Male Commentator: "And that is it for our first hanchan, folks! With a stunning play, Haramura Nodoka from Kiyosumi High has just clinched a crucial win! Kiyosumi remains firmly in first place, despite the overwhelming pressure from Ryuumonbuchi's Amae Koromo. What a way to turn the tables!"
Fujita-pro: "What Haramura Nodoka did is no easy feat. Koromo's presence at the table can be suffocating, and it's easy to lose your rhythm when she's toying with the flow of the game."
Male Commentator: "What should we expect from her in the next round, Fujita-pro?"
Fujita-pro: "Koromo remains to be the biggest threat. We've seen that she can control the game's pace, and how she can easily gain points. I expect her to play aggressively."
Male Commentator: "It sounds like the next few rounds are going to be even more intense! How do you think the other players—Tsuruga's Kajiki Yumi and Kazekoshi's player—will react to this turn of events?"
Fujita-pro: "Well, both of them are already facing an uphill battle, especially with the point differential growing. That said, there's still time for them to regroup, but if Koromo starts pressing again then it's going to be difficult for them to make a comeback."
Male Commentator: "We're certainly in for a rollercoaster! Kiyosumi's lead might hold for now, but with Koromo and the others still in the game, it's anyone's match. Stay tuned, folks—this game is far from over! But before that we will be having a small break."
Back in the Shiraitodai viewing room, the atmosphere was charged with tension. The team watched intently as the Nagano Prefectural Qualifying finals as it unfolded on the screen.
Saki, seated at the centre of the group, was noticeably agitated. Her usual calm demeanour had shifted into something far more intense. Teru remembered when Amae Koromo made her move, deliberately targeting Nodoka, Saki's fists clenched tightly, her knuckles white with the force of her grip. A palpable, ominous aura seemed to radiate from her, wrapping around the room like an invisible shroud.
Miyanaga Teru, sitting beside her, noticed the shift immediately. Her gaze moved across the room to observe the reactions of her teammates. Awai's eyes widened in surprise, her usually playful demeanour momentarily replaced by a look of concern. The normally chatty Seiko sat frozen, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at Saki. Even Takami who is usually stoic and composed showed signs of discomfort—Sumire is even tapping her fingers nervously on her lap.
It was becoming increasingly oppressive, and even their usually composed teammates seemed to be affected. Murmurs of discomfort rippled through the group as the oppressive presence grew heavier.
Sensing the rising discomfort, Teru had to subtly leaned over and gently tapped Saki's shoulder. The contact was light, but it was enough to pull Saki out of her focus. Saki blinked, her aura dissipating as she looked around, confused. Realization dawned on her face as she saw the affected expressions of her teammates.
"Sorry," Saki mumbled, her voice filled with apology. "I didn't realize…"
"It's okay," Teru replied softly, her tone reassuring. Although, Saki you haven't done that since your first year as Shiraitodai's captain in middle school, Teru thought to herself.
Saki nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to regain her composure. The team's focus shifted back to the screen, but the brief moment of tension had left its mark. Teru's calm presence helped to steady the team as they continued to watch, their eyes on the unfolding drama of the match. It seemed like Saki don't like Amae Koromo's playstyle—Teru thought back, and she certainly doesn't like it being done on Haramura Nodoka.
The first hanchan's last round has unfolded and amazingly Haramura Nodoka managed to clinched a win. The pink haired girl had shown herself to be somehow above Amae Koromo's controlsomehow, Teru thought.
Teru glanced over at her sister, who was slightly fidgeting with her phone. It was clear that Saki was hesitant about her next course of action. Teru sighed quietly, weighing whether she should encourage her sister or let her make her own decision. Finally, she decided to speak up.
"Saki, it might not be a bad idea to check on her," Teru said gently.
Saki looked up from her phone, her expression thoughtful. She nodded slowly, her determination hardening. "Excuse me," Saki said, rising and moving to a more private corner of the room.
Saki positioned herself at the far end of the room, away from prying ears. She took out her phone and pressed the call button.
As Saki made the call, the room's attention shifted slightly. Sumire, who had been watching the match intently, glanced at Teru with a raised eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the call. Teru simply shook her head and continued to pay attention to the screen, holding a cup of tea.
The phone rang a few times before being answered. "Haramura-san!" Saki started, eager to check on Nodoka.
However, a voice unfamiliar to Saki answered the phone. "Hello? Sorry, this is not Nodoka. This is her team's Buchou, Takei Hisa."
Saki blushed, realizing her mistake. Of course, Haramura-san wouldn't have her phone during a match! I should have just sent a message. She opened her mouth to apologize.
"Ah! But don't worry, Miyanaga-san, I am on my way to Nodoka right now so just hold on for a while," Takei Hisa immediately interjected.
"Is it okay?" Saki asked worriedly.
"Hmm, I think Nodoka will need moral support right now more than anything else," Hisa tried to reassure Saki.
"Okay, as long as I am not imposing, and thank you, Kiyosumi Buchou-san," Saki replied, relieved.
"Don't worry," Hisa said warmly. "I will put you on hold for a bit."
Hisa turned a corner and approached the playing hall. She searched for Nodoka and didn't see her immediately. As she took another turn, she finally spotted her pink-haired teammate, deep in thought.
"Nodoka!" Hisa called out, catching her attention.
Nodoka walked briskly toward Hisa, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. "Buchou, you came."
Hisa nodded then gestured to the phone she's holding. "There is actually a phone call for you, and she is on hold right now. I will talk to you after."
Nodoka looked at Hisa a bit confused but accepted her phone. She glanced at the name on the screen, and her eyes widened in recognition. She gingerly put the phone near her ear after cancelling the hold button.
"This is Haramura Nodoka speaking, Miyanaga-san?" she said, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of hesitation. I am struggling to hold such a huge lead that was entrusted to me, I don't know how I can face her.
"Haramura-san!" Saki immediately called as soon as she heard Nodoka's voice. "You are so amazing!"
Somehow Nodoka can't accept that, she barely made any move in the game. Kiyosumi was firmly in first place since the lieutenant's match and here she is struggling to keep it. "That's not true at all! I started with a 40,000 plus lead and now… now…I am not sure how to protect it."
Saki quickly denied it, "I think you are doing great, Haramura-san! I think you can win."
Haramura-san somewhat find herself able to express more with the brunette and said, "I don't know how Miyanaga-san, every time she wins it is a big and expensive hand. There is still one hanchan left."
Saki didn't even pause when she said, "Nuh uh I believe in you, Haramura-san. Amae Koromo is not infallible, you can win this, I know it."
