"Good work, Mototsugu-niisan, Tatsuya."
"You're here, Yugen."
After speaking with Yakumo, Yugen checked on the scene and saw temple disciples sprawled on the ground, Tatsuya panting heavily on his back, and Mototsugu wiping sweat from his brow. Mototsugu greeted Yugen, who responded while addressing Tatsuya.
"So... thoughts?"
"Haa... You're abnormal, and Mototsugu-san's probably worse than Master," Tatsuya said.
"Niisan's Gozo's direct disciple," Yugen replied.
Normally, one masters certain skills before becoming Gozo's disciple. Unlike Mototsugu, who followed the formal path, Yugen was taken under Gozo's wing as an aide due to his talent, starting training shortly after recovering from illness to avoid overexertion. Dodging a wooden sword, however, led to Gozo's insane training pace.
"True, but your martial talent outshone everyone, even Gozo in magic," Mototsugu said.
"I never planned to inherit the Uesugi house. That's why I helped you get stronger," Yugen replied.
When Yugen began visiting the Uesugi house, he learned of Chisato's affection for Mototsugu and taught her psion control and magic training. Having modified Jirou's magic, Yugen also trained Mototsugu, initially to avoid being outdone by Tatsuya. Post-Okinawa, Yugen focused on magic, mastering all Uesugi techniques.
"Result: Motoharu-niisan inherits the Mitsuya house. No complaints here, though I owe you," Mototsugu said.
"Stop, my stomach can't handle the stress," Yugen quipped.
Despite his strength, Yugen's past-life values lingered, preferring a low profile. His words, laced with that wish, drew a chuckle from Mototsugu.
"By the way, your lover's Tatsuya's sister, right? What do you think of our brother, Tatsuya?" Mototsugu asked.
"Impeccable. Honestly, Miyuki's the one causing trouble. I wish she'd learn some restraint," Tatsuya said.
"Yugen, are women these days this... forward?" Mototsugu asked.
"I'd like to know myself..." Yugen muttered.
Last night, an upset Miyuki, after a talk with Ayako, clung to Yugen—without even undergarments. The outcome was obvious, though Yugen ensured it didn't affect their studies. Mototsugu seemed to face similar issues, leaving Yugen inwardly lamenting, How did it come to this?
Unlike last year's No-Head Dragon interference, this year involved the Defense Force, Kudou family, Zhou Gongjin, and Rosen Magicraft. Though not directly consulted by Erika or Leo, Yugen was involved in the Rosen inheritance, with no intention of relinquishing it outright.
The Nine Schools Competition began with a pre-festival party on August 3, opening on the 5th and closing on the 15th. Each school had 12 male and female main competitors, 9 for the rookie division, 8 technical staff, and 4 strategy staff, totaling 54. No dual entries, but the roster grew. Last year, all technical staff rode with the team, but this year, Azusa, Isori, Tatsuya, and Mizuki took the bus—likely due to influence, with Sana orchestrating Mizuki's inclusion.
"Why bring 3H along when technical staff are so busy?" Kasumi muttered.
Kasumi knew the technical staff's workload and that a first-year female classmate was included. While she understood the practicality, it felt odd. Izumi gently chided her.
"Kasumi-chan, didn't Miyuki-senpai explain?"
"Not complaining, just... feels off," Kasumi said.
Kasumi, used to being sidelined due to family matters, found Tatsuya's Roar and Gunner guidance refreshing, stirring strange feelings. A voice behind her cut through.
"Kasumi, jealous of Pixie?" Shizuku asked.
"No way—Northmountain-senpai! Sorry!" Kasumi blurted.
"No need to apologize. Everyone's boarding, so hurry," Shizuku said.
Apologizing for her casual tone, Kasumi and Izumi noticed the empty surroundings, bowed to Shizuku, and boarded. Shizuku muttered, "I get it. I'm clueless too."
Shizuku had heard about Pixie from Yugen and Honoka but, due to her USNA study abroad, it felt unreal. Her honed psion sensitivity revealed Pixie's Parasite, tied to Honoka's feelings for Tatsuya.
The journey was smooth, with no trouble or tension on the bus. Equipment setup went flawlessly. The lack of issues felt eerie, but Yugen found odd comfort in it, likely the intended flow of the Nine Schools Competition.
"Why the smile, Miyuki?" Tatsuya asked.
"Last year felt... borrowed," Miyuki said.
"You caused that," Tatsuya retorted.
At the pre-festival party, Miyuki smiled at Tatsuya's uniform. Last year's "borrowed" look made this year's proper appearance heartwarming. Mizuha might find it odd, but others agreed.
"It suits you!" Honoka said.
"I agree," Shizuku added.
"Definitely. Last year felt off," Subaru said.
"Yeah," Eimi chimed in.
Even girls absent in the original story nodded.
"Really, Tatsuya-kun was stiff last year," Erika said.
"Now you say that? Typical Tatsuya," Leo teased.
