"Takamine-san..."

As I finished my business with Jouraku, Kurosaki was standing at the sideline waiting for me. Even though I knew I was grimacing, I swept it away and replaced it with a gentle smile for her sake.

"Sorry about that, Kurosaki-san."

She shook her head.

"A-are you alright...?"

"Yeah. I'm more worried about Haruno-san though... mind if we go check on him?"

"I-I was going to suggest the same, actually..."

With a mutual nod, we both rushed over to the tunnel on the other side. While we expected to see Shiramichi waiting for Haruno, to our surprise, the entire Jinrai team was there.

"It seems some GEN Academy students have come to visit you."

The first one to sense our presence was Manyuda, who turned to us with a thin smile. Touka turned around immediately, waving at us with a large smile on her face.

"Oh, it's Minoru-san and Kurosaki-san! It's nice to see you guys here!"

Kumohiko acknowledged us with a nod while Etou turned to face us with crossed arms. She was standing in front of Haruno, who was sitting on a bench with his head hung low.

Shiramichi was leaning on the wall next to Haruno, but she wasn't looking at him or us. Instead, she was zoned out, her eyes drifted off elsewhere.

"Hazuki-san, could you handle this?"

Seeing that Touka was on good terms with us, Etou delegated communications to her. Touka gave a thumbs up and she wandered towards us, while Etou and Haruno continued what seemed to be their conversation from earlier.

"Touka-san... is everything okay with Haruno-san?"

"Unfortunately, no... he's understandably distressed after that fight. We knew something was wrong when Haruno-san suddenly bowed down to that asshole Jouraku, but we never expected the situation to be this bad."

It was admirable that everyone on Jinrai cared about one another like this. Seeing the whole team visit Haruno in person to check on him after that humiliating conclusion made me wish GEN had the same sort of unity.

"I guess he already explained it to you guys, huh?"

She nodded.

"While it's a shame Haruno-san lost, at least we still have Etou-san fighting for us! The real concern is Shiramichi-san..."

Touka scratched the back of her head, glancing back at the downtrodden Shiramichi.

"She's not been in a good headspace since yesterday and the whole situation with Jouraku has made her feel even worse... we're all getting the vibe she's going to forfeit."

"What? She's thinking about withdrawing despite making it so far?"

"Yeah... it seems so. We got lucky yesterday, since she was already thinking about doing the same thing, but... today, I don't think there's any way around it. If she's not feeling it, then she's not feeling it. It's not like we can force her to fight."

"Shiramichi-san..."

Hearing that, Kurosaki's eyes softened as she gazed upon the hollow Shiramichi.

"It would be a real shame if she does. I was looking forward to seeing what else she could do, or even potentially fighting her." I said.

"I'm surprised! I thought you two would be more excited over hearing that, but your faces are so somber."

"W-why wouldn't they be... S-Shiramichi-san is thinking about scooping instead of continuing to fight to the bitter end... it's sad." Kurosaki said.

"It would also be a hollow, cheap, and meaningless victory for whoever matches into her. If I was her opponent and advanced this way, I don't feel like I would have earned my spot in the semi-finals." 

Overhearing our words, for a second, Shiramichi's eyes rolled up to meet mine. It looked like she wanted to say something, but instead she sighed and her eyes rolled down, returning to their original sunken position.

"Takamine-san, Kurosaki-san."

Approaching us while calling our names was Haruno, who greeted us with a weak smile.

"I appreciate you two coming here to check on me... I'm doing better now, so don't worry about me that much... but."

Haruno raised his head, staring us in the eyes.

"Please don't say words like that again about Shiramichi-san. You don't know the full extent of what her situation is like... so please respect her decision, whatever it may be."

I raised my eyebrows. I could tell he meant no ill will in his tone, but I wasn't expecting such stern pushback. Kurosaki panicked and started bowing.

"S-sorry... that was insensitive of me..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry too. I just wanted to encourage Shiramichi-san to keep going, even if she doesn't feel like it."

Haruno's light smile turned to a frown.

"...trust me, I know how you feel. If I was in your position a few months ago, I would have done the same thing. But when you have nothing to call your own... it's very hard to care about something like this."

Those few harrowing words were more than enough to paint a picture of what sort of life Shiramichi had suffered. I guess I really did have no clue what I was talking about earlier... she must think I'm a jackass for saying that.

"...a-aren't... you giving up a bit too fast... Haruno-san?"

Almost like a whisper, those quiet words left Kurosaki's lips as she stared at the ground. Even though she wasn't able to look at him in the eye while saying it, she still managed to force out those words from her throat. Haruno paused before shaking his head.

"Is it really giving up if she's still here with us today?"

"N-no... n-not about that... I-I mean..."

Kurosaki stumbled through her words, crumbling under the pressure of saying such a dangerous response that had a high chance of being misunderstood. Not even I could tell where she was going with this.

"A-about cardfighting... if Shiramichi-san has nothing she can call her own... m-maybe she could, um... try to make something she can call her own here, in this very tournament...?"

She was starting to make some sense now, but I still didn't quite get the point of Kurosaki's cook. Haruno looked away.

"I tried to... but like I said, Vanguard isn't where her true passion lies."

"A-are you sure...? Because... t-to me... when I saw her talk about Obscudeid..."

Despite her shaking body, Kurosaki lifted her head, looking at both Haruno and Shiramichi.

"I-I could feel something... there..."

Shiramichi didn't pay attention to her. Haruno bit his bottom lip.

"I... I know Shiramichi-san doesn't feel like she's up for it... it's understandable w-why... but if you give up before you can even start moving... t-then how are you going to make any progress?"

Kurosaki squeaked as she realised everyone on Jinrai was listening to her. I pat her on the back, encouraging her to continue.

"T-Takamine-san..."

"You've got this."

Kurosaki took a deep breath and nodded. It was hard to tell if this any of this would help Shiramichi and her situation, but I thought it was important for Kurosaki to find the courage to say what was on her mind regardless.

"M-moving forward... is going to hurt... and is going to be painful... but... b-being stuck on the road that can lead towards the light... is far better than being stuck in the same isolated place you've been trapped in... f-for the rest of your life..."

I don't know why, but for some reason, these words roused a response from Shiramichi.

She sharply exhaled.