"The lead is dwindling down and there is still a full hanchan left." Nodoka asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "You really think I can win this?"
"Haramura-san, you can win this," Saki said in a serious tone, like it is a matter of fact. Nodoka has never heard this tone on the brunette before and she was simply forced to listen. "I remember the girl sitting across from me at the inter-middle school tournament! That girl is amazing, and you have improved so much since then! I saw you in your other matches. What happened to your self-confidence?"
Nodoka was taken aback by Saki's fervent encouragement. "My self-confidence?"
"You can beat this girl, Haramura-san! I know it and I believe it!" Saki said it resolutely leaving no chance to refute it. "I will see you in the Nationals, I expect you there."
"I want to be there too, Miyanaga-san," Nodoka replied sincerely and then she hesitated. "…but I honestly don't know how."
"I think you know the answer already, Haramura-san." Saki mused for a bit, "Normally you would have called riichi on that last hand, won't you?"
Haramura-san slightly confused on where the conversation was going said, "Yes, but I was playing safe because I was afraid the dealer would win."
"Hmm," Saki hummed a bit then trailed off, "that's true but I think you also noticed how she tries hard to block you when you announce that you are in tenpai."
Nodoka paused briefly and then said, "There's this one hand where I declared riichi and…"
"…and her hand was full of your winning tiles." Saki finished her sentence for her.
"I was outmanoeuvred," Nodoka said.
"She is targeting you because you are a threat," Saki said it like it is a fact once again. "Because, you can win this…because she can't read you."
Nodoka's mind reeled at Saki's words, and for a moment, she was at a loss for what to say. The weight of Saki's confidence in her was both comforting and daunting. This level of unwavering belief in her abilities stirred something deep within her.
"I'm a threat…" Nodoka murmured to herself, digesting Saki's assessment. She had never considered that Amae Koromo was specifically targeting her because of how dangerous she was. In the heat of the match, all she had focused on was how to maintain the lead and not make mistakes.
"Yes," Saki confirmed, her tone soft but resolute. "You've been playing carefully, but maybe now is the time to play offensively. You have what it takes, Haramura-san. You just need to believe in yourself."
Nodoka took a deep breath, Saki's words echoing in her mind. It was so easy to fall into the trap of playing cautiously when holding a lead, but she realized that playing to not lose was not the same as playing to win. She had spent most of the game trying to protect the lead she had been given, but now she could see that it was time to take control.
"You're right, Miyanaga-san," Nodoka finally said, her voice stronger, more assured.
Saki smiled, even though Nodoka couldn't see it. "Exactly. The Haramura Nodoka I know is admirably a determined person."
Nodoka felt the weight lift off her shoulders, replaced by a growing sense of determination. "Thank you, Miyanaga-san. I won't let you down."
"You never do," Saki replied with a soft laugh. "I'll be cheering for you from here."
With a final word of encouragement, the call ended, and Nodoka stood there for a moment, processing everything.
Hisa, who had been standing a few steps away during the call, watched Nodoka with a patient smile. She'd seen these moments before—the quiet, introspective look a player gets when they're on the verge of something important. As Nodoka finally looked up, Hisa approached, her voice gentle.
"Feeling better?" Hisa asked.
Nodoka nodded, her expression serious but calm. "I didn't realise how affected I was by the game."
Hisa clapped her on the shoulder. "It's a tough game, you are actually making me proud out there." Hisa paused briefly, "Now for strategy…"
Nodoka listened intently to what her Buchou was saying. "So, you think, somehow, Amae Koromo can't tell I am in tenpai when I play damaten?"
Hisa nodded at the first year, "I don't think she expects anyone to score at all."
Nodoka silently mulled at the idea. She actually noticed hints of it, and based on the discards of Kazekoshi and Tsuruga, she can see why Amae Koromo thinks that way.
"I understand, Buchou." Nodoka said, "I will not declare riichi and see." It's a good thing we are still ahead. I can't imagine closing a gap without declaring riichi at all.
"Thank you Buchou for coming and…" Nodoka blushed, "…and for bringing my phone and letting me talk to Miyanaga-san."
Hisa waved her hand but a Cheshire grin can be found plastered on her face. Nodoka quickly turned to re-enter the playing hall, avoiding the teasing expression of her Buchou. And also… Saki's words had given her the push she needed, and now it was time to face Amae Koromo as someone ready to win.
Back in the Shiraitodai viewing room, Teru quietly observed the change in her sister's posture after the call. Saki's aura had shifted once again—this time, no longer tense or oppressive, but steady and focused.
"Thank you onee-chan for giving me the push." Saki said as she sat back down the couch.
Teru simply smiled at her sister and returned the attention on the television screen.
The final hanchan was about to begin, and it was clear that Haramura Nodoka was no longer playing to simply maintain her lead—she was playing to win.
Haramura Nodoka walked back into the room with a composed, yet determined demeanour. Her heart was pounding with anticipation, but she kept her face calm and focused. As she took her seat, she glanced around at the other players before turning over the tile marked East. It was the start of the East round, and she was ready to assert herself as the dealer.
East Round 1, Kiyosumi Dealership
Nodoka sat in her designated spot to Amae Koromo's right. She could feel the electric charge in the air as the game resumed. Her resolve was steely; convinced that she could win this match.
As the first hand began, Nodoka drew her initial tiles and examined them. They weren't particularly high-scoring, but they had an undeniable speed to them. Her eyes flicked over her hand, quickly assessing her options. The hand wasn't expensive, but it had the potential to build rapidly. With two Haku tiles in hand, she saw an opportunity.
On the very first go-around, she managed to pon the Haku set she had drawn, which had been claimed from Amae Koromo herself.
As the game progressed into the 6th turn, Nodoka drew the tile she needed—"tsumo."
Nodoka said, her voice steady. I won! Beneath the calm exterior, her pulse quickened.
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly. Amae Koromo looked up from her own hand, her eyes widening in surprise. The subtle challenge in Nodoka's gaze was met with a fierce look from Koromo. It was clear that the intensity of the match had ramped up. Koromo's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity, irritation, and challenge.
The other players watched in silence, their eyes shifting between the tiles and the expressions of their opponents. The quiet was punctuated only by the occasional shuffle of tiles and the murmurs of the commentators in the background.
East Round 1, Bonus hand 1 Kiyosumi Dealership
The room was thick with anticipation as Haramura Nodoka prepared for the dealer repeat. The tiles were shuffled, and the dealer's turn was underway. The intensity of the match had reached a fever pitch, and all eyes were on Nodoka as she drew her tiles and set them before her.
