Chapter 57: Heading to the Tokyo Arena
During lunch break, as usual, Shirou went to the Service Club to have lunch with everyone.
"Eh? Shirou, you're eating rice balls today?"
"Yeah, because my little sister Komachi has her entrance exam today. Even if I packed her a bento, I doubt she could eat it. So I just made some rice balls for her to snack on instead."
Inside Shirou's lunch box were six rice balls, divided into two sets of three.
One set was snow-white, made with vinegared rice wrapped in seaweed, stuffed with different fillings: cod roe, meat floss, and braised egg. These were best enjoyed cold, giving off a refreshing sweetness.
The other set was golden—grilled rice balls filled with spices and minced meat, providing a savory, crispy taste.
"Eh? The entrance exam is today? Shouldn't it start on the weekend like Saturday or Sunday? It's only Monday," Yuigahama asked, puzzled.
"You didn't know, Yuigahama? It's not like that. International high schools hold their exams early every year to accommodate foreign students coming from other countries," Yukinoshita explained.
"Well, I've never interacted with the international class students. I've barely exchanged a word with any foreign students," Yuigahama replied with an awkward smile.
"That's not true, right? We have a foreigner right here," Shirou said, sounding exasperated.
"Eh? Who?" Yuigahama blinked in confusion. A foreigner? Who had she ever said "hello-hello" to?
The pink-haired girl tilted her head in confusion as well and looked at Asuna-senpai.
Her nickname did sound foreign, but her real surname was a traditional Japanese one—like Yuuki Rito, Yuuki Mikan, or Yuuki Yuuna—not uncommon.
Then she looked at Yukinoshita-senpai. Although she had studied abroad, she was clearly Japanese.
"No matter how hard you pretend to be clueless, nobody's going to play along," Shirou said flatly to Mash.
"Ah! Mash!" Yuigahama finally realized.
"Don't say it out loud," Yukinoshita said as she pulled Yuigahama back down into her seat.
"Ugh…" Mash puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. These senpai just didn't understand how to play along. Even if it's a cold joke, you're supposed to laugh—it's basic social etiquette!
"Ehehe… I see," Yuigahama giggled awkwardly and adjusted the bun on her head.
Their conversations always felt so natural, she completely thought of Mash as Japanese.
"By the way, why didn't you invite your sister to eat lunch with us?" Asuna asked.
"Oh, Komachi said a very knowledgeable friend offered to take her out for ramen," Shirou explained.
"I see. That's a bit of a shame. I haven't met your sister yet," Asuna said.
Shirou thought to himself: No, it's probably for the best if you don't.
"Back to the topic—what day are you going to Tokyo for the competition?" Yukinoshita asked, looking at him.
"I'm heading out Thursday afternoon. The competition starts Friday. Kyudo is on the first day, and the recurve bow event is on the second."
"Eh? Then we won't make it in time to cheer for you?" Yuigahama said in surprise.
"No, Yuigahama-senpai, during kyudo matches, cheering and noise are prohibited," Mash reminded her.
"Are you all coming? Honestly, it's pretty boring to watch," Shirou said.
"What are you talking about, Shirou? Of course just watching the match is boring—but watching you compete is a whole different matter!
Yukino, come shopping with me after school! I need to get a mini trumpet and maracas!" Yuigahama declared.
"Okay. Shouting would be too embarrassing, but I can handle maracas," Yukinoshita nodded.
"I'll come too," Asuna added.
"You don't need stuff like that. I'm not doing boxing or MMA. If you do come, please just watch quietly," Shirou said, reminding them.
"What's your problem with people cheering for you?" Yuigahama pouted.
"I get it. We'll cheer for you in a way that doesn't affect the match," Yukinoshita said, giving him a look.
"Shirou-senpai, do your best!" Mash encouraged him.
"Ah… yeah… thank you, everyone." Shirou had no choice but to respond. But seriously, there's no real reason for them to come watch.
After school, back at home, Komachi—who had already finished her exam—had changed into her casual home clothes and was relaxing at home.
"My friend took me around to a bunch of shops, and we finally found this amazing ramen place! It was soooo good! I think I'm addicted now!" Komachi laughed.
"Addictive ramen sounds dangerous. Was this friend in the same class?" Shirou asked.
"Nope! It was someone I met during the school tour.
At first, she seemed kind of cold and arrogant, but we actually got along surprisingly well. I'm asking her to take me to more good food tomorrow too!" Komachi said, full of excitement.
"You are an exam candidate, you know. It's fine to relax a bit, but don't forget the main reason you're there," Shirou said.
"I knooow! But after eating good food, I feel super energized! I'm totally confident about the exam this time!" Komachi said proudly.
"Well, that's good then," Shirou said.
"Hey, on another note, my friend seems to be really into cooking.
Maybe you two would get along great! Next time I'll call you out so you guys can meet!" Komachi said, still thinking about her brother's future love life even during her own entrance exams.
"What do you feel like eating tonight, Komachi? Mom and Dad are coming home early too," Shirou said as he walked into the kitchen.
Later, Komachi finished her exams without issue, though results wouldn't be announced until next week. Then Thursday arrived—Shirou packed his bag and prepared to head to Tokyo for the competition.
"Good luck, Onii-chan! Mom and Dad are both busy, but Komachi will be heading over on Saturday to cheer for her friend—so I'll cheer for you while I'm at it too!" Komachi told him that morning as she left for school.
That night, the team would stay at a hotel owned by the International High School's board of directors, then check in at the gymnasium the next morning.
Shirou went to the kyudo club to meet up with his teammates.
Together, they boarded the school's luxury bus.
They placed their luggage and bow gear in the lower luggage compartment and then climbed the stairs to the upper deck.
As soon as Shirou reached the second floor, he heard a cheerful voice.
"Yo, Shirou! You finally made it. Come sit over here!" One of the team leaders, Hiratsuka Shizuka, waved him over.
"Uh… I'm good. I'll just sit with my classmates," Shirou said as he looked for a seat.
At that moment, all the kyudo club members lowered their heads and quickly filled every surrounding seat, claiming them entirely. Then, in perfect unison, they all put on headphones and started playing FGO.
"Come on over," Hiratsuka Shizuka said with a smile, gesturing at him again.