Kurosaki's eyes widened and her body began shaking even more.

"...Haruno-san, it's suffocating."

Even though it was a plea to escape, it was undeniable to everyone here there was an undercurrent of malice directed towards Kurosaki for saying those words.

"Let's go somewhere else then, Shiramichi-san."

Haruno put on a gentle smile as he led Shiramichi away from the situation, presumably so she could settle down in the Jinrai control room. Kumohiko shot a glare at us before also taking his leave, trailing the two of them.

"What's his deal..."

I muttered to myself, glaring back at Kumohiko.

"T-Takamine-san, I was so scared..."

Kurosaki whimpered as she collapsed against my body, using it as a crutch to keep herself upright. She pressed her hand against her thumping chest, having difficulty breathing.

"I know... you did a good job out there, Kurosaki-san."

I rubbed her back, trying to soothe her trembling body. I knew how much courage it took for Kurosaki to do something as bold as that, so for her to be met with such a obstinate wall when she was only trying to help must have been devastating.

"I do apologise on behalf of my teammates. For what it's worth, I think your words have beautiful meaning to them, but I don't think it was a good time for Shiramichi-san to hear them."

Manyuda offered his condolences before also taking his leave, joining Kumohiko. As his levelheaded words relieved the tension, Touka broke it up with a cheerful laugh.

"Ha ha, Manyuda-san is so funny! He said something cryptic like that then went on his merry way!"

"...in other words, he's saying your advice fell on deaf ears."

Etou clarified with a sigh.

"I feel like we should be the ones apologising... we did kind of barge into your school's personal matters with our own opinions, despite not knowing the full scope of things."

Kurosaki nodded.

"I-I thought I went way out of line there... especially when everyone stared at me like that..."

"Kurosaki-san, was it?"

Etou looked down at her. Kurosaki gulped and looked up at her.

"We can tell your intentions were pure, so try not to care so much about other people's opinions when speaking your mind. Taking a side will always be divisive, so it's bound to ruffle some feathers even if you try not to."

"In this case, you took the opposite stance of Shiramichi-san, who had already decided to "give up". It's no wonder she was pissed."

Even though Etou and Touka meant to console her, it only made Kurosaki more scared.

"B-but I don't want to hurt other people..."

"It's an inevitable part of human life. The very fact you exist will bring pain to someone in the world, regardless of what you do. If you die, you'll hurt the people who care most about you. If you live, you'll hurt the people who want you to no longer exist."

Kurosaki paused, her hand holding tightly onto my sleeve as she looked at Etou.

"I... I never thought about it that way before..."

"You said it yourself. Growing as a person requires pain. Nothing comes easy. Because if it did, then it wouldn't feel like you earned it."

As Etou said that last part, she looked at me, echoing my opinion from earlier. I smiled in response and nodded.

"Of course. It's only satisfying because you have to fight like hell for it!"

Interrupting our conversation was a pop-up which appeared in front of all of us.

<Commencing next game>
[Jinrai] Etou Isuzu vs [Alba] Hiryuu Sousei

"Uwa! It looks like you're up, leader!" Touka said.

"It seems so."

Etou smiled gently, before her face turned serious. Talk about locking in...

"I'm going ahead now. But rest assured, I'll be back."

"You've got this, Etou-san!"

As Touka cheered her on, Etou headed down the tunnel. Likewise, Kurosaki and I said goodbye to Touka before making our way back to the GEN Academy control room.

"E-Etou-san's fighting Hiryuu-san... which means..."

"There's only two possible opponents for us left... Shiramichi-san and Agon-san."

It was pretty ironic, since we considered both of them as friends.

"T-to be honest, I'm a little disappointed... I-I wanted to fight Etou-san and prove that my Thegrea build is superior..."

I laughed a little.

"Then you just gotta win this round and make it to the semi-finals to meet her there, right?"

"Yeah... Etou-san better not lose, or else I'll never forgive her for it!"

"What I'm more concerned about is who we'll get paired into next... the match-up spread isn't looking good for me. Even though Sagitta is a bulky deck, both Zorga and Eva are way more tankier than me... in a battle of attrition, I'll lose, but it's not like my deck can exactly hit back hard like they can either."

"It sounds like Takamine-san is in a really tight spot... the only deck I have to worry about is Eva, since she can aim to deck me out by lasting longer and recycling her pieces... so, between the two of them, I'd rather fight Agon-san, as his deck doesn't have any way to refresh."

"Then I hope for your sake, you get matched against him. Regardless of who I fight, it's going to be a tough game, so I don't really mind either way... ah, speaking of Agon-san, we haven't seen him today have we?"

Kurosaki shook her head.

"D-do you want to visit him during the lunch break?"

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea! I'll go message him about it."

The lunch break would happen after Etou and Hiryuu's game anyways, so it was a convenient place for us to meet up. We also made it back just in time to catch the beginning of the fight.

"Looks I'm up against an Ace this time... but no matter what your Category is, I'm still going to surpass it! Let's have a good game, Etou-san."

"Of course, the same goes for you, Hiryuu-san— or should I say, Sousei-san?"

Hiryuu raised her eyebrows.

"Oh? You even know about that?"

Etou nodded.

"I know you're the daughter of the infamous Hiryuu Sousuke, who was at one point regarded as one of Japan's elite four back in his youth. However, he one day disappeared from the world of professional Vanguard without saying anything, like his existence was a fleeting light that burned up on its ascent to stardom. It's no wonder you don't wish to be associated with such a besmirched name."

Seriously? I guess I should update what I call her too... I had no clue Sousei was the daughter of such an amazing person.

"Ha ha ha! Hey, don't you think it's a bit rude to talk about my old man like that? While it's true I'd rather be just Sousei, it's not because I'm ashamed of my dad and what he's done. My dad is a great man who taught me everything I know."

"I can tell. After all, you're standing on the stage of the Tri-deity Circuit without so much as breaking a sweat."

Forget about them being nervous, the confidence exuding from both of them was making me nervous instead just from watching them.

"But it's precisely because of people like you why I'd rather be known as Sousei, rather than Hiryuu. The moment you see that name, you think of the shadow of my beloved father, rather than me and my skills. Unfortunately for you, that old man isn't your opponent— I am."