The tiles were drawn, and the game progressed. Nodoka's concentration was palpable as she carefully maneuverer through her hand. Her thoughts were focused, her actions deliberate. The tiles came together with increasing coherence, and it was clear she was on the brink of another decisive move. Tenpai, Nodoka thought.
Finally, the moment arrived. Nodoka declared with confidence, her voice steady as she announced her winning hand.
"Ron, just the double wind, 4200 points please."
What was surprising was that Amae Koromo had played into Nodoka's hand. Again?! Koromo was beyond shocked, and she won?! Amae Koromo couldn't believe that a peasant manages to win with her maintaining the floodgates. The moon is out with no clouds! Koromo thought, and she won off of my discards.
East Round 1, Bonus Hand 2 – Kiyosumi Dealership
The flow of the game had shifted in Nodoka's favour.
The game resumed, and Nodoka wasted no time, drawing her initial hand with calm efficiency. The tiles weren't particularly impressive, but Nodoka was able to calculate which tiles would overflow. As the hand developed, she quickly formed a clear path towards her next win. The tension in the air thickened as she kept her emotions carefully in check, her calm exterior masking the intense focus within.
By the 7th draw, she had what she needed. A quick sequence, a few small adjustments—and.
"Ron," she declared, this time softer, but with no less confidence.
It wasn't a flashy hand, but it was clean and fast—another 2000 points, this time from Ikeda Kana.
Ikeda Kana, who had been caught by the call, blinked in surprise. Her fingers twitched near her remaining tiles as if instinctively wanting to pull them back. "Eh…?" she muttered under her breath, unable to mask her bewilderment. She had barely started shaping her hand, it was still heavily influenced by Amae Koromo's, it is full of terminal and honour tiles, and yet, here was Nodoka, claiming points with the ease.
On the broadcast, the commentators were quick to comment. "Haramura Nodoka claimed another win! She's maintaining a tight grip on this game, keeping the flow entirely in her hands. Will anyone be able to break her momentum?"
East Round 1, Bonus Hand 3, Kiyosumi Dealership
Ikeda Kana sat with her tiles arranged neatly before her, staring at the freshly drawn tile in her hand. It was a terminal tile—making it real hard to win, useless even. Her grip on it tightened slightly as she glanced at the discard pool, her mind racing. How did she win again? Kana thought, her frustration barely contained. I need to slow her down somehow. But how? The discarded tiles in front of her provided no clear answer. Nodoka wasn't making mistakes, wasn't leaving any openings. Every tile Kana needed is not coming to her, and she simply had no time to build her hand.
Kana stole a glance at Kajiki Yumi. Maybe she's feeling the same? But Yumi's face was as unreadable as ever. Kana sighed inwardly.
Kajiki,Yumi known for her calm demeanor, shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she watched. She was not sure what was happening. She came back to the table truly bewildered about what she could do to stop the demon, yet now the demon didn't even seem to be in the match and Kiyosumi's Captain with what is turning to be an amazing renchan. Between the ridiculously slow speed of her own hand and with the dealer often winning before the 10th turn, she felt truly helpless.
She glanced at Haramura Nodoka's discards. Since the beginning of the match her discards never seemed particularly strange. She glanced at her own discard pile and Kazekoshi's opposite. All honours and terminals.What exactly is going on here?Surely Amae Koromo will consider stopping doing whatever she is doing to mess up our draws. Yumi sighed, the match was turning out to be quite frustrating.
Nodoka's demeanour remained unflinching. She drew her hand with a practiced calm. Again, her hand wasn't spectacular, but it had the potential for a swift resolution. She discarded efficiently, quickly shaping her hand for yet another low-scoring, but fast win.
Nodoka's pace was relentless. She had already gotten her hand into a favourable shape, and by the 4th turn, she was ready to call.
"Pon," Nodoka announced, continuing to press her advantage.
In another turn, the right tile came her way, and with the same controlled demeanour, she declared another win.
"Tsumo. 2000 points, all."
The commentators buzzed with excitement. "Another fast win from Haramura Nodoka!"
East Round 1, Bonus Hand 4, Kiyosumi Dealership
The tiles were shuffled again, and Nodoka drew her hand with steady confidence. Her earlier wins had thrown the other players off balance, and she intended to use this to her advantage.
Kajiki Yumi frowned as she glanced at her hand again. She had no clear path to a decent hand, and the tiles… they were coming too slowly or not coming at all, slipping out of reach like sand through her fingers. Every time she thought she finally have an idea and push to shape something worthwhile, Nodoka's next move swept the board clean.
I don't understand what's happening, Yumi thought, her fingers tapping lightly on the tiles. Nodoka's victories were fast, precise—each one slicing through Yumi's already slow hand like a sharp blade.
Yumi looked at her own discards—terminal and honor tiles, exactly what she didn't want but what Koromo's eerie presence seemed to conjure into their hands. Damn it. She clenched her jaw. Koromo's presence continue to drown us but…
But as the tiles continued to come in, Yumi felt her options narrowing. The right draw wasn't coming, and with every turn, Nodoka inched closer to another win. Yumi glanced at the others. Are they even aware of how tight this noose is getting?
The game proceeded quickly, with Nodoka discarding tiles without hesitation. Each move was calculated, her attention unwavering. Her hand came together with remarkable speed. By the 6th turn, she had already reached tenpai, and she could sense that victory was near.
Moments later, her winning tile was drawn from the wall. She slowly turned her tiles and the room seemed to hold its breath as Nodoka revealed her hand.
"Tsumo. 1300 points from all," she said in her composed tone, revealing yet another quick win.
SHE WON AGAIN! The Koromo did not know what was happening. This girl should be broken! The Koromo made sure she stomped Nonoka's spirit into the ground in the first hanchan. Yet Nonoka was dominating the board, completely ignoring the Koromo's control and had now won five times in a row on her dealership.
That's it! Some link must have grounded her, and now her spirit is fresh and her arm is strong! How will the Koromo stop her? For just a second- A flicker of doubt crept in before she squashed it. NO! The Koromo would not be dethroned by some peasant, I will not be begging for scraps! The Koromo will show this girl true darkness! The Koromo will not compromise!
In the broadcast booth, the commentators were buzzing with excitement, "Haramura Nodoka is proving to be an unstoppable force in this match!"
