Sora Ginko's academic performance might be a bit weak.
But with a special shogi admission slot, the entry requirements would be loweredit shouldn't be a problem.
Sora Ginko took the phone from Yukima Azuma's hand and carefully read through the details.
After confirming the information
The corners of her lips immediately curled up.
"Umu, since Azuma is inviting me like this... it's not like I can't consider it."
She murmured softly.
In her mind, the image of sharing school life with Yukima Azuma had already begun to take shape.
At school, the labels of "older sister senior" and "younger brother junior" would naturally fade away.
At that point, letting him call her "kouhai" would be fine too.
That way, she could escape from the forbidden position.
The more she thought about it, the happier Sora Ginko felt.
That stupid little brat
She still hasn't realized how much of a disadvantage the master-disciple relationship is, huh?
Sure, it creates a natural sense of closeness, but at the same time, it also imposes natural restrictions.
If it weren't for being a "sister, senpai," sheSora Ginkowould have made her move long ago!
...
The train passed by the statue of the loyal dog, Hachiko, and gradually slowed to a stop.
The three of them disembarked and exited Shibuya Station from the North Gate.
After turning onto a side street and walking a short distance, they arrived at Yukima's home.
Yukima Azuma took the key from his pocket.
He inserted it into the lock, and with a click, the front door opened.
"Okaeri!" 5
Before he could even take a clear look inside the apartment
A synchronized greeting rang out.
Just as Yukima Azuma mentally prepared himself
Boom!
Boom!
Two bursts of confetti poppers exploded.
Golden streamers shot up to the ceiling before gently fluttering down.
Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri each held a small party popper, standing on either side of the door.
Kato Megumi and Yukinoshita Yukino stood in the hallway.
Kirisu Mafuyu, who hadn't been home for a while, was also present in the living room.
It was clear they had planned this in advance.
They had even thought things through carefully.
If the confetti had been fired the moment he stepped in, Yukima Azuma would definitely have been startled.
But by calling out first before setting off the poppers, it turned into a pleasant surprise instead.
Truly considerate.
"What's all this?"
Although Yukima Azuma asked with some curiosity, the smile on his face was impossible to hide.
"It's a celebration for your promotion to the Ryuou league. Actually, it's also for your previous official match."
Kasumigaoka Utaha spoke while stepping forward, brushing the golden streamers off Yukima Azuma's hair and shoulders.
"Azuma, seriously... something this worth celebrating, why didn't you say anything?!"
Eriri leaned in, poking Yukima Azuma's cheek.
Her voice carried a hint of sulkiness.
Clearly, she still hadn't forgotten about the last time
When she had barged in, oblivious, demanding to play shogi with Yukima Azuma
Only to be utterly defeated.
"Ah... I'm just used to it."
Yukima Azuma replied helplessly.
Before the spring break, there had been no one truly close to him.
No matter what achievements he attained, there was no one to share them with.
He was not the type to boast about his accomplishments just to receive praise.
Over time, it became a habitto silently achieve great things.
"What do you mean 'used to it'? From now on, there will always be people celebrating with you, Lonely-kun."
Kasumigaoka Utaha picked off the last bit of confetti from Yukima Azuma's hair, then gently placed her hand on his cheek.
Used to it?
He was clearly far too accustomed to solitude.
So much effort had been spent gathering people around him, yet he didn't even know how to enjoy it.
She really couldn't understand what went on in Lonely-kun's head.
"Don't just stand at the door talkingcome in already."
At this moment, Kato Megumi reminded them.
Only then did the two realizeYukima Azuma and the others were still standing outside.
After the three changed into indoor slippers and stepped into the living room
Before them was an enormous cake placed on the dining table.
"Well? Well? What do you think? We made it ourselves!"
Eriri stood proudly, hands on her hips, puffing out her small chest in triumph.
She looked as if she was eagerly awaiting praise.
"Kono baka-riri, you contributed more to the mess than to the actual baking."
"The majority of the work was done by Yukinoshita-senpai and Kato-san, yet you still dare to boast."
Kasumigaoka, standing beside her, mocked.
Hearing this, Eriri immediately puffed up her cheeks, took a deep breath, and let out a little huffrevealing her small fang-like teeth.
"Ara mama~, just taste it first."
Yukinoshita Yukino picked up a kitchen knife and carefully cut a small piece from the giant cake, then handed it to Yukima Azuma.
He took a spoon, scooped up a bite, and placed it in his mouth.
He tasted it seriously.
It was delicious.
Even without considering the effort behind it, just in terms of flavor, this cake was better than most store-bought ones.