Both Kurosaki and I watched the screen in awe, probably because Sousei faced the same problems we had. Kurosaki didn't want her father's fame to overshadow her, and likewise, I didn't want people to know about my connection to mommy.

So, for Sousei to not only wear her family name proudly like a badge of honour, but to also pushback against anyone trying to look down on her because of it, I gained a massive surge of respect for her since I knew even I couldn't handle doing something like that.

"If that's the case, you should have used your mother's maiden name. Or omit your surname altogether."

"That would be an insult to both of them. My mom chose to take his last name for a reason, nor am I ashamed of my origins despite what others may think of me because of it. In fact, I'll exceed those expectations placed upon me, and reclaim the name Hiryuu for both my father and I through victory with my own two hands!" 

Etou closed her eyes and a light smile appeared on her face.

"Then this station shall be the last stop of your journey. Your destination terminates here."

A blue card each descended in front of them, with Etou letting hers fall into her hand and Hiryuu slicing through hers horizontally with a chop. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising their decks.

A bright yellow crest of a royal crown strewn through by a sword appeared over Etou's deck, while a silver crest of rail tracks twisting like DNA appeared over Hiryuu's deck.

The system decided Etou would go first.

"Stand up, Vanguard!"

"Knight of Integrity, Thegrea!"

"Falstather!"

I looked over to Kurosaki, who knit her eyebrows while pouting. I could tell that she didn't want Etou to win, but at the same time, because she wanted her to advance so she could be the one to personally finish her off.

Personally, I hope Etou advances, because in the off case I have end up matching into her... I would already know how to play around Thegrea thanks to Kurosaki. I can't say the same if I were to go up against Sousei and her Impauldio.

"Stand and draw. I discard to ride Pink Moth Girl, Maple! I get the Energy Generator and end my turn."

Etou:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Inno Progrett! I get the Energy Generator with 3 energy and draw! Then, I reveal Impauldio in my ride deck to turn SYSTEM CODE: X-ceed online! I call Baldareid! Boosted by him, Inno Progrett attacks! (8000 > 16000)"

"No guard."

"Drive check! (Nebula Invoke Dragon)"

"Damage check! (Divine Sister, Natilla) Front trigger."

"Nice. Baldareid's skill! I put him into soul, scry 5, and add Vindschtar to hand! Turn end!"

Etou:
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 7
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge. I discard to ride Harsh Training, Thegrea! Biscotti's skill, energyblast 3 to draw! I play the order, Encouragement of Times Past! I counterblast to scry 7 and superior call Retrospective Dragon!"

"Ghhhh..."

Kurosaki squealed, biting down her tongue as she tried not to say anything negative.

"There, there..."

Kazuraba laughed awkwardly, patting her back in solidarity as Kurosaki rocked back and forth, grumbling to herself.

"Ugh, when I get my hands on you...!"

Kurosaki hissed at the screen, pouting even more than before. I couldn't tell if she was directing her hatred at Retrospective making an appearance or Etou for using Retrospective in her deck... actually, knowing her, it was probably both.

"Retrospective's skill, I soulblast and discard to add Oath of Vengeance! I call Teithfallt and Cerrgaon! Teithfallt's skill, I soulblast to scry 5 and call another Cerrgaon! Retrospective attacks! (10000)"

"She's rushing right off the bat, huh?" I said.

"I-isn't she throwing caution at the wind by doing that? I mean, Sousei-san's deck benefits from getting hit early..." Kurosaki said.

"Only if there's cards in drop, which she is currently lacking." Kazuraba said.

"Yeah, but since she's coming at her with three attacks, Sousei-san can just chump guard the first one and take the rest for two free gauges."

"That is true... after how meticulously Iori-san fought to ensure Sousei-san wouldn't have the necessary amount of AutoMOD gauges going into turn 3, seeing Etou-san, who is an Ace no less, disregard that threat makes me think she's seen something we haven't."

"O-or maybe she's just delusional..."

"I don't think you can say that about your fellow Thegrea player, Yuuma-chan."

Kurosaki whimpered as Kazuraba pinched her cheek. I laughed.

"I mean, she's not wrong... you can get pretty delusional about Thegrea too, Kurosaki-san."

"H-huh? Takamine-san is also siding with Reona-chan?!"

"Of course he is. You were muttering about Etou-san in your sleep, you know?"

Kurosaki's face turned dark red before she squeaked, trying to run away to the other side of the room where Lucina-sensei was.

"L-Lucina-sensei, help me! Reona-chan and Takamine-san! T-they're, they're... they're bullying meeeee!"

Kurosaki tried to escape into the safety of Lucina-sensei's arms, but Kazuraba grabbed her by the collar of her dress and dragged her back. I put my hands up, surrendering myself as not to get involved any further.

"Pansmermia guards! (13000) His skill, energyblast 3 to draw!"

"Boosted by Cerrgaon, Thegrea attacks! His skill, +5k! (10000 > 23000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Palladium Zeal Dragon)"

"Damage check! (Headway Router Dragon) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (8000 > 13000)"

"Cerrgaon retires, I scry 2, and add a card to hand! Boosted by Cerrgaon, Teithfallt attacks! His skill, +5k! (10000 > 23000)"

"No guard! (Wandel Regenbork) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (13000 > 18000)"

"Cerrgaon retires, I scry 2, and add a card to hand! Turn end!"

"Classic, classic Keter slop turn..." I said.

"The pile is strong with this one... just play Rezael at that point!" Kurosaki said.

"More like when is Teithgaon Wisdom going to get banned?" Kazuraba said.

Etou:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
XXX
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 2
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Dras Evolia! Wandel Regenbork's skill, I soulblast to get a Persona Shield ticket! I call Headway Router and Nebula Invoke! Headway's skill, I energyblast 3 to scry 5 and call Moonlit Ainsel! Boosted by Ainsel, Evolia attacks Teithfallt! (10000 > 18000)"

I raised my eyebrows.

"Woah, damage deny?! Is Sousei-san trying to choke Etou-san's resources to buy another turn?"

Kurosaki nodded with a sigh.

"A-and this is another reason I dislike this version of the deck... Thegrea only needs one open counterblast on turn 3 to do her plays, but if you use Encouragement on turn 2 and rush like Etou-san... you use up your only available counterblast and leave front row rear-guards for your opponent to swing into for damage deny..."