As the next hand was prepared, Nodoka took a deep breath, the weight of the match pressing down on her. But she didn't falter. Saki's words still echoed in her mind, driving her forward. You're a threat… because you can win this. Nodoka briefly pause, I told her I will meet her there.
Nodoka glanced at the teams who were not Ryuumonbuchi's discards once more and frowned. She'd often wondered about the discards of the other players throughout the game. According to the records, Amae Koromo's opponents often received unfavourable draws, Nodoka thought but she still couldn't grasp why it was happening. Nevertheless, since it is happening, with the way the discards were looking now, she could attack nearly freely. Only Ryuumonbuchi seemed to be getting anywhere with her hands. Tsuruga's captain chose that moment to discard one of her needed tiles, to Nodoka's delight.
"Ron," Nodoka said calmly. "12,000 points please. 13,200 with the renchan bonus." She was handed her sticks without a word and thanked her opponents with a polite nod.
Haramura Nodoka looked at Ryuumonbuchi's Captain, the little girl had dropped her previous ridiculous and arrogant attitude, which was a small but welcome change.
Amae Koromo, meanwhile, was seething with frustration. What devilry is this? A dealer mangan?! It would have been a dealer haneman if she had tsumo'd it… and I couldn't sense it at all… Why is she so fast? Why can't I control her? Her iishanten for a baiman has been ruined! Koromo's anger flared, her face a mask of barely contained rage. I am going to outrun her this time! I will see to it, and not a trace of her soul will remain after the Koromo is finished with it.
Koromo's mind raced with strategies, her aura darkening with renewed intensity. She will crush Nodoka's resolve. Her eyes narrowed as she planned her next moves, vowing to use every ounce of her power to teach Nodoka her place.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Haramura Nodoka once again," the male commentator's voice booms through the broadcast, "She is running away with the lead!"
Fujita-pro's voice follows, "That's true. She's performing far better than I expected. But let's not discount Amae Koromo."
"And we've yet to see how last year's MVP will recover from Haramura Nodoka's ongoing renchan," the male commentator adds, his tone tinged with anticipation.
Amae Koromo, her face a mask of frustration, seethes. The constant pressure from Nodoka felt like a relentless assault. … I have to seal the flood-gates. It's a full moon, and yet this opponent is forcing me to shut them tight! This is UNFORGIVABLE! Koromo's fingers tightened into fists, her knuckles turning white as she fought to maintain her composure.
In the midst of this turmoil, Kajiki Yumi blinked twice in surprise. She'd finally reached tenpai, her first in this hanchan. The tiles had been cruelly slow before, but now, a simple yakuhai hand was her beacon of hope. "Riichi!" she declared, her voice a mixture of relief and tension.
Yumi's heart raced as she threw the 7-pin onto the table, the same tile she'd discarded earlier. She could barely hide her anxiety as she watched Nodoka's reaction.
Nodoka's looked at the table as she heard Yumi's declaration. Her mind raced, weighing the risk. As she glanced at her own hand, her hand wasn't progressing as she hoped. With Yumi's riichi declaration, Nodoka decided to bail out. It seems like the others started receiving better tiles, Haramura Nodoka thought, I am far from the lead now that I have to know when to take a calculated risk. My hand wasn't building fast and with no potential.
Yumi's declaration brought a frown to her face. Nodoka had instantly bailed, choosing her discard with unsettling speed. Does she have such a terrible hand? Yumi pondered.
Yumi shrugged, the girl was so scarily fast right now that she preferred it that way, and would certainly not have done so if she were in Kiyosumi's shoes herself.
Despite the tension, Yumi managed to pull off a win moments later. "Tsumo!" she announced with a slight smile. "Just a yakuhai, riichi, and tsumo. 1000/2000 please. 1600/2600 with the win bonus."
The male commentator's excitement crackled through the broadcast. "And FINALLY, Nodoka's dealership has ended! That was quite a streak from Haramura Nodoka at the very first round! Kiyosumi now holds a very solid lead. If she keeps this up, she'll pull out of range from the other three schools!"
Fujita-pro's voice was cautious. "I wonder about that. Koromo might be on the back foot right now, but it's never wise to count her out."
Ikeda Kana was determined. Stuck in 4th place with just over 30,000 points, she knew she needed a dealer run to turn the game around. I can still win this hand, she thought, resolutely. I just need to win this hand and then ten more. Captain will be so proud of me. She took a deep breath as she picked up her starting tiles, ready to tackle the match head-on.
Kana's initial moves were cautious. Kazekoshi, her opponent, had not discarded any terminals except for a single west wind in the first five turns. "Kokushi Musou, maybe?" Kana pondered. It seemed that honour tiles would be risky to discard. Her eyes flicked to her hand, assessing her options.
Her hand initially passed the 4-pin but ultimately, she picked up a 2-pin and discarded, hoping to create some stability in her hand. That passed!
When the player from Tsuruga however discarded a 4-pin, a voice was heard.
"Ron," came the call, causing Kana's heart to sink. My dealer repeat! She looked up, stunned. No… my yakuman!
Meanwhile Yumi Kajiki winced and thought, I shouldn't have forgotten this demon!
Amae Koromo's voice cut through the tension with a chilling certainty. "This ridiculous situation has gone on long enough! That will be 18,000!"
Determined not to let this setback shatter her resolve, Kana forced herself to think positively. I just need to win the next few hands, then a renchan, and then a few yakuman! I can still make a comeback.
The match continued, and Kana focused intently on her tiles. Despite the setback, she was determined to stay in the game. She knew she had to harness every ounce of skill and strategy to overcome this challenge. Her eyes were set on turning the tide, one hand at a time.
East Round 4, Ryuumonbuchi Dealership
Nodoka stared at her hand, a deep sense of frustration settling over her. Mediocre was putting it lightly; 'awful' would have been a more accurate description. The hand was in disarray, and unless she drew exceptionally well, victory seemed out of reach. She knew relying on luck was unwise, especially in such a critical moment, but it was hard to stay positive with such a poor hand.
She took a deep breath and focused on making the best out of a bad situation. By the fifth turn, she decided to ponn a simple 2 Pin, hoping to make some progress. But even with this, she was still far from tenpai. Calling any more tiles felt risky with the dangerous discards coming from Ryuumonbuchi's side.
Koromo's cruel smile caught Nodoka's attention as she drew a tile from the wall. It was a smile that spoke of disdain and confidence, the kind that could unsettle even the most experienced players.
"Tsumo!" Koromo announced gleefully, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "4000 all!"
The room seemed to pulse with Koromo's vicious energy as she turned to face Nodoka, a wicked smile stretching across her face. "You peasants will learn your place!" she taunted, her eyes gleaming with malevolent triumph.
