Chapter 1 – The Weakest Pawn (Updated with popularity)
The morning sun gleamed over Shinkage High, Japan's top high school. Students moved with purpose, their crisp uniforms immaculate. Among them, Akihiro Takeda walked nervously, his brown skin and blonde hair making him stand out. Whispers followed him—not just because of his striking appearance, but because of the attention he usually attracted.
Girls often glanced his way, giggling or whispering to friends. Akihiro's face flushed immediately. He was shy, especially when noticed—but only really cared when Mina or Sayaka acknowledged him. Otherwise, attention made him awkward and flustered.
He adjusted his bag and entered the chess clubroom. The faint scent of incense mixed with polished wood. Rows of chessboards lined the tables, each glowing faintly with latent aura.
At the back, two students commanded attention. Mina Fujikawa, dark-haired and sharp-eyed, radiated authority. Beside her, Sayaka Moriyama, blonde and calm, watched silently, her aura serene yet alert. Akihiro's heart skipped a beat when their eyes met his—not because of his usual popularity, but because he genuinely cherished their attention.
"Ah, you must be Akihiro," Mina said, her voice precise and cold. "I hope you're prepared."
"I… I think so," Akihiro stammered, bowing, feeling heat rise to his cheeks.
Sayaka inclined her head slightly. "Welcome. Don't worry. Everyone starts somewhere."
Mina gestured to the nearest chessboard. "Show me your Kagekisen potential."
Akihiro froze. "My… what?"
"Your aura. Every student here has one. Some awaken it easily… some struggle."
He swallowed. Struggle… sounds about right.
He picked up a pawn and focused. A faint shimmer appeared above the board, weak and unstable, flickering before fading entirely.
Mina's Phantom Veil Kagekisen hovered effortlessly, black smoke coiling like liquid shadows. Sayaka's aura shimmered faintly, elegant and controlled.
"Not even close," Mina said, tilting her head. "Pathetic… but expected at a beginner level in Shinkage High."
Akihiro's shoulders slumped. I'm so outclassed…
"Don't give up just yet," Sayaka whispered, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Akihiro felt a warmth spread through him—not from pride, but because it was Sayaka, and he treasured this moment above all others.
The first sparring match began. Akihiro moved hesitantly, his aura flickering weakly. Mina's Phantom Veil countered every attempt with ease, dominating