"Maybe she runs the 1-of Enucleate to account for that?" Kazuraba said.

"D-don't remind me of those dark days where I tried her..."

How far deep does the Thegrea trauma go with her...?

"Teithfallt retires."

"Drive check! (Blitz Pilot, Jagt) Hmm... well, this is annoying."

Since Sousei was planning on denying Etou, getting a critical trigger here was probably the worst outcome. She could pivot her plays, put everything on Invoke, and force Etou to eat two damage to do anything on turn 3, but doing so would also turn on Etou's heal triggers, which would punish Sousei even further if she were to check them.

"I'm sticking to my guns. Critical to vanguard, power to Invoke! (10000 > 20000) (18000/1 > 2) Boosted by Headway, Invoke attacks Retrospective! His skill, soulblast to get +5k! (20000 > 25000 > 33000)"

"No guard. Retro retires."

"That's all from me. Turn end!"

Etou:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 2
XXO
XXO

"Stand, draw, and charge. I discard to ride One Who Walks the Path of Light, Thegrea! Thegrea's skill, I scry 5 and add a Justice to hand! Maple's skill, she revives herself from drop! I set Oath of Vengeance!"

"D-despite the situation she's in... there's still a chance for Etou-san to make the most of it." Kurosaki said.

"In what way?"

"Umm... hehe... it's called ride, swing, and pass..."

Kurosaki's face started turning red again. Despite her embarrassment, I could tell there was some semblance of strategy to her words.

"Well, I mean... considering Sousei-san left Nebula Invoke in front, if she didn't want to give Sousei-san the third AutoMOD gauge, Etou-san could just swing Thegrea into it and pass back the turn."

Kurosaki nodded.

"E-exactly! Plus, with no open counterblast to use on a Dark restand, using her Arcana here to Meyrig turn 3 would be a waste... Etou-san is on low damage too, so she can easily tank Sousei-san's next turn, and then on her crack back, she can double Persona Ride normally and have way more power for Dark!"

"Yeah, that makes perfect sense. I guess in that means all Etou-san and Sousei-san are doing is artificially prolonging the game this way by hitting each other's rear-guards until they can gather enough pieces to one-shot the other..."

"I-it's like one big game of chicken... I wonder if Etou-san's deck can survive it..."

"I call Meyrig! Now, with this circuit of hope... reveal my fate, Arcana!"

"E-eh? E-eh?! Eeeeeh?! W-wait, she's still going for it?!"

Kurosaki's jaw dropped. Despite everything we just discussed about how Etou could handle this situation, she still stubbornly pressed on with her deck's game plan like nothing had changed.

Etou raised her hand into the air like she was holding up a sword, the pure white circuits in her body surging upwards into the palm of her hand, gathering at the combined shape of her fingertips, and emerging into a Roman numeral.

V.

"Hierophant ability, activate."

"Apex Punishment! Until end of turn, your vanguard gets grade +2, then I put cards from my drop equal to the number of your grade! Since you're currently grade 4, I put four cards from my drop into soul! Two Cerrgaon, Biscotti, and Teithfallt! Now, Meyrig's skill! I bind her face up and put Dark into soul to superior ride from my deck... the sword of hope that fragments despair shall burn red through heaven, casting out all sin as it cuts away the detestable half of this corrupted world. Before the blooming scales of judgement... all evil shall be banished by my avatar! I ride Epee De Justice, Thegrea!"

"Oi, I've never seen an Ace act this reckless before... what gives?" I said.

"I... I can't even tell you... I don't get what Etou-san is doing either, and I play her deck for a living!" Kurosaki said.

"Could it be Etou-san is trying to pile on the aggression now to finish things sooner...? In a long battle, her deck would crumble since Impauldio had better scaling late game." Kazuraba said.

"M-maybe... but, giving Sousei-san more AutoMOD gauges to work with on turn 3 is even scarier... especially since she can activate her Divine Skill in conjunction with her Arcana!"

"Yeah, not only would that massively increase the pressure of her offence, but it would also build up her defence since she's essentially drawing a metric crap ton of cards."

"I-I honestly can't tell what she's trying to achieve with this... what is Etou-san thinking up there?"

Even Kurosaki was left completely bewildered by Etou's unorthodox plays that were incongruous with her usual style of fighting.

"Justice's skill! I discard to superior ride One Who Blooms in the Dark, Thegrea from soul, bind her, and activate Persona Ride! Oath's skill, my Persona Rides get +5k and I draw 2 instead! (10000 > 25000) (13000 > 28000) Encouragement's skill, I energyblast 3 and remove it from game to add the bound Justice to hand! I call Justice and Cerrgaon! (13000 > 28000) Thegrea attacks! (28000) Mete Recollection!"

"Going into Dark Thegrea without having the restand available sure is a choice... I was going to ask if you wanted to take it back, but you were going through the motions so swiftly, I couldn't get a word in."

"I was able to do things so decisively because I had already made my mind during your turn this would be the best course of action on my turn."

Kurosaki let out a dying wheeze.

"S-she... she decided she was going to do all of that during Sousei-san's turn...? M-maybe I was giving Etou-san too much credit before..."

"There, there..."

I was starting to feel bad for her, so I pat her on the back as consolation.

"Oh? And what led you to that conclusion? No guard!"

"Your deck caps off at three attacks. Twin Drive!! (Volition Rigour Dragon) Critical trigger! All effects to Justice! (28000 > 38000/1 > 2) (Divine Sister, Biscotti)"

However, as Kurosaki was about to crash out, hearing Etou say those words brought her back to life. She stopped groaning to herself and sat up, her eyes widened like she had been enlightened.

"Oh... my... god... I see the vision now..."

Kurosaki gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth.

"H-huh?"

"I finally understand Etou-san's game plan now... so, that's what she was trying to do...!"

Is this like... some sort of mental link-up or brain blast thing between Thegrea players? Because even after hearing that, I still don't understand what the hell is going on...

"Kurosaki-san, do you mind expl... you know what, never mind."

She was at peace. She looked like she was in heaven. Her face was the most relaxed it ever looked during this entire fight. I didn't want to disturb that peace, even if I was extremely concerned for her.