Nodoka clenched her jaw, feeling the sting of Koromo's words. The dealer had managed to secure a substantial win, and the pressure was mounting. Despite the setback, Nodoka forced herself to focus, determined not to let Koromo's provocations shake her resolve.
East Round 4, Ryuumonbuchi Dealership Bonus 1
Nodoka's resolve hardened as she surveyed her new hand. The last hand had been a blow, but she was determined not to let Koromo gain momentum. She carefully reviewed the opponents' discards and noted that Ryuumonbuchi was proving to be a formidable opponent. Koromo, in particular, seemed to be angling for Wan tiles and possibly some honour tiles. Nodoka decided to focus on keeping her hand aggressive by discarding her low-number sou tiles and retaining any Wan tiles that could turn the tide in her favour.
The atmosphere was thick with tension as the game resumed. Nodoka concentrated on every move, her eyes darting between the tiles and her opponents' expressions. She made her discards with careful consideration, aiming to avoid giving Koromo any advantage.
"Tsumo!" she called out with a confident edge in her voice, though the effort to remain calm was visible. "300/500, please."
The weight of the previous loss lifted slightly as Nodoka drew her winning tile. Her win had halted Amae Koromo's dealership, buying her some respite. She let out a relieved sigh. Miyanaga-san believe in me, Nodoka thought, and everyone trusted me with all this points.
Male commentator: "This year's championship has turned out to be quite something, hasn't it?"
Fujita-pro: "Yes, it's been fascinating. Honestly, I have no idea who will come out on top."
Male commentator: "Wait, what's this? Kazekoshi's Ikeda Kana has suddenly let out a yell. What on earth is that about?"
Fujita-pro: "Hmmmm, I want to go to karaoke later."
South Round 1, Kiyosumi Dealership
The game resumed with the Kiyosumi dealership. Ikeda Kana, still visibly agitated from her earlier frustrations, looked around the table with a mixture of defiance and determination. She took her turn with a clear intention to turn things around, her previous yell a testament to the pressure she was feeling.
"Did someone do something to the tiles?" Kana blurted out; her surprise palpable. It was an unusual question, and her tone was sharper than usual. Her opponents exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of how to respond.
"Ermm…" Kana began figuring that she was rude, but her thought was cut short by her own insistence. "Anyway, let's get started!" she declared with an unyielding voice, pushing the game forward with renewed intensity.
As the hand unfolded, Kana's play was nothing short of extraordinary. Her hand developed into something impressive, and she made a decisive move, determined to win the game. No one should underestimate me! Nodoka, ever the skilled defensive player, recognized the threat and opted to bail out when she realized Kana had built an expensive hand.
In less experienced hands, such a cautious approach might have seemed overly defensive, especially following the success of Nodoka's previous dealership. But it was a calculated decision—the cost of engaging in such a high-risk hand was simply too steep. Although I would have liked a dealer repeat, Nodoka thought disappointed at the current situation.
Ikeda Kana placed her final tile on the table with a sense of triumph and declared. "Riichi ippatsu tsumo! Pinfu, junchan, sanshoku Iipeikou, dora 3! 8000/16000!" she announced, her voice filled with victory.
Okay, now I have to do that a couple more times! Kana thought to herself psyching herself up.
Nodoka couldn't believe it. Her dealership had been ended by a Kazoe Yakuman and it was from the girl who had randomly let out a rude yell. I am still ahead, Nodoka thought trying to reset.
South Round 2, Kazekoshi Dealership
The atmosphere was electric as the second hand of the South Round began. Ikeda Kana, still riding the high of her recent win, was set on achieving a dealer repeat. I just need to win another yakuman again and again! She shuffled her tiles with fiery determination.
However, Amae Koromo, seething from earlier frustrations, was equally resolute. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity as she drew her hand. You peasants will know your places, no one dare to defy me and not regret it!
By the fifth turn, Koromo pulled together an impressive hand. She announced, "Tsumo! 4000/8000!"
Ikeda Kana was so disappointed by how the hand went that she accidentally voiced out, "No…my dealer repeat!"
Amae Koromo relished on the despair that she heard from Kana that she smirked at her and snidely commented, "Begone, peasant!"
Meanwhile Kajiki Yumi was thinking, it will be my dealership next time, I have to win, it is my only chance left.
South Round 3, Tsuruga Dealership
Kajiki Yumi sat with a quiet determination as the tiles were shuffled and dealt. Her mind, ever the tactician, was already analyzing the flow of the game, I have a lot to catch up. We would have been in a better position if Momo was here, honestly.
Ikeda Kana, still reeling from her earlier success, was clearly aiming for another expensive hand. But Yumi saw the flaw in her approach—it was making Kana slower, and predictable. She was waiting for a better hand, allowing time to slip away while the others played swiftly. She's aiming high, which means she's slow, Yumi thought, mentally preparing for how to exploit that opening.
Haramura Nodoka, on the other hand, was fast—almost unnervingly so. Yumi knew her digital style of mah-jong was precise, efficient, and designed to minimize risk while maximizing rewards. Nodoka's decisions were quick, calculated, almost mechanical, each discard and draw fitting into a perfect strategy with little room for error. She's fast and steady, what's unnerving is she also take account Amae Koromo's playstyle, Yumi mused. I didn't expect that.
Amae Koromo, though, was the real wildcard. Her eerie presence at the table had grown, especially after her recent wins. Yumi could sense Koromo's focus was hugely on Kiyosumi—perhaps a grudge from their previous encounters. It's better that you pay attention to her… However, Yumi also knew better than to underestimate her. Koromo's ability to strike was always lurking beneath, ready to unleash havoc on anyone who let their guard down.
Yumi took a deep breath, formulating her plan. Speed is crucial here, but I need a hand with some punch. If I'm too slow, Nodoka will overtake me. If I aim too high, Koromo will crush me. I need to be under the radar. Balancing her options, Yumi knew that her best chance was to keep her hand flexible. It didn't have to be perfect, but it had to be strong enough to push her opponents back.
The tiles were slowly coming together in her hand, and Yumi could feel the tension building at the table. Kana's hand was forming, but she was still one or two critical draws away from tenpai. Nodoka, as expected, had already reached tenpai with blinding speed, and Koromo was biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Yumi's hand wasn't ideal, but she could sense an opportunity. A tile from Nodoka—a critical discard—slipped into her reach. She glanced at her hand, and with a decision that felt both calculated and instinctive, she called, "Ron."
