The solution you thought was optimal.
That person only needs one move to show you that it's wrong.
To explain it more simply:
You think that when the apple falls from the branch, it will hit the ground.
But Meijin steps forward, slaps you.
Then, kicks the tree trunk, causing the apple to fall from the branch, fly into the sky, and disappear without a trace.
This mainly serves to make you doubt your own life.
If your mentality for playing shogi isn't strong, just one game with Meijin can leave you in a state of confusion for a while.
As for people like Sainokami Ika, always boasting about their talent, full of arrogance and impulsiveness...
Just one game, and she might never want to touch shogi again.
Currently, Sainokami Ika was sitting obediently in front of Yukima Azuma.
The monster of the shogi world.
Had been tamed to a basic level.
If she behaves better in the future, Yukima Azuma wouldn't mind playing against her.
After all, Sainokami Ika's talent was not bad; she was a worthy opponent for Hinatsuru Ai.
Moreover, once he decided to take Ai as a disciple, it was important to find her an opponent.
If she kept facing Yukima Azuma, a dominating opponent like him, even if Hinatsuru Ai improved, it would be hard for her to feel any sense of urgency.
.....
The busy weekend passed quickly.
Monday.
Those who returned to Toyogasaki faced the grueling midterm exams.
Then came the rapid grading process.
The morning after the exam, the results were already available in the afternoon.
The entire exam lasted for two days.
The day after the exam ended, which was Wednesday, the list of the top 100 students from each grade level was posted on the announcement board in front of Toyogasaki Academywhere the admission list had been posted before.
Yukima Azuma, upon arriving at school, went straight to the board to take a look.
Third-Year Rankings
At the top of the third-year rankings, unsurprisingly, was Kasumigaoka Utaha.
She was also the top scorer in the overall composite ranking of this inter-school exam.
Looking at her name prominently displayed, Yukima Azuma smiled faintly.
"Senpai's mind is truly formidable."
Although she sometimes dozed off in class, the subjects she didn't understand were always seriously reviewed. She only focused on other tasks once she had mastered the knowledge.
There was no doubt that Kasumigaoka Utaha's admission to the University of Tokyo was guaranteed.
Furthermore, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't intend to study medicine, so she would likely choose the Faculty of Literature.
In that case, she wouldn't need to put in any more effort.
After a brief reflection, Yukima Azuma's gaze shifted to the second-year rankings and then stopped at the first-year list.
"That's so unfair! You keep skipping class, but your grades are still so high?"
"Is this the wall of difference? The wall called genius? How annoying!"
Satou Kazuma suddenly appeared, attempting to rush at Yukima Azuma and use a chokehold.
Yukima Azuma easily dodged, then counterattacked with an arm lock.
As a result, Satou Kazuma bitterly realized that not only was his troublesome friend smarter, but also much better at martial arts.
"Haha, I told you it was impossible. You just had to keep trying to ambush him."
Kunimi Yuuma, standing beside him, gently patted Kazuma on the back.
Looking at the reactions of his two close friends, Yukima Azuma guessed that his results must have been expected.
Looking at the rankings.
Sure enough.
Yukima Azuma's name was prominently displayed at the top of the board.
Moreover, just like Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Yukima Azuma was also the top scorer in the composite standardized value of this inter-school exam.
Just below Yukima Azuma, there was a very long name.
Hmm... of course, it wasn't Eriri.
It was Alya.
Second place at Toyogasaki, ranked third in the composite standardized value rankings.
A white figure quickly passed by in the corner of his eye.
Yukima Azuma glanced over, and it was Alya.
"Kujou-san, you're amazing. You just came from Russia to Japan and already achieved such great results."
Yukima Azuma complimented her politely.
Upon hearing this, Alya looked away from the rankings.
She gave a polite smile to Yukima Azuma.
"You're still better, Yukima-san. Your composite standardized value far exceeds mine."
Though she said that...
"I'm so frustrated! (in Russian)"
Yukima Azuma pretended not to hear.
....
Class 1-E.
Kirisu Mafuyu, who had been absent for a while, finally appeared.
Kirisu-sensei, usually as cold as an iceberg.
Today, she was clearly in a much better mood.