"Aww, come on, why did you put the critical on your rear-guard? Live on the edge a little and let's have some fun! Damage check! (Great Sickle of White Flash, Baldareid) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (10000 > 15000)"

"I think I already am by feeding you AutoMOD gauges. Boosted by Cerrgaon, Maple attacks! His skill, +5k! (25000 > 38000)"

"I play the Persona Shield ticket and guard with Dekarcop! (40000)"

"Cerrgaon retires, I scry 2, and add a card to hand! Maple's skill! I soulblast my grade 2 Biscotti to add back my grade 2 Teithfallt from soul to hand, then Maple goes to soul! Justice attacks! (38000/2)"

"Now this is the one I really wanted to take on! No guard! (Flowers in Vacuum, Cosmo Wreath) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (15000 > 20000) (Star Dragon Deity of Infinitude, Eldobreath) Oh..."

"Oh."

Both Etou and Sousei looked surprise to see the overTrigger suddenly pop out.

"Your win condition."

"My AutoMOD gauge..."

However, they both had completely different thoughts regarding the situation.

"I don't get to X-ceed, but I do draw... 100 million on my vanguard, I suppose... (20000 > 100,020,000)"

Sousei sighed. Looks like she really wasn't happy about that happening to her since it took a massive bite out of her pressure next turn.

"Turn end."

Etou:
Hand: 9
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
OXX
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 4
XXO
XXO

"Stand, draw, and charge! The rails of the universe open up to you. Beyond starlight in the cosmos, with your strongest, beat their strongest, and break your limits faster than the speed of sound! I ride my avatar, Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio! Dras Evolia's skill, I put the top card of my deck as an AutoMOD gauge! (Nebula Invoke Dragon) And while I have the option of adding an AutoMOD gauge to hand, I'm going to pass on that."

Sousei grinned. Etou nodded.

"E-eh? Why is she doing that?" Kurosaki said.

"Probably to hit the sixth AutoMOD gauge for an additional +5k to front, since Impauldio puts one in as well." I said.

"And if she's planning on using her Divine Arcana this turn, that one extra card in hand pales in comparison to the extra four drives she's about to get." Kazuraba said.

"D-Divine Arcana?" Kurosaki said.

"Hehe, like it? That's the term I've coined for when Sousei-san uses her combo of Divine Skill and Arcana at the same time!"

Kazuraba looked chuffed with the name she came up with, so I didn't have the courage to say it was kind of lame sounding...

"Impauldio's skill! I counterblast to turn a card from drop into an AutoMOD gauge, scry 5, and call Moonlit Ainsel! Impauldio then gives my front row +15k since I have six AutoMOD gauges! (10000 > 25000) (13000 > 28000) I call Sky-leap Conversion, Vindschtar and he gets an additional +5k since I have two AutoMOD gauges! (13000 > 18000 > 33000) Let's open up the King's dominion!"

Sousei smirked as light green circuits lit up all over her body, shooting from her heart before concentrating into her left forearm, which she held up to show a Roman numeral.

XVII.

"Star ability, activate."

"Starlight Siegfried! The next time I gain drive checks, I double the amount I gain! And now that you're within the King's dominion, it's only fair he goes all out! Impauldio's Divine Skill, activate! I counterblast and discard 1 to make Impauldio go critical and get +4 drive checks! (28000/1 > 2/2d > 6d) This is what the fastest in the universe looks like! Be prepared to be left behind in my tracks, Etou-san!"

"You can go as fast as you want, but we both know slow and steady wins the race."

"Then it's a good thing that going fast makes me feel alive! Boosted by Ainsel, Impauldio attacks! (28000 > 36000/2/4d) Reaccelerate Railgun... Overdrive!"

"Palladium Zeal Dragon, perfect guard!"

"Hextuple Drive!!!!!! (Great Sickle of White Flash, Baldareid, Patrol Robo, Dekarcop) Critical trigger! All to Vindschtar! (33000 > 43000/1 > 2) (Cardinal Draco, Enpyro) Front trigger! (25000 > 35000) (36000 > 46000/2/4d) (43000 > 53000/2) (Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio, Bullet of Creation, Pansmermia, Blitz Pilot, Jagt) Critical trigger! Power to Vindschtar, critical to Invoke! (53000 > 63000/2) (35000/1 > 2)"

"S-she got three triggers...!" Kurosaki said.

"And a double crit too... even if Etou-san's sitting on one damage now, Sousei-san's columns will only get larger on her next turn, so taking those two-hit attacks now would put her in an extremely risky position." Kazuraba said.

"It's probably in Etou-san's best interest to guard these attacks now so she has a chance to safely tank the attacks next turn since they'll be one-hit... but the pressure exuding from Vindschtar's drive check makes it difficult to safely guard his attack too." I said.

"And if Etou-san does stop that attack, then Sousei-san always has the option of swinging the last attack into her rear-guard to damage deny her further. Sousei san's biggest advantage is the fact she can drag out this game as long as she wants, so Etou-san is at the mercy of the pace she sets."

"For fastest in the universe, it sure does loop back around to being slow and tanky."

"You could say Impauldio's moving so fast no one can hit him... hence the absurd defence."

I nodded in agreement with Kazuraba. Meanwhile, Kurosaki was sitting on the edge of her seat, chewing her fingernails as she prayed for Etou's safety.

"Ainsel's skill! She goes to soul and I countercharge! Boosted by Ainsel, Vindschtar attacks! (63000/2) Vindschtar's skill, I counterblast to give him drive -1 and the ability to drive check this attack! (63000/2/2d > 1d)"

Etou looked at her hand and closed her eyes. It looked like she was calculating something in the middle of the cosmic storm Sousei had set down with her circuits. She opened her eyes, smiling thinly.

"No guard!"

Sousei smirked.

"That's the spirit! Drive check! (Patrol Robo, Dekarcop) Critical trigger! All to Nebula Invoke! (35000 > 45000/2 > 3)"

Kurosaki gasped.

"N-no way... i-if she does that, then..."

I nodded.

"Vindschtar will take Etou-san to three damage, meaning Invoke will be swinging lethal. Etou-san is forced to guard it no matter what.