It was a win, costing Nodoka 12,000 points. The room fell silent for a brief moment, surprised at Yumi's quiet but efficient strike. She hadn't expected to win off of Nodoka, but a win was a win, and it kept her in the game. I need my dealership, Yumi winced inwardly, knowing that with this victory, Amae Koromo would move into first place. But that didn't matter to her right now. What mattered was that she was one step closer to her goal.
The nationals. That's where I'm aiming, Yumi reminded herself as she gathered her sticks. She knew Koromo was in first, but Yumi's focus was unshakeable. The game wasn't over yet, and Yumi was determined to carve her path to the top, no matter who stood in her way.
"That can't feel good," the male commentator can be heard. "Haramura Nodoka was directly hit with a mangan and so late in the match to boot!"
"It will be hard to recover from that," Fujita-pro added.
Nodoka stared at the table, her breath shallow, her hands trembling slightly. It was hard to believe—after being in the first most of the game, after a huge lead thanks to her team's efforts, she had made a crucial mistake. The loss to Yumi wasn't just a hit to her points, but to her confidence. Her calm, so unshakable throughout the start of the hanchan, was now slipping. Her mind raced as she tried to grasp the situation almost slipping in and out of her Nodocchi mode, to regain her composure. What went wrong? Why didn't I see that coming?
The tiles in front of her blurred momentarily as a wave of dread settled in her chest. She was too focused on Koromo, too focused on reading her opponents, and in doing so, she let Yumi's quiet strike slip past her. I should have seen that coming. She wasn't just losing ground—she was losing control.
Her hand hovered over the tiles, uncertain. She needed something—anything—to pull her out of this mental tailspin. But her usually sharp mind, so reliant on logic and strategy, was clouded with self-doubt. I can't let this happen... not now...I can't let my team down…I can't let her…
And then, as if through the haze of her thoughts, a voice broke through—a memory, gentle and reassuring.
"Good luck, Nodoka. I'll be cheering for you," Saki's voice echoed in her mind, clear and warm. Nodoka blinked, the words pulling her back to a conversation they had shared after her match yesterday.
More memories flooded in, as if her mind was reaching for something to anchor itself to.
"I think… even if we're far apart, even if we can't see each other all the time, we'll still be part of each other's story. Like how Orihime and Hikoboshi always find their way back to each other."
Saki's words just from the night before swirled in her head. Nodoka didn't know why these memories were surfacing now, but somehow, they brought a strange sense of calm. It was reminding her that this wasn't the end. That even in moments of doubt, she was never truly alone.
"Do your best, Haramura-san."
The simple encouragement echoed louder now, cutting through the noise in her mind. Do your best, she repeated to herself, her heart steadying, her hands slowly regaining their calm.
And then, the most important words of all came back to her:
"The Haramura Nodoka I know is admirably a determined person."
The words rang in her ears, grounding her. Saki believed in her—that's right she even said so. Nodoka took a deep breath, allowing the memory to solidify her resolve. Miyanaga Saki believes in me. She took another breath and Kiyosumi believes in me. She couldn't let them down. She had made mistakes, but there was still time—another hand, still another chance.
Her focus returned, her heart no longer racing, Nodoka prepared for the next round. She would fight, not just for herself, but for everyone who had supported her. I won't let this loss define me, she thought. I'll find a way back.
With Saki's words echoing in her mind, she knew that even in this moment of doubt, she was still the determined person everyone believed her to be.
South Round 3, Tsuruga Dealership Bonus Hand 1
As the hand began, the tension in the room was palpable. Koromo's voice cut through the air, laden with disdain. "Well, well, if it isn't Haramura Nodoka," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "It's amusing to see you here, scuttling around like a little bug beneath me. Isn't it fitting? Just stay in your place and watch me bury you in the abyss."
Koromo's gaze shifted to Tsuruga's Captain, her smile widening as she addressed her. "How does it feel, peasant? Did the string I lend you made you feel important for a moment? Did you think you could rise above your station?" Her words were sharp, intended to cut deep.
Kajiki Yumi's eyes widened at the implication before she frowned and clenched her fist, Koromo seemed to relish the reaction.
Koromo's grin turned cruel as she tilted her head, her voice dripping with condescension. "Mere peasants like you should be honored to be of any use. It's almost endearing how you cling to your delusions." She turned her attention back to Nodoka, her eyes glinting with malicious glee. "And you, Haramura, are no exception. Know your place. You're nothing more than a stepping stone for me to crush."
The next hand began, and as the tiles were dealt, Nodoka kept her focus sharp. Koromo's taunts still lingered in the back of her mind, but she had pushed them aside. There was no room for doubt anymore—only the match mattered.
Her first draw was a promising one: a five-pin, connecting perfectly with the rest of her hand. She glanced at the others discards.
Koromo, however, seemed to be waiting—calculating, perhaps, or simply savouring the moment. Nodoka refused to let her presence unnerve her. Koromo's taunts meant nothing now.
Nodoka's hand was still forming, but she was closing in. On her next turn, she drew a six-sou, slotting it into her hand with a practiced ease. Just a few more tiles… She remained outwardly composed, but inside, her thoughts raced. Her hand was quick, but she needed to be cautious.
Another turn passed. Nodoka's next tile, a three-pin, fit perfectly with the earlier five-pin, pushing her closer to tenpai. But something was off. Her hand was fast, yes, but it was fragile—one bad discard could ruin it. She glanced at the table, scanning the discards, gauging her opponents. She pushed on. I can't hesitate here.
Kana discarded a nine-man, her face unreadable, though the slight furrow in her brow especially since it is highly unlikely that Kazekoshi is in the race. Yumi continued to build quietly, her expression as calm and steady as ever. But it was Koromo who caught Nodoka's attention, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she placed a tile down. Nodoka could feel her pulse quicken, but I have to remain calm.
On her next draw, she pulled in a red dragon. Useless for her current hand, but she discarded it carefully, not wanting to give anything away. Her next turn would be crucial. The tension was palpable now, every draw and discard carrying the weight of the match. Nodoka's heartbeat echoed in her ears.
Finally, her moment came. She drew an eight-pin. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized—this was it. She was in tenpai. She could win this hand.
Koromo was still watching, her predatory gaze flickering between Nodoka's hand and the tiles on the table. Nodoka knew Koromo is might be trying to gun for her. I can't let her do that.
Another turn passed, and Tsuruga discarded a four-sou, but it wasn't what Nodoka needed. Nodoka forced herself to stay calm. The next turn would be the key.