The atmosphere in the class had also become livelier.
"Everyone did great. This time, no one in our class failed."
"Also, Yukima-san has taken the first place in the composite standardized value ranking. Let's all give him a round of applause."
The class erupted into cheers.
After all, the composite standardized value was a competition between prestigious private schools like Shuchiin and Hyakkaou.
The top student in the class.
A student from Toyogasaki, a member of Class 1-E, everyone felt proud.
"And also, Kujou-san, second place in the entire grade, ranked third in the composite standardized value ranking. Well done."
Kirisu Mafuyu also complimented Alya a little.
However, at this moment, Alya raised her hand.
"Kujou-san, do you have a question?"
"Kirisu-sensei, I want to know who is second in the composite standardized value ranking?"
"Ah... I remember it's Shinomiya Kaguya-san from Shuchiin, with a standardized value of..."
Kirisu Mafuyu said a number.
It was very close to Yukima Azuma's result.
The two of themAzuma and Kaguyaformed a clear gap from the Alya behind them.
"Alright, I understand now."
Alya said, then slightly lowered her head.
"I'm so frustrated, really frustrated! (in Russian)"
Her whispered words reached Yukima Azuma's ears.
Yukima Azuma tilted his head and looked at Alya.
After spending some time together, he had started to pick up on a few things.
This girl... she took everything very seriously.
In fact, perhaps too seriously, to the point of being stubborn.
She had just moved from Russia to Japan.
Her academic results would naturally have some fluctuations.
Being third place was probably already an outstanding achievement.
But Alya clearly still felt like she hadn't tried enough.
The class was noisy for a while, but Kirisu Mafuyu didn't stop them.
The exam was over.
A bit of noise at the beginning of the day was fine.
After most of the students had settled down, Kirisu Mafuyu continued speaking:
"The remaining classes will focus on reviewing the semester exam."
"Also, the highly anticipated school festival will start on Friday."
"You all have the next two days to prepare actively... What is our class's theme again?"
"A butler caf!" Everyone responded in unison.
A question mark appeared above Yukima Azuma's head.
Why didn't he know about this?
Kirisu Mafuyu tried to suppress a smile and glanced at Yukima Azuma.
That's what you get for skipping school all the time.
This is the consequence!
"Ahem." After a slight cough, Kirisu Mafuyu continued, "Well, anyway, after the school festival, you'll have an official break."
...
The first period passed in a noisy bustle.
After school, Alya was lying face down on the desk, reflecting on her results.
It wasn't that she couldn't accept her failure.
It was that she felt she hadn't been serious enough.
If she had been, even if she lost, she shouldn't have been so far behind the others in terms of the score gap.
She thought about it endlessly, and soon tears began to slip from the corner of her eyes, soaking into her sleeve.
Quickly, her sleeve became damp.
In the midst of blaming herself, Alya suddenly felt someone poke her in the side.
Instinctively, she immediately lifted her head.
Her silver hair, like a waterfall, fluttered in the air.
She hastily wiped the tears from her face in a fluster.
Alya glared fiercely in the direction of the "attack."
As soon as she turned her head, her cheek collided with something cold.
"Uwa!"
She let out a cute squeal, took a step back, and looked more closely.
In front of her was a can of red bean soup.
Despite the scorching summer heat, the can was still emitting cold vapor, and droplets of water had gathered on its surface.
Alya tilted her head, peered around the can of red bean soup to see more clearly.
Alya looked toward the "culprit."
"Yukima-san, what are you doing?"
Yukima Azuma shook the can of red bean soup in his hand.
"I saw Kujou-san looking a bit down, so I bought a little gift to cheer you up."
"I thought Kujou-san might like red bean soup; I've seen you buy it often."
Hearing this, Alya's face turned slightly red.
She hadn't expected her small habit to be noticed by the guy sitting next to her.
Moreover, this thoughtful gift, given at just the right moment...
"This timely concern is too crafty, it's bound to make one's heart flutter! (in Russian)"
Alya murmured softly.
Chapter 95: The School Festival, Bocchi Dream and Maid Kazuma
"This timely concern is so cunning, it will make people moved!" (in Russian)
"What did Kujou-san just say?"