"And to make matters even worse... not only will Etou-san have less counterblast to work with, all her Heal triggers will be turned off since Sousei-san is at four damage." Kazuraba said.

"Damage checks! (Knight of Evil Slash, Meyrig, Blade Feather Dragon) Critical trigger! All to vanguard! (13000 > 23000)"

"Ainsel's skill, to soul and countercharge! Vindschtar binds himself! Boosted by Headway, Invoke attacks! Headway's skill, soulblast to get +5k! Invoke's skill, soulblast to get +15k! (45000 > 60000 > 73000/3) It's do or die, Etou-san! Show me what makes you an Ace and me a King! Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're the one kneeling before me!"

As Sousei launched her strongest attack, a distorted vortex opened behind her, and charging in the middle of that bottomless hole was a blazing ball of orange and purple plasma.

"If I was using my old deck, then..."

Etou paused, shaking her head like she was letting go of a bad memory.

"The difference between an Category Ace and a Category King is the amount of times they've won against strong opponents. And in this case... I'm far more experienced than you are when it comes to being in a pinch. Biscotti guards! Her skill, counterblast to draw! Then I add Natilla, Volition, Arshes, and Retrospective to guard! (23000 > 28000 > 43000 > 58000 > 73000 > 78000)"

"S-she did it!"

Kurosaki cheered as the beam of plasma fired at Etou was cut in half down the middle, causing it to explode and disperse in a wilting crackle.

As the smoke cleared, it revealed that Etou had sliced through the plasma herself by using a summoned version of Thegrea's sword. Sousei whistled as Etou planted the sword into the ground, smiling.

"Damn, girl. Looks like that damage trigger really helped softened the blow for you."

Etou shook her head.

"The damage trigger just made things more awkward, to be honest. I had another trigger in hand I could guard with, but instead I had to waste a resource on Biscotti to be more efficient. Natilla goes to soul."

"Ha ha, I'll take any advantage I can get. Turn end!"

Etou:
Hand: 3
Damage: 3
Energy: 0
OXX
OOO

Sousei:
Hand: 11
Damage: 4
Energy: 3
AutoMOD: 6
XXO
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge. The sword of hope that fragments despair shall burn red through heaven, casting out all sin as it cuts away the detestable half of this corrupted world. Before the blooming scales of judgement... all evil shall be banished by my avatar! Persona Ride, Epee De Justice, Thegrea! (13000 > 28000) (13000 > 28000) Maple's skill, she revives from drop with +5k! (8000 > 13000) Justice's skill! I discard to superior ride from soul, One Who Walks the Path of Light, Thegrea from soul! I bind Justice and activate Persona Ride once more! (28000 > 43000) (28000 > 43000) I counterblast to play Encouragement of Times Past! I scry 7 and superior call Teithfallt! (10000 > 40000) Teithfallt's skill, I soulblast to scry 5 and superior call another Teithfallt! (10000 > 40000)"

"Kurosaki-san, any insight on what Etou-san's thinking...?"

I turned to her, asking for her wisdom. Kurosaki stopped chewing on her fingernail and bit her bottom lip, her eyes tearing up.

"I... I thought Etou-san was being based and was using the "secret method"... I-I thought that was why she was attacking so recklessly... all so she could surprise Sousei-san with it..."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Secret method?"

Kurosaki pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing as a dark shadow cast over her face.

"So, to see her do this... all it amounts to is a desperate gamble."

I'd never seen Kurosaki look so depressed before... there was a heavy weight behind those words that left a lingering sense of dread in the atmosphere.

"I understand now... Etou-san went into this game with the mentality that she couldn't do anything to stop Sousei-san's deck from reaching critical mass... that's why she zeroed in on executing her own game plan and completely ignored what her opponent was doing in front of her. In other words... her strategy going into this game was to win via pure brute force."

Ah... hearing that, I couldn't help but agree with Kurosaki now.

"Thinking back, this is consistent with how Etou-san was playing... from the get-go, she was trying to cripple Sousei-san in the early game, which is where she was weakest. By not letting up on the aggression, she was hoping to push her into a worse position before stabilising and counterattacking with columns larger than what Thegrea can defend against."

"It's an incredible narrow window of opportunity... if Sousei-san didn't check that Eldobreath, then Etou-san would be in a more favourable position since she'd be at five damage and be forced to guard everything... heck, I would consider her lucky that Sousei-san didn't even check any heals last turn too, since that would've given her even more room to take those attacks!"

Kurosaki sighed, putting a flustered hand to her temples.

"If Etou-san was running the "secret method", then maybe... no, she would have won."

"So, what is the "secret method", exactly...?"

"A secret! I can't even tell you, Takamine-san."

Kurosaki giggled.

"Right... I guess I'll have to find out for myself in a fight, huh?"

She nodded before clasping her hands together and blushing a little.

"W-well... you might even see it today."

I smiled before laughing.

"I'll be looking forward to it."

Kurosaki's face lit up as she nodded excitedly.

"Boosted by Maple, Teithfallt attacks! Her skill, +10k! (40000 > 50000 > 63000)"

"No guard! (Elementaria Sanctitude) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (13000 > 18000)"

"Thegrea attacks! (43000) Mete Recollection!"

"Enpyro, Dekarcop, and Dekarcop guards! Enpyro gets +5k shield! (18000 > 38000 > 53000 > 68000) No pass!"

"Twin Drive!! (Encouragement of Times Past, Divine Sister, Natilla) Front trigger! My front row gets +10k! (40000 > 50000) (43000 > 53000) (40000 > 50000) Thegrea's skill! I discard to restand Teithfallt! Maple's skill, she also restands! My other Teithfallt attacks! Her skill, +10k! (50000 > 60000)"

"Pansmermia guards! His skill, energyblast 3 to draw! I add Gesund, Baldareid, and Invoke! His skill, +15k shield! (18000 > 23000 > 38000 > 43000 > 63000)"

"Boosted by Maple, Teithfallt attacks! Her skill, +10k! (50000 > 60000 > 73000)"

"Cosmo Wreath, perfect guard!"

"Turn end! Maple retires."