Their skill was evident.
Both Yukino and Megumi were naturally adept at household tasks, and their cooking skills were outstanding.
It was just that, usually, their abilities were overshadowed by Yukima Azuma's own talents, so they rarely had the chance to shine.
"This is probably the best cake I've ever had. Thank you."
With Yukima Azuma's way with words
He could have easily come up with something far more poetic.
But in this moment, he only wanted to say a simple "thank you."
Lifting his gaze, he looked at the girls standing before him.
His heartbeat quickened.
This scene
Three years ago, he wouldn't have even dared to dream of it.
The reason he had worked so hard all this time perhaps it was for this very moment.
As long as he was no longer alone, he was willing to do anything.
(note: I... feel so bitter inside)
Chapter 170: Its Just Plum Wine, How Could It Make You Drunk?
Chapter 170: It's Just Plum Wine, How Could It Make You Drunk?
"Don't stare at me like that, even I feel embarrassed at times like this!"
Yukima Azuma laughed as he took the knife and plate.
He cut the cake and handed pieces to each of the girls beside him.
Hearing that, everyone burst into cheerful laughter.
Kato Megumi and Kasumigaoka Utaha went back to the kitchen and brought out more dishes.
Dinner became extremely lively.
Kato Megumi sat next to Yukima Azuma.
While everyone was chatting happily
She gently waved her hand, signaling Yukima Azuma to lean down.
He complied.
Kato Megumi moved close to Yukima Azuma's ear and softly said:
"This, Miyamizu-san also helped out. She asked me to pass along her congratulations to you, Azuma-san."
"She couldn't sit down and eat with us, so you have to eat Miyamizu-san's share too."
After saying that, Kato Megumi winked at Yukima Azuma.
Hearing that, Yukima Azuma was slightly stunned.
In his mind, the image of that red-orange kumihimo cord suddenly appeared.
A moment later.
Yukima Azuma nodded.
"I'll do that."
Then, he cut another piece of cake and calmly continued eating.
"Now that I think about it, Eriri suddenly ran over here yesterday just to make a cake?" (Azuma)
"Hehehe, Azuma didn't notice, right! My disguise was perfect, wasn't it?" (Eriri)
"Hmph." (Utaha)
"Hey, you fat woman! Are you picking a fight with me?!" (Eriri)
"Kirisu-sensei, did you come all the way back just for this? I'm really touched!" (Azuma)
"Umu, after all, I am a teacher. When a student achieves something, of course, they should be congratulated." (Mafuyu)
"Oh right, Azuma-san, what is this drink? I found it in the corner of the kitchen." (Megumi)
"Oh, that's plum wine I brewed myself." (Azuma)
"Azuma-kun isn't of drinking age yet." (Yukino)
"That kind has very low alcohol content, it's fine." (Azuma)
"No! Even if the alcohol content is low, it's still alcohol. Confiscated!" (Mafuyu)
Watching the bottle of plum wine being taken away by Kirisu Mafuyu, Yukima Azuma could only sigh helplessly.
He wasn't particularly fond of alcohol.
But he did quite like the taste of this homemade drink.
As someone who had been reincarnated
Drinking a little wine didn't seem like a big deal to Yukima Azuma.
But Kirisu Mafuyu was a teacher.
Getting caught red-handed, he could only accept it.
After taking the bottle away
Kirisu Mafuyu curiously opened the lid and took a sniff.
There was no strong alcoholic scent; instead, a fresh, mellow aroma of plums lingered at the tip of her nose.
Kirisu Mafuyu unconsciously swallowed.
It smelled so good!
Thinking about Yukima Azuma's cooking skills
The appeal of the bottle of plum wine in her hands skyrocketed exponentially.
Watching Kirisu Mafuyu gulp, Yukima Azuma couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Kirisu-sensei, since it's already been confiscated by the teacher, drinking it should be fine too, consider it disposal."
Yukima Azuma spoke at just the right moment.
Giving Kirisu Mafuyu a way out.
Hearing that, Kirisu Mafuyu was immediately convinced.
"Umu, this is disposal!"
As she spoke, she took out two tall glasses.
Among those present, only she and Yukinoshita Yukino were of legal drinking age.
The plum wine was poured.
The clear liquid rippled as it flowed down.
The fresh fragrance of plums spread across the table.
"It smells so good! I want to drink too!"
Eriri sniffed twice and immediately held out her glass.
"Well... just a little then."
Kirisu Mafuyu had already taken a sip, so refusing now felt a bit difficult.
