Chapter 805: Chikage

Referee Kishida Minesuke said to the two:

"The match is over, please follow me."

Natsume Chikage nodded slightly, said nothing, and followed silently behind Kishida Minesuke.

Suzuki Takayuki's face was still somewhat pale, like faded paper.

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling, as if trying to force the full trance and unwillingness into the bottom of his heart.

Subsequently, he took a step.

As soon as the three walked out, they were intercepted by the host Sawada Rika and the camera team waiting at the corner of the corridor.

The lens was silently aimed at the two teenagers who had just escaped from the fierce battle.

Sawada Rika held a black microphone, a professional yet warm smile blooming on her face.

Her gaze first fell on Suzuki Takayuki, who was in low spirits and whose eyes were somewhat unfocused.

After staying for a moment, she turned to Natsume Chikage, who was calm to the point of being abnormal beside him.

"Thank you for your hard work, both of you."

Her voice was amplified through the microphone, clear and soft, not only spreading to this corner of the venue but also spreading through the venue's sound system.

At the same time, the giant screen hanging above their heads also simultaneously displayed the real-time footage of the two being interviewed.

"The match just now was very exciting and gripping."

"On behalf of the organizers and all the audience, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you."

"Thank you for contributing such a high-quality duel full of tactical depth and willpower."

She paused slightly, letting her gaze fall more gently and focusedly on Suzuki Takayuki.

"Player Suzuki, although the result is regrettable, your solid foundation and keen judgment displayed on the board are obvious to all."

"The road to professional is never easy, and one setback is definitely not the end."

"Please be sure to cherish this persistence for victory."

"It will surely become the cornerstone for you to cross higher mountains in the future."

Suzuki Takayuki's Adam's apple rolled.

He raised his eyes, meeting Sawada Rika's gaze, although his mood was still heavy as lead, he still tried to pull the corners of his mouth, revealing a reluctant but polite arc.

"Thank you."

Then, Sawada Rika smoothly turned her body to Natsume Chikage.

The smile on her face remained unchanged, but there was clearly more amazement and sincere congratulations in her eyes.

"And Player Natsume, congratulations on your victory!"

"From the steady response in the opening, to the keenness in capturing opportunities in the middle game, to the calm implementation in the endgame..."

She said, nodding gently, as if savoring the excitement of the game.

"The strength and mentality you displayed today are impressive."

"As the biggest surprise of this tournament, your progress has undoubtedly become the focus of everyone's attention."

"I hope you can perform even better in the subsequent matches and reach a higher level."

Natsume Chikage's expression hardly changed.

He just calmly met the gaze of the lens and the host, nodding slightly.

"Thank you."

His response was brief and indifferent.

Sawada Rika skillfully turned the microphone back to Suzuki Takayuki.

She maintained a professional smile and asked a question that was both routine and difficult to avoid.

"Player Suzuki, what do you think is the biggest reason for your loss in this match?"

Suzuki Takayuki's face instantly became even more complex.

He pursed his lips, his gaze lowered.

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke slowly, his voice carrying the calmness of reviewing the game, but also hard to hide a trace of regret.

"I think... it should be that I didn't notice the trap set by Player Natsume in advance, and stepped into it."

He raised his eyes, his gaze somewhat drifting, as if crossing time, returning to a key node in the game.

"If it wasn't for... thinking about his previous situation with my good friend Akatsuki, wanting to strike first, and trying to use that 'drop' move before he could 'drop'..."

He shook his head.

"I think the advantage I accumulated at the beginning wouldn't have been easily chased back so quickly."

His tone was full of the bitterness of "if."

"In the end... I was still too greedy."

He concluded, with deep self-reflection.

"If I had played steadily, I wouldn't have ended up in such a situation."

"The final result of the match might have also changed."

Sawada Rika blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering under the lights.

She showed an understanding expression, smiling and nodding.

"I see."

Her tone was soft, indicating she had received the other party's explanation.

Then, she turned her wrist and steadily handed the microphone to Natsume Chikage.

Her gaze carried inquiry, asking:

"Regarding Player Suzuki's words, do you agree, Player Natsume?"

Natsume Chikage nodded without any hesitation. ===== CHAPTER 806 =====