Etou:
Hand: 6
Damage: 3
Energy: 3
XXX
OOX

Sousei:
Hand: 3
Damage: 5
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 7
XXO
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! The rails of the universe open up to you. Beyond starlight in the cosmos, with your strongest, beat their strongest, and break your limits faster than the speed of sound! Persona Ride my avatar, Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio! (10000 > 20000) (13000 > 23000) Impauldio's skill, I counterblast to put a card from drop as an AutoMOD gauge, scry 5, and call Vindschtar! (13000 > 23000) Impauldio also gives my front row +20k since I have eight AutoMOD gauges! (20000 > 40000) (23000 > 43000) (23000 > 43000) Vindschtar gets +5k from his own skill! (43000 > 48000) Let's end this game with a bang. Impauldio attacks! (43000) Reaccelerate Railgun!"

"Biscotti guards! Her skill, energyblast 3 to draw! I add Natilla and Blade Feather to guard! (13000 > 48000) One to pass."

"Feeling frisky, huh? Sure you don't want to bump that up to a two to pass?"

"Don't underestimate the power of hedging your bets."

Sousei smiled seeing Etou's serious face.

"Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you, though! Twin Drive!! (Headway Router Dragon, Wandel Regenbork) Achaa... looks like you won this time, Etou-san!"

Seeing two blanks, Etou released a sigh of relief under her breath.

"Natilla goes to soul."

"Don't get too comfortable just yet! Vindschtar attacks! (48000) His skill, I counterblast to let him drive check! But this time, since I have eight AutoMOD gauges, he retains both of his drives!"

"No guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Sky-leap Conversion, Vindschtar, Blitz Doctor, Gesund) Heal trigger! I recover a damage and give power to Nebula Invoke! (40000 > 50000)"

"Damage check! (Cerrgaon)"

Sousei paused before grinning.

"Vindschtar gets bound! Now, boosted by Headway, Invoke attacks Teithfallt! I won't be using either of their skills. (50000 > 58000)"

"S-she's switching to attacking the rear-guard? Why's that?" Kurosaki said.

"Once again, Sousei-san is trying to control the pace of the game. Etou-san would benefit more form taking the fifth damage, since that would give her another resource to work with and turn off any defensive heals Sousei-san might get." I said.

"By keeping her at four, Etou-san only has one counterblast to work with and Sousei-san keeps the high roll play of heal into another damage for double AutoMOD gauge generation." Kazuraba said.

"Teithfallt retires."

"That's all from me. Turn end!"

Etou:
Hand: 4
Damage: 4
Energy: 0
OXX
OOX

Sousei:
Hand: 8
Damage: 4
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 8
XXO
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! The sword of hope that fragments despair shall burn red through heaven, casting out all sin as it cuts away the detestable half of this corrupted world. Before the blooming scales of judgement... all evil shall be banished by my avatar! Persona Ride, Epee De Justice, Thegrea! (13000 > 28000) (10000 > 25000) G2 and G1 Maple's skills! They both revive from drop (10000 > 25000) and the G1 gets +5k! (8000 > 13000) Justice's skill! I discard to superior ride from soul, One Who Blooms in the Dark, Thegrea! I bind Justice and activate Persona Ride once more! (25000 > 40000) (28000 > 43000) (25000 > 40000) I energyblast 3 and remove Encouragement from drop to add back the bound Justice to hand, then I call her! Thegrea's skill!"

Kurosaki's eyes widened.

"S-she's using Dark's skill?!"

"I retire two of my grade 2 or less rear-guards, which will be Maple and Teithfallt, to retire one of your rear-guards! But since I have Light Thegrea in soul, I can retire a column instead! I choose Invoke and Headway!"

Sousei's eyes widened, her jaw dropping before laughing.

"Ha ha! A ha ha! Never in a million years would I thought I would see that archaic skill being used... they both disappear from the battlefield."

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! She used Dark's skill!"

Kurosaki squealed, jumping out of her seat in pure joy. It looked like she wanted to kiss Etou through the screen too.

"Etou-samaaaaaaaaa! I love yoooooooou! I love you, I love you, I love you! Please have my babies!"

Talk about a 180... she just went from doomer to fangirl in less than a second!

"Hang on, that's kind of huge though... Invoke is a 20k shield intercept. Etou-san basically eliminated one of Sousei-san's biggest sources of guard." Kazuraba said.

"E-exactly! That's why I'm so impressed! I didn't think Etou-san had it in her, but she does! She remembered that weird obscure skill on Dark Thegrea!"

"I promote both Justice to the front. (13000 > 43000) (13000 > 43000) I call Meyrig and Volition. Boosted by Maple, Thegrea attacks! (43000 > 56000) Mete Recollection!"

Sousei did a quick count of Etou's triggers and put a hand to her chin.

"As much as it pains me to say this... I'm going to have to no guard."

"Akitani-san, odds on the game-winning crit?" Kazuraba said.

"One in four." Akitani said.

"S-so a 25% chance of getting it... is Sousei-san sure about this?" Kurosaki said.

"Even if she perfect guards it now, if Etou-san checks the crit, she'll just put it on Thegrea and threaten lethal again." Kazuraba said.

"Assuming Sousei-san doesn't have enough shield, she'd have to bet on getting the heal either way, so in that the case, it's better for her to take the risk now and get a potential +5k or +15k from X-ceed to help fend off the other attacks." I said.

"S-so, the only way Etou-san gets the guaranteed win is a double crit..."

I nodded.

"Yeah. In that case, Sousei-san needs to get really lucky."

"B-but chances are, she's already drawn them because of the double Persona..."

Kurosaki gasped before putting her hands together in prayer.

"E-Etou-san... as a fellow Thegrea player... I'm sending you my energy...!"

"This is the accumulation of fate under the watchful eye of justice. Twin Drive!! (Forefront Knight, Teithfallt, Palladium Zeal Dragon) No triggers."

"Looks like your justice has abandoned you! Damage check! (Bullet of Creation, Pansmermia) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (13000 > 18000)"

"Not yet. Thegrea's skill— the one which you tried to deny me on turn 3! Unfortunately, the vigilant hatred that emanates from this blade is inescapable. I counterblast and discard to restand the vanguard with drive -1! (43000/2d > 1d) Maple's skill, she also restands! Boosted by Maple, Thegrea attacks once more! (43000 > 56000/1d) Mete Recollection!"

"Cosmo Wreath, perfect guard!"