Moreover, Yukima Azuma had said the alcohol content was very low, and she hadn't noticed any strong alcoholic smell.
It should be fine.
Thus, except for Hinatsuru Ai, the other girls each received a small portion of plum wine.
The little Hinatsuru Ai pouted in grievance.
Yukima Azuma handed her a bottle of orange juice.
Elementary school students really shouldn't be drinking alcohol.
Everyone raised their glasses, lightly clinking them in midair.
Then, they took small sips.
Eriri, Kato Megumi, and Sora Ginko each took a sip first, and their eyes immediately lit up.
Normally, they didn't like alcohol, even had some aversion to it.
But the plum wine made by Yukima Azuma had no bitterness at all.
On the contrary, it carried a uniquely refreshing sweetness.
Everyone instantly loved it.
Kasumigaoka Utaha and Yukima Azuma had drunk together before.
So this time, they simply enjoyed it.
Kirisu Mafuyu took a small sip, and her eyes immediately brightened.
She quickly finished her entire glass of plum wine.
Her fair skin gradually flushed pink.
Yukima Azuma, in the middle of picking up food with his chopsticks, suddenly froze.
Wait a minute, Kirisu Mafuyu's setting in the manga wasn't she supposed to have an extremely low alcohol tolerance?
Glancing at Kirisu Mafuyu, whose face was gradually turning red
Yukima Azuma shook his head.
It seemed like that setting was true, but it should be fine.
This plum wine had an extremely low alcohol content.
Even Eriri, that aho baka, could handle one or two glasses just fine.
Kirisu Mafuyu was a professional teacher; she couldn't possibly get drunk from just a bit of plum wine.
That's what Yukima Azuma thought.
But then he saw Kirisu Mafuyu pouring herself a second glass.
Her hand wobbled as she held the bottle, struggling to pour the wine into her glass.
Yukima Azuma immediately realizedthis was bad.
"Kirisu-sensei, you don't handle alcohol well. Have some juice instead."
Yukima Azuma quickly stepped forward and took the bottle from Kirisu Mafuyu's hand.
"Who says so! I can still drink! Give it back! I'm totally not drunk!"
Kirisu Mafuyu wobbled and lunged toward Yukima Azuma.
Her voice was starting to slur.
Yukima Azuma's mouth twitched.
Truly an absurd level of alcohol tolerance.
If this had been stronger liquor, she'd probably be out cold from just dipping a chopstick into it.
Yukima Azuma handed the bottle to Yukinoshita Yukino beside him.
Then he reached out to support Kirisu Mafuyu, who nearly collapsed to the floor.
"I'll take Kirisu-sensei to her room to rest," Yukima Azuma said to the group.
The girls all nodded in agreement.
Even though Kirisu Mafuyu's alcohol tolerance was ridiculously low.
She was still a teacher.
They couldn't let her get drunk and embarrass herself in front of her students.
Even if there wouldn't be any serious consequences.
Meanwhile, Kirisu Mafuyu reached out and pinched Yukima Azuma's cheek.
"You problematic student! I don't need to rest! I still want to drink eighteen more glasses!"
As soon as she said that, Kirisu Mafuyu wobbledthen dozed off.
Well, that made things easier. Yukima Azuma no longer had to support her.
He simply picked her up with both arms and turned toward the group at the table, smiling helplessly.
Then, carrying Kirisu Mafuyu, he headed for the stairs.
In just a moment, he had reached the second floor.
Yukima Azuma stopped in front of Kirisu Mafuyu's room.
This room hadn't been opened in a long time.
Recently, Kirisu Mafuyu had been staying at Shuchiin Academy for an advanced teacher training program and hadn't returned here.
The door was still locked.
Without Kirisu Mafuyu's permission, no one else had entered to clean or touch anything.
Yukima Azuma tried turning the doorknob.
As expected, it was locked.
"Kirisu-sensei, where's your room key?"
Yukima Azuma gently shook Kirisu Mafuyu in his arms, trying to wake her.
"Mm problematic student"
Clearly, she was still out of it.
With no other choice, Yukima Azuma released one arm and steadied Kirisu Mafuyu.
Then, he reached into her coat pocket to search for the key.
"Mm Ugh Hmnn"
He wasn't even using any force, yet Kirisu Mafuyu let out strange sounds.
Combined with her flushed face from the alcohol
The atmosphere wasn't just tinged with pink anymore.
It had completely crossed into black-and-white-striped territory.
Especially now, with Kirisu Mafuyu being drunk, her entire body was limp as if all her bones had melted away.