"I said that sweets really do help improve one's mood."
"I see."
"Truly clueless." (in Russian)
Yukima Azuma almost blurted out a perfect Russian reply.
His language skill level is Lv6, don't mess with him!
His pronunciation might even be better than Alya, that silver-haired girl.
But Yukima Azuma still held back.
Pretending not to know would make things more interesting later.
"Yukima! Come over here, the suit is ready."
"You're really not treating me like a human!"
From another direction, Kunimi Yuuma called out loudly.
Yukima Azuma, frustrated, raised his fist.
Alya looked up.
Everyone in the class was holding a black outfit, resembling a butler costume with a tail.
The theme of Class 1-E's school festival was a butler caf.
In other words, this was the reverse version of a maid caf.
The main reason this plan was approved was mainly due to Yukima Azuma's existence.
More importantly, when the vote for the plan took place, Yukima Azuma had taken a day off.
"You guys should act like humans! How can you decide something like this without even consulting me!"
Yukima Azuma tried to resist.
"Minority obeys the majority!"
Eriri immediately chimed in.
She also wanted to see Yukima Azuma wear the butler outfit.
"Azuma-san, our Class 1-E is a democratic class, you know."
Kato Megumi calmly added the final blow.
"Even Megumi too?"
Yukima Azuma felt like he had been stabbed in the back.
Looking at the bustling crowd, Yukima Azuma was holding the butler outfit, looking bored but still trying it on, while Alya couldn't help but laugh.
The things that had been bothering her seemed to be alleviated after a good laugh.
It wasn't so bad losing this time. She just needed to be more serious next time.
....
The School Festival
The school festival is an essential part of school life in Japan.
It usually lasts for three days.
During this time, the school opens its doors to visitors and allows outsiders to register and attend.
Most high schools hold their school festivals at the same time.
This is also a rare opportunity to interact between schools.
It's often seen as the start of the summer break.
And it's a colorful, beautiful part of the memories of school youth.
Of course, this only applies to extroverted and popular people.
As for introverts, like the "ghosts of the classroom"...
"School festival... huh."
Gotoh Hitori stood in front of the school's Shuka festival poster, looking sorrowful.
Since middle school, Gotoh Hitori had dreamed of participating in a school festival.
She wanted to stand on the school festival stage and perform once.
In fact, the main reason she learned to play the guitar was for this.
If she could stand on the school festival stage and shine with an excellent performance.
Then she would become the center of attention in the entire school!
That was the final dream Gotoh Hitori had during her school days.
However, since she started learning guitar, three years of high school had passed.
She still didn't have the courage to sign up for a performance at the school festival.
Just the thought of so many people watching her from below the stage made Gotoh Hitori want to crawl into a hole and hide from the embarrassment.
At this point, she no longer dreamed of being the most beloved person in the school.
She only wanted to perform once on the school festival stage.
That way, she would have no regrets.
However, Gotoh Hitori still lacked confidence.
Even though she had joined Kessoku Band,
She had performed twice at the STARRY live house.
But the space there was really too small to accommodate many people.
More importantly, there was no one she knew there.
As for the school festival... the audience under the stage would be her entire class.
Just thinking about it made her scared.
Gotoh Hitori shivered.
She then turned around, preparing to quietly head home.
Next time, she would definitely try!
She was just starting high school, there was still over two years left!
However, she had also had this same thought back in middle school, and in the end, she graduated without ever following through.
Just as Gotoh Hitori was about to step out of the school gates,
Her phone buzzed.
She took it out to check.
It was the Kessoku Band chat group on Line.
They were probably discussing the school festival participation, right?
With that thought, Gotoh Hitori opened the chat.
Azuma: [Her school dream is to participate in the school festival and perform on the school stage once.]
Azuma: [So let's help her achieve her dream, in exchange, I can introduce some commercial performance opportunities for Kessoku Band.]
Kita: [Huh? Really? Yukima-san, you don't have to pay us anything, we'll definitely help!]
Nijika: [That's right, because it's Bocchi-chan's dream, it's also Kessoku Band's dream!]
Ryo: [Yukima, just be our manager! That way Kessoku Band will have an easier time making income.]