"Drive check! (Divine Sister, Biscotti) No trigger."

Kurosaki slumped in her seat, curling up into a ball.

"Oh my god, she really did draw into all her triggers... I-I should've known, I should've known..."

"There, there, Yuuma-chan..."

Once again, it fell on Kazuraba to play emotional support as she pat her on the back.

However, even without any triggers checked... this is a dangerous situation for Sousei to be in, isn't it?

Her other columns would be attacking for 48k and 51k respectively. Even with a 18k base, Sousei would need 80k shield to stop it. Invoke would've been an easy 20k banked, but now that he's gone, and her hand is down to 6 cards... I wasn't so sure anymore.

"Boosted by Volition, Thegrea attacks! (43000 > 48000)"

"Gesund, Jagt, and Regenbork guard! (18000 > 33000 > 48000 > 53000)"

"Boosted by Meyrig, Thegrea attacks! (43000 > 51000)"

Sousei laughed.

"Ha ha... no way. I can't believe Invoke getting retired is what got me... I'm 15k short."

"The scales of the world have been spoken. This is your judgement, Sousei-san."

"Then I'll face it head on without any fears! No guard! (Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio) No trigger..."

Sousei sighed before laughing, extending a hand to Etou.

"Good game, Etou-san! You had me on the ropes by the end there!"

Etou took a deep breath, recomposing herself, before smiling gently and shaking Sousei's hand.

"Good game, Sousei-san. The same goes for you... that was a very enjoyable fight. It might be one of the most technical fights I've done in my entire career."

Meanwhile, Kurosaki was leaping with joy that Etou won.

"She did it! She really did it! Etou-san won! That means I can fight her in the semi-finals!"

Granted, she was happy since it meant she could deal with Etou herself, but... I won't say anything, since I've got the same beef with Jouraku.

"I guess that means it's lunch time now." I said.

"A-and after that... it will be both of our fights."

Kurosaki gulped.

"Ah... as your manager, I'm really anxious, you know? I can't believe they've left you two for last!" Kazuraba said.

"The remaining two players who haven't fought yet are Shiramichi-san and Agon-san."

Akitani projected on the screen an image of Shiramichi and Agon along with the reconstruction of their decks he made based on the available footage of their fights.

"As you can see, they both amass a large amount of shield while applying long term pressure with high critical attacks. Regardless of who you fight, it will be a long and drawn out battle. Are you two prepared to overcome these walls of a deck?"

I nodded with a smirk.

"No worries. When it comes to defence, I won't be beaten."

"I'm glad to see you're as confident as ever, Takamine-san."

"Takamine-san is always such a star!" Lucina-sensei said.

I laughed, rubbing the back of my neck. It felt good to be praised by them.

However, Kurosaki's reaction to Akitani's question was different. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head.

"I-if I go up against Shiramichi-san, I'll lose... but against Agon-san, I'll have a chance..."

"Considering you're both Category Zero, on paper he should also be inline with your skill level. But, well..."

Akitani chuckled, pushing up his glasses.

"...we both know that's not really the case, Kurosaki-san."

I raised an eyebrow while Kurosaki's face turned dark red.

"A-Akitani-senpai, not in front of the others..."

"I think it's about time everyone else starts acknowledging your strength, Kurosaki-san. Even Aiuichi-san and Amasawa-san were talking about you winning against Christ-san the other night despite your sickness."

I nodded in agreement. Kurosaki's face turned even more dark red.

"I-I appreciate that you think so highly of me, but I'm really not that impressive..."

"There's a reason why I said you didn't need any specialist coaching from me. From the first time I fought you, I knew you were something special, Kurosaki-san. I have full faith in your abilities."

Akitani put a supportive hand on her shoulder. Kurosaki raised her eyebrows before nodding.

"T-thank you..."

"Not just him, but me too, Yuuma-chan! I know how hard you've been working to overcome your weaknesses, so have some more confidence in yourself!"

Kazuraba grinned, putting a hand on her other shoulder too. Kurosaki's eyes lit up.

"T-thank you... it's really great that both of you are supportive of me... b-but..."

Her eyes dulled.

"I... I don't think... or rather... that's not why... I don't think I can win against Shiramichi-san."

"Eh? What makes you say that?" Kazuraba said.

Kurosaki looked at the image of Shiramichi on the screen over her shoulder.

"W-while it would be more ideal to fight Agon-san... I... I would actually prefer to fight Shiramichi-san... e-even if it puts me at a disadvantage."

"Why is that?"

"Is it because of your beef with Obscudeid?"

Understandably, both Akitani and Kazuraba were confused. Kurosaki shook her head.

"I-if I was more childish, maybe... but... there's something more serious going on with Shiramichi-san."

Kurosaki gently explained what happened earlier between her and Shiramichi to them.

"I... I got carried away saying some things her... that I've now come to regret... i-if she does quit, then I feel I was powerless to stop her... b-but if she does continue, then I feel like I have no right to face her after what I said..."

Kurosaki clutched her hands close to her heart, squeezing her eyes shut.

"B-but even so... even if she can't stand the thought of fighting me... or looking at me... I-I want to be able to show Shiramichi-san that there's still a light up ahead in her darkness! That this isn't the end...!"

Kazuraba's eyes widened before she smiled, hugging Kurosaki.

"I get it... you see a bit of yourself in Shiramichi-san, don't you?"

Kurosaki's eyes widened, her eyes tearing up. She closed her eyes and nodded, hugging Kazuraba.

"Then let's do it."

As I said that, Kurosaki turned to me in surprise.

"T-Takamine-san...?"

"Assuming she doesn't give up... whoever ends up facing her, let's do our best to show her there's still a light ahead in our own ways. And hopefully... that will help keep Shiramichi-san afloat a little bit longer in this world."

Kurosaki's eyes softened and she nodded, going to hug me.

"T-thank you, Takamine-san... for helping me and my selfish desires..."

I smiled and hugged her back.

"Selfish? Wanting to help others isn't selfish at all. I want to do the same as well, so it's no problem."

The biggest hurdle to clear will be whether Shiramichi shows up or not.

If we can't reach her, then we'll never have the chance to show her there's still a way forward.

So, for both her sake and Kurosaki's sake... I hope Shiramichi chooses to fight.