Chapter 775

Araki Yuai held her head with both hands, scratching her hair hard, letting out a frustrated moan.

"Ahhh! Why did Natsume-kun have to run into that bunch of bastards from Tianhao Private Academy!"

"And it's Morimoto Yūki! That guy is a top-tier tough character in Tianhao Private Academy's Shogi Club!"

"It's really over now! It's over!"

Advisor Nomura Tomohiro also had a gray face, shaking his head and sighing repeatedly.

"It's over, it's over, it's really over now..."

He pointed at the screen, his voice bitter.

"Look, Natsume-kun has started using a steady playing style... this shows he knows he can't win head-on."

"The strategy is correct, but the opponent's strength is just there!"

"Look at Morimoto's response, how seasoned, how steady, not showing a single flaw."

"If this continues... I'm afraid he really won't last long."

He sighed heavily, as if he had already seen the ending.

"Sigh... it seems this time, Natsume-kun's luck has really run out."

"Next, the heavy burden of fighting for our school's honor can only fall on you, Ryōto, and Department Head Ryōsuke."

He patted Yasui Ryōto on the shoulder, his tone heavy.

"You two must do your best!"

Yasui Ryōto stared at Natsume Chikage's calm side profile on the screen, his brow furrowed.

The worry in his heart was no less than the other two.

Natsume-kun being able to break into the fifth round had already greatly exceeded his expectations.

This talent and resilience made him feel admiration.

If he could have systematic guidance, in time, Natsume-kun would definitely be qualified to enter the professional field.

Now... it's a pity.

He said silently in his heart.

But soon, his eyes became firm again.

Even if Natsume-kun loses this time, it doesn't matter; this person's path is still very long.

Yasui Ryōto clenched his fists.

After Natsume-kun and Yuai's "grudge," he would definitely help them get it back from those guys at Tianhao Private Academy with interest!

First-year Class B classroom.

Kondo Miki, who was listening carefully to the lecture, suddenly felt a slight vibration from the phone in her drawer.

She knew without looking that it must be Akita Sana next to her sending her messages again.

The topic was ninety-nine percent about Natsume Chikage's match.

Kondo Miki felt a bit helpless, but after a moment of silence, she still took advantage of the teacher on the podium turning to write on the blackboard to quickly and covertly take out her phone and unlock the screen.

【Akita Sana: o(╥﹏╥)o Miki! Both commentators don't seem to favor Natsume-kun! They said Natsume-kun's opponent this time is especially strong, and he's from our school's arch-rival, Tianhao Private Academy!

I'm so afraid that after Natsume-kun loses, he'll be mocked by them just like they mocked Senior Araki last time...

Natsume-kun will definitely be very sad then, right? What should I do?】

Kondo Miki looked at the crying emoticon on the screen and the thick worry between the lines, and sighed lightly.

Although she didn't understand shogi, she also understood that Natsume-kun being able to win until now must have had a lot to do with luck and on-the-spot performance.

Losing after encountering a real strong enemy is actually the most normal thing.

As for the mockery that might be encountered after the match...

Given the consistent style of that bunch from Tianhao Private Academy, the possibility is indeed very high.

But this is not something they can control.

However, as a "relationship supporter" for Natsume Chikage and Akita Sana, she naturally couldn't say discouraging words at this moment.

【Kondo Miki: Don't worry too much, what the commentators say isn't necessarily all correct. The match isn't over yet, maybe there will be a turning point.】

【Akita Sana: ヾ(? °? °?)?? Really?!】

【Kondo Miki: Hmm, really. I actually think Natsume-kun might have a trick up his sleeve. Have you forgotten how he reversed it last time? Maybe the situation this time is similar.】

She typed this line, not holding much hope in her heart.

The last "reversal" seemed more like a flash of inspiration in a desperate situation to her.

This time the opponent is stronger, and likely has been prepared for a long time; the same miracle is hard to reproduce a second time.

【Akita Sana: (#^. ^#) Miki, you're right! I think so too! Natsume-kun will definitely win!】

Seeing Sana's reply regaining vitality, Kondo Miki shook her head and quietly put her phone back in the drawer.

Kondo home, living room.

Kondo Miyuki, wearing comfortable loungewear and with a plump figure, was currently curled up on the sofa without any image, holding a pillow tightly with both hands.

Her eyes were staring at the TV screen without blinking, her face full of nervousness and worry.

She was unconsciously muttering:

"Natsume-kun... do your best... you must do your best..."

But her reason was telling her that this time... Natsume-kun was probably really in trouble.

The commentators analyzed it so thoroughly, and the opponent was so powerful...

Hope seemed to be becoming slim bit by bit.

Natsume family main house, luxurious living room.

In the spacious and bright living room, servants stood silently to the side, pouring tea for the guests.

On the massive LCD TV screen, the match was being broadcast live.

Natsume Qi Society—Natsume Chikage's frivolous cousin, although wearing a crisp suit at this moment, had his legs crossed, a smile of undisguised schadenfreude hanging on his face.

"Hahaha! Serves him right!"

He sipped some black tea, his voice filled with pleasure.

"Let you kid be arrogant! Let you refuse my kind proposal to bring you back to the main house!"

"How is it now? Ran into a tough nut!"

He pointed at the TV screen, as if Natsume Chikage could hear him.

"After you lose this match and cut off this source of prize money..."

"Just relying on the meager income from that broken coffee shop, let's see how long you two siblings can last!"

He shook his toes triumphantly.

"When the time comes, won't you have to come begging me humbly?"

"Let's see how I handle you then!"

Before his words fell.

A cold, bone-chilling rebuke came from the side.

"Noisy!"

Natsume Chunhui—Natsume Chikage's aunt, sat on the sofa in the main seat, her makeup exquisite and her attire elegant.

She didn't even turn her head, just glanced at Natsume Qi Society coldly.

That look was like looking at an unpleasant ornament.

"Who allowed you to shout here?"

Natsume Qi Society was like a rooster whose neck had been pinched, the triumph on his face instantly froze, and he shut his mouth awkwardly.

In the Natsume main house, a family with strict hierarchy, Natsume Chunhui's status was far higher than his.

At least for now.

He thought viciously in his heart: Just wait, when my status in the family rises, let's see if you, a woman, still dare to boss me around!

Natsume Chunhui ignored him.

Her gaze fell back on the TV screen, on the face of the boy whose eyebrows and eyes were somewhat similar to those in her memory.

Her eyes were deep and thoughtful.

However.