Last year, Erika worked as waitstaff for her family. Now a First Course student and selected athlete, her father was likely proud, though Erika resented his absence.
"So, Yugen, you used those guys and Miki to slip away?" Erika asked.
"No way. They told me to go to her," Yugen said.
Yugen expected senior boys' teasing, but Kirihara pushed him toward Tatsuya's group. The reason was clear: Miyuki, clinging to him, radiating joy. Everyone tactfully avoided commenting. Leo and Mikihiko, despite having girlfriends, were more reserved publicly.
Scanning the venue, Yugen noticed boys, including Masaki Ichijou, drawing admiring glances from girls across schools. Accompanied by Shinkuro Kichijouji, Masaki approached, spotting Yugen and Tatsuya but greeting Miyuki first.
"Long time, Shiba-san," Masaki said.
"Yes, it's been a while, Ichijou-san," Miyuki replied.
Masaki's tense smile met Miyuki's polite one. Aware of his feelings for her, Yugen felt a twinge but spoke to Shinkuro calmly.
"First time since last year's thesis comp, George," Yugen said.
"Yeah, Yugen. Good to see you, Tatsuya-kun," Shinkuro said.
"You two know each other?" Tatsuya asked.
"An embarrassing memory for me," Shinkuro said.
Tatsuya, aware of their first meeting from Yugen, avoided probing further. As Masaki hesitated, Yugen spoke up.
"Heard you shone in Yokohama, Masaki. 'Crimson Prince' in full glory," Yugen teased.
"Godsaka... stop that," Masaki said.
"Just stating facts," Yugen replied.
Shinkuro, Tatsuya, and Miyuki nodded, knowing Masaki's aversion to pomp. Sighing, Masaki faced Yugen and Tatsuya.
"Godsaka, Shiba... that okay to call you?"
"Of course. Something on your mind, Ichijou?" Tatsuya asked.
"Doesn't this year's competition feel off?" Masaki asked quietly.
Sensing discretion, Tatsuya responded, "Off? Care to clarify? The competition changes?"
Tatsuya knew the background—Defense Force, Kudou family, and other influences—but couldn't speak openly, especially since he wasn't involved with the Rosen issue.
"The changes make sense," Masaki said.
"The rules account for changes, and recent events make it logical," Shinkuro added.
Yugen noted they overlooked the spring's magician exclusion movement, sparked by Humanists in the USNA's East Coast, with signs in Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Osaka, and Okinawa, using old Blanche and Egalite bases. Yugen had informed Chikahime and Gozo, bypassing the Master Clan Conference to avoid tipping off Gu Jie. Masaki, unaware, likely heard some details from Gouki at the spring meeting.
"The spring makes it feel rushed," Masaki said. "But the Steeplechase Cross-Country is the oddest, right?"
"Exactly. A 4km course, even for active troops, is rare. Too risky for high schoolers, especially on the final day," Tatsuya said.
"Yugen's military ties make it obvious," Masaki said, to which Yugen nodded.
Their deductions, based on public info and Ichijou family investigations via Shinkuro, were spot-on.
"Speaking of, how'd your family's investigation go?" Yugen asked.
"Uh, can we talk later? Not here," Masaki said.
"Got it," Yugen replied.
As Masaki turned to leave, he faced Yugen with a serious look, likely a challenge.
"Godsaka, I won't lose this year," Masaki declared.
"Big words, Ichijou. I'll make it a repeat of last year," Yugen shot back.
Masaki faltered, then left to avoid digging a deeper hole, Shinkuro following with a wry smile. Airi Isshiki, a Third High second-year, approached with Shiori Kanou and Toko Tsukushin.
"Long time, Yugen-san," Airi said.
"Airi, Shiori, Toko. Done talking with Miyuki?" Yugen asked.
"Yeah. Surprised you left the Ten Master Clans," Airi said.
Shiori, adopted into the Kanou family after her original family lost its Number status, likely related to the shift.
"I left voluntarily. Can't share details," Yugen said.
"Got it. But against you, the 'Prince' looks pitiful," Toko said.
As the fourth fiancée candidate for the Godsaka heir, Toko knew Yugen's true strength, speaking quietly to avoid attention.
"No direct face-off, but good luck. We're aiming for a fourth straight win, so no full support," Yugen said.
"That's enough," Airi replied, bowing lightly before leaving.
Yugen turned to Miyuki, who was pinching his back.
"Miyuki-san, that hurts," he said.
"You're such a sinful playboy, Yugen-san," Miyuki said.
"Shizuku agrees?" Yugen asked.
"Yep," Shizuku said, leaving Yugen stunned.
Room assignments paired Tatsuya with Isori, Miyuki with Kanon, and Yugen with Toya. But Kanon and Miyuki swapped, pairing Isori with Kanon and Yugen with Miyuki. Toya, with Tatsuya, sensed the situation from Tatsuya's exasperated look. Yugen and Tatsuya's concerns about propriety were thoroughly ignored.
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