The sun peeked over the mountains of Nagano, casting long, golden rays over the landscape as Kiyosumi's team gathered their bags, the morning air still cool and fresh Several weeks have passed since the training camp ended successfully.

During that time, Kiyosumi spent their days training in the club room and sometimes at Mako's rooftop café. Mako even cooked for the team, with Nodoka, Maho, and Yuuki occasionally helping out both as waitresses and players in the mahjong parlor. Because of the tournament and the training camp, the bonds between the teams even became deeper to the point that they would become regulars at Mako's family café and mahjong parlour, most especially Fukuji Mihoko who would often visit with Hisa and eat napolitan.

Today, the Kiyosumi team met up together at their school to finally go to Tokyo for the inter-High. Hisa couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that the club funds had been replenished, she could probably squeeze enough money however the increase in their coffers is largely welcomed with arms wide open. Train tickets, accommodation, and food. But more than that, she was grateful that no one had arranged a grand send-off. She preferred it this way—no fanfare, no extra pressure. I don't want any of that pressure.

Light chatter can be heard as they walk towards the Iida station to catch the local train however sometimes complains like, 'This is too early for my old bones,' can be heard from Mako. Yuuki can be seen eating a taco and offering some to her friend Maho who was adamantly refusing it given that it is too early in the morning. Yuuki even voiced out while munching on a bag of tacos she'd stashed in her bag the night before. "I hope they have a taco shop in Tokyo, djey!" she said between bites, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Mako sighed still weary because of the early hour, adjusted her glasses. "Yuuki, you realize you'll probably be sick of tacos by the time we reach Tokyo, right?"

"Never!" Yuuki declared proudly, holding her bag of tacos like a badge of honour. "I'll take on the world with taco power!"

Maho, sat quietly next to Nodoka, clutching a small travel guide of Tokyo in her hands. "I've never been to Tokyo before... I wonder what it's like."

"You'll love it," Nodoka who managed to maintain a calm expression despite her excitement, reassured her, smiling warmly. "It's busy, but there's always something exciting happening."

Nodoka's mind was half-focused on their conversation, but the other half lingered on Saki. Her phone was tucked safely in her bag, but the habit of checking it was strong. She still felt a warmth from their conversation, a sense of connection that had left her heart lighter than before. The Nationals were drawing closer, and though there was much at stake, there was something about having Saki that gave her courage. Saki-san even checked that train schedule to find out what time we'll get to Tokyo.

Once Hisa and Mako made sure that everyone is aboard in the train to Ina-Matsushima Station including Kyoutaro who was slightly lagging behind because he was tasked to carry the club supplies. Hisa looked at Nodoka who she knows is particularly excited about today and it is not because of the prospect of going to Tokyo.

"Hey, Nodoka." Hisa's voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to see her captain giving her a knowing smile. "You're awfully quiet today."

Nodoka blinked, quickly shaking her head. "Ah, no, not really... Just thinking about Tokyo."

Hisa chuckled then smirked at Nodoka. "Right... Tokyo. Sure." She winked at Nodoka before turning back to address the rest of the team. "Alright, everyone, we've several transfers today so don't wander around too much in the train."

Mako distributed some onigiri for the team members. Hisa then smiled gratefully at the bespectacled girl and said, "Mako, you are so reliable—"

Mako cut her off and said, "Don't worry I am taking it out of club budget."

After train transfers to get to Okaya Station, they are finally heading out of Nagano Prefecture.

Mako sometimes can be seen stretching her back every once in a while, weary from the long travel, while Yuuki and Kyoutaro was amazingly bickering every now and then. Hisa is just sitting contentedly and was enjoying the moment. Maho sat with wide eyes, mesmerized by the surroundings and excited for her very first visit to Tokyo, Nodoka was sitting and was looking at the window every now and then.

Nodoka couldn't help but feel the anticipation building. The thought of reuniting with Saki, seeing her in person again, was like a current of energy running beneath her skin.

As the train approached the outskirts of Tokyo, the city skyline began to emerge on the horizon. Tall buildings rose up like steel giants, glittering in the midday sun. Maho gasped, her excitement bubbling over. "It's so big!"

Nodoka smiled at her reaction, her own heart racing a little. It had been a while since she'd last been in Tokyo, and seeing the city again brought back memories—both of the intense matches and also anticipating for new memories.

Hisa's voice cut through the chatter. "Alright, everyone. Remember, we have one last transfer to get to the hotel. I know everyone's tired and it's been a long day but makes sure you don't wander off by yourself because this station is huge. We will be having a short break as we wait for the next train."

They had a light lunch opting for some light sandwiches while Yuuki was overjoyed to see a nearby shop selling tacos, "I knew it! Of course, people love tacos djey!"

Once they went back to Shinjuku station with Kyoutaro lagging behind once again while carrying most of their supplies, they heard an announcement overhead.

"Your attention please. The Rapid train bound for Tokyo will soon arrive on track number 4. For your safety, please stand behind the yellow line. This train does not stop at Nishi-Ogikubo, Asagaya, and Koenji station. If you want to go to these stations, please take the train at platform number 2"

Saki-san, Nodoka thought as they lined up to embark on the train. They sat down and Maho quickly faced the windows excited about the city almost pressing her face on it, Yuuki chose to stand up despite not reaching the handles.

After three stops, they heard an announcement.

"The next station is Tokyo terminal JC-01. The doors on the right side will open…"

It continued to announce more about transfers but the Kiyosumi mahjong club prepared to disembark.

As the train pulled into Tokyo, Nodoka felt the knot in her stomach tighten. It wasn't just the tournament ahead that stirred her nerves—it was knowing that Saki would be there, waiting.

"Thank you for travelling with us, and we look forward to serving you again," the announcement ended.

The team nodded in unison, as they stepped off the train and into the bustling station, the energy of Tokyo hit them full force. The crowds, the noise, the flashing lights of the advertisements overhead—it was a city full of life and movement.

As the Kiyosumi team exited Shinjuku Station, the bustling energy of Tokyo surrounded them. The crowds flowed like a river, carrying the sounds of conversation, laughter, and the distant clanging of train announcements. Just as Nodoka took a deep breath, letting the excitement wash over her, a familiar voice broke through the noise.

"Nodoka-chan!"

Nodoka's heart raced as she turned, spotting Saki standing a few steps away. Her short hair framed her face with one tuft adorably sticking out from the side of her head, and her garnet eyes sparkled with warmth, the same warmth that always made Nodoka feel at ease whenever they talk on the phone. Saki was accompanied by someone, but in that moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away.

"Saki-san!" Nodoka called, her voice brightening as she hurried forward, the noise of the station fading into the background.


Note:

I would like to thank Misaka Phenex for leaving a comment. I'm glad to see people are reading this. And yes, the front bits are ridiculous.

I hope you all enjoy this, truly.

I researched how to go to Tokyo and watched some train videos which is a guilty pleasure of sorts.

So yeah weirdly enough, I know how to go from Iida Nagano to Tokyo station.

On another note, Vein is Simply Tired made a new Saki FF on AO3 so you might wanna check it out. It is fuuuuun.