Ikeda Kana discarded. A moment of stillness hung in the air, the tile spinning slightly as it landed on the table. A six-pin.
Nodoka's breath caught.
She exhaled softly, raising her eyes just enough to take in the table. Her hand moved swiftly, but with purpose, revealing her tiles as she spoke with quiet authority: "Ron."
The table went silent. Nodoka's hand was revealed, a clean, calculated win—12,000 points off Kazekoshi. I won it back. The gap between her and Koromo significantly lessened. She let out a soft sigh of relief, the tension momentarily ebbing away. But there was no time to relax. The match was far from over.
What mattered was the game, and she was back in it. What mattered is that she is sure someone believe in her and support her.
Miyanaga-san, Nodoka thought.
At Shiraitodai viewing room, Saki was watching as the last hand of Nodoka's match starts. Her full attention is on the television. The tension in her body was subtle but undeniable—her fingers lightly gripping the edge of her seat, her posture leaning slightly forward. If anyone were to pay close attention, they would have seen the tension in her shoulders and the faint trembling of her hand.
As the camera panned over Nodoka at the mah-jong table, Saki's expression softened for a moment, her eyes reflecting quiet concern. She could sense the internal battle Nodoka was facing. She clenched her fists slightly, a feeling of helplessness washing over her as she watched from afar.
Each tile Nodoka drew, each discard, was reflected in Saki's body language. Her breath hitched when Nodoka hesitated, her own heart mirroring the anxiety Nodoka must have been feeling. Saki's chest tightened as Koromo's cruel words floated through the speakers, and for a brief moment, her gaze darkened. She doesn't know why; she is usually calmer than this but…she felt the old familiar flicker of an ominous aura starting to rise within her. She shook her head and kept herself in check.
But as the hand progressed, Saki noticed something shifting in Nodoka's demeanour. The hesitation was giving way to determination, and a small smile tugged at the corner of Saki's lips. She could feel it—a growing resolve, the same strength that had drawn her to Nodoka in the first place. She's back.
And then, the moment arrived.
On screen, Nodoka's hand moved decisively, placing her tiles down with practiced precision. The word, "Ron," echoed through the room, but before the sound even fully registered, Saki's heart surged. In that instant, as if connected by an invisible thread, Saki's own hand clenched in sync with Nodoka's declaration. It was as if she had spoken the word herself.
Her entire body relaxed in the next moment, her grip on the chair easing as a sense of relief washed over her. She smiled, this time a full, unguarded expression of pride and quiet joy.
Saki exhaled softly, her connection with Nodoka palpable even through the distance. She whispered, almost inaudibly, "You're fighting so hard, Haramura-san…"
And somewhere, deep in her heart, Saki felt a warmth—a quiet assurance that their bond was stronger than the distance that separated them. Even here, from the Shiraitodai viewing room, she was with Nodoka every step of the way. You can do it, Haramura-san.
South Round 4 Ryuumonbuchi Dealership
Nodoka stared intently at her tiles, her mind working through the possibilities with a focused determination. The score gap is still within reach. With Amae Koromo as the dealer, a tsumo could win them the tournament. This is it, the last hand.
She carefully examined her hand. The tiles were a mix of numbers and suits, but the pieces were beginning to fall into place. She is building her hand methodically while keeping an eye on Koromo's likely approach. Nodoka anticipated that the dealer would aim for a quick and powerful hand. That is what I would do if I were in her place.
Nodoka's initial draws included a few useful tiles, setting a solid foundation for her hand. She picked up a two-pin, which she placed carefully into her set, and a four-sou, which she evaluated for potential combinations. She was forming a pair of two-pin tiles, which could be useful for completing a sequence if she drew the right tiles.
The game was moving at a brisk pace. Koromo is discarding tiles with an air of confidence. Her eyes flicked occasionally to Nodoka, as if trying to unnerve her. Nodoka met her gaze with calm resolve. She wasn't about to be intimidated.
Next, Nodoka drew a five-man. This tile was a good fit, adding flexibility to her hand. It could complete a sequence or work as a pair. She considered her options, discarding a tile she deemed less likely to win her the hand. She knew that Koromo's speed could lead to a quick win, but if she managed her hand effectively, she could potentially outmanoeuvre Koromo.
As the hand progressed, Nodoka kept a close watch on Koromo's discards and the tiles being drawn. Koromo's playstyle was rapid and relentless, making it challenging to predict her exact hand. Yet, Nodoka was confident that her calculated approach could capitalize on any mistakes Koromo might make. That aggression may be her weakness.
The tension at the table was palpable. Koromo's moves grew more impatient as she discarded tiles with increasing frequency, a clear sign of her eagerness to complete her hand. Nodoka's hand, however, was steadily coming together. She drew a seven-pin, which connected perfectly with her earlier two-pin and four-sou, forming a promising sequence. The pieces were falling into place.
Nodoka took a deep breath and evaluated her current position. She was getting close to tenpai—a ready hand. If she could just draw one more tile to complete her hand, she would be in an excellent position to win. The next few turns would be crucial.
She discarded another less useful tile, keeping her focus sharp. Nodoka remained steady, pushing aside any lingering doubts. She believes in me. Her strategy was working; her hand was becoming stronger with each draw.
The round continued, and Nodoka is making her moves with calculated precision. Nodoka's focus was unwavering as she prepared for her next draw.
And then—
Finally—
Nodoka drew in a steady breath, her fingers moving with practiced precision as she laid out her winning hand. The word escaped her lips with quiet authority:
"Tsumo."
As she declared her victory, a flood of emotions washed over her. The weight of the tournament, the pressure, the self-doubt—all of it seemed to lift in that single, victorious moment. Her thoughts were centred on a single thought: She believes in me. Warmth enveloped her chest for reasons unknown to her but she paid it no mind.
The male commentator's voice crackled with excitement through the broadcast, his enthusiasm palpable. "Aaaand that's it! Kiyosumi High School is the new representative of Nagano! What a match that was! An incredible display of skill and perseverance from Haramura Nodoka!"
The commentator's words were met with an electrifying buzz in the viewing rooms and among fans.
Fujita-pro, who had been observing closely, nodded with approval. "Smart play by Haramura Nodoka," she remarked, her voice carrying a note of respect. "Her ability to refocus and execute after a direct hit from another team is impressive, not everyone can easily recover like that."
The broadcast shifted to highlight the final scores:
Kiyosumi High School- Haramura Nodoka 156, 900 (9,400)
Ryuumonbuchi High School- Amae Koromo 155,000 (23,300)
Tsuruga Academy -46,600 Kajiki Yumi (-33000)
Kazekoshi Girls' High School- Ikeda Kana 41,500 (-200)
As Nodoka absorbed the results, did the post-game greeting and the congratulations that followed, she couldn't help but let her thoughts drift back to Saki. The warmth that enveloped her chest wasn't just from the win—it was a feeling that went beyond her. It was a feeling she would need to understand better, but for now, it was enough.
Back at Shiraitodai's viewing room, Saki sat quietly, her eyes firmly fixed on the screen as the match concluded. Saki looked calm but a beautiful smile bloomed on her face. Nodoka did it, she thought, the warmth in her heart spreading as she imagined how proud she was of her friend.
Teru, who had been watching Saki, noticed the shift in her demeanour. She is surprised on a couple of things with the match but she is even more surprised with her sister. She hasn't smiled like that in ages. Not since realised the effect she has on other players. Haramura Nodoka, maybe I should have a chat with her, Teru like whatever sort of effect this girl have to her sister. If she can keep making Saki smile like that…
"Should you call her?" Teru asked her sister, as long as Saki is happy.
Saki looked at her sister a smile still can be seen on her face but surprisingly she shook her head and said, "I am not sure if I should, onee-chan. Besides I want her to have her moment, her and her team mates."
Teru slightly frowned at her sister's meekness, "I think she likes it when you call."
Awai chose that moment to recover from her earlier reverie. She was trying to go under the radar since she was thinking that Teru caught her saying 'Teru-chan's match is so boring, she just keeps stomping other players then win.'
But now… "Yes, Saki-chan, go on and be sweet to your 'friend.'" Awai voiced out with a teasing voice and smile; she even gestured the air quotes clearly insinuating something.
Saki's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson the moment Awai's teasing hit its mark. The air quotes were enough to send her mind into a spiral, the heat rushing to her face as laughter erupted around her. Her heart raced as she tried to steady herself, but the relentless teasing had already taken hold.
They don't really think Nodoka and I are… do they? Saki's thoughts raced, her face burning as she replayed her conversations with Nodoka in her head. It's just a normal friendship… isn't it? But the way Awai emphasized "friend" made her question how it looked to everyone else.
Seiko quipped in, playing the tsukkomi while Awai played the boke. Sometimes Seiko even imitated an Osakan dialect for full comedic effect. Saki could barely keep up with their playful banter, the two of them bouncing off each other effortlessly, like they had rehearsed it. Oh no, they're not stopping… Her hands instinctively went up to cover her cheeks, but that only encouraged them more. I care about Nodoka… but… The idea that her teammates might be seeing something deeper between her and Nodoka made her stomach some point, Awai had a glint on her eyes and re-enacted the earlier phone call between Saki and Nodoka. "I believe you, Haramura-san!" Awai recited dramatically.
Seiko completely having her fun, put her hand on a prayer position and said, "Miyanaga-san."
Saki felt her temperature rising by the second, her vision blurring slightly from the warmth building in her cheeks. She could practically hear the blood rushing to her face, her thoughts a jumbled mess of protests and confusion.
Suddenly, a cool breeze hit her skin, and she blinked, realizing that Takami had appeared beside her, fanning her head with concern etched on her face.
"Saki, are you okay?" Takami asked softly, her brow furrowed as she waved her hands in an attempt to cool Saki down. "You're burning up."
Saki's eyes widened, her embarrassment deepening, but this time not from the teasing. "I—I'm fine, really," she mumbled, though the redness in her face betrayed her words.
"You don't look fine," Takami insisted gently, her expression softening as she glanced over at the rest of the team. "Awai, Seiko, maybe you should give her a break."
Awai, despite her mischief, caught the hint and backed off a little. "Alright, alright," she said with a laugh, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I guess we've teased Saki-chan enough—for now."
Relieved that the teasing was subsiding, Saki exhaled, though the embarrassment still lingered. She cast a grateful look at Takami, appreciating the gentle intervention. Thank you, Takami-san...
As the room's energy shifted back to casual conversation, Saki remained quiet, her heart still pounding as she thought about what had just happened.
Sumire glanced at Teru, watching as their vanguard quietly observed the lively scene. The others were still laughing, Awai teasing Saki mercilessly while Seiko played along, the room filled with light-hearted energy. Yet, Teru remained seated, a small smile playing on her lips as she raised her cup of tea.
"Are you okay?" Sumire asked, her voice low, almost drowned out by the noise.
Teru paused, cup lingering near her lips, her gaze shifting toward Sumire. For a brief moment, something flickered in her eyes—something guarded, just beneath the surface. She took a slow sip of tea before answering.
"I'm fine," Teru replied, her voice as calm as ever. "Just... watching."
Sumire narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing that there was more beneath Teru's words. She knew her well enough to recognize when she was holding something back.
"Watching, huh?" Sumire pressed, her tone more curious now. "You mean Saki?"
Teru didn't respond immediately, her eyes drifting toward her sister, who was still caught up in the teasing. Saki's face was flushed, her smile a mix of embarrassment and amusement, but there was an undeniable warmth radiating from her—a warmth Teru hadn't seen in a long time.
"Yes," Teru admitted softly, her voice almost a whisper. "Saki... she hasn't smiled like that in a while. It's... unexpected." She took another sip of tea, her expression unreadable. "I think it's a good thing."
Sumire tilted her head, watching Teru carefully. "Worried?"
Teru smiled faintly, lowering her cup. "I'm Saki's onee-chan."
Note:
I do not own Saki. I am happy with chapter 278, felt like Saki is back! And the art is wayyyy better too.
Headache inducing chapter and I went overboard with the length I think. Again, I am not familiar with mahjong and I tried to write it the best I can.
I tried to stay with Nodoka's playstyle, just tweaked it a bit to make her more open to suggestions. I mean honestly in that world she is the illogical one for refusing to believe some playstyle. She sort of believe Saki's rinshan kaiho though. Also, the Nodocchi mode is not normal at all.
Why did Amae did not fully stick with Haitei? Like how I firmly believe that Saki is not jus about rinshan so is Amae. Aside from the improbability of her to losing to Nodoka, I tried hard not to diminish the potency of Amae's playstyle. That's why I made sure Nodoka had loads of points from the start. Despite losing the war, she won the point gain still.
I tried to give every character their shining moment but yeah it is tough.
Open to questions, suggestions, comments, and even a simple hi and hello.
Wanna thank Smile again for leaving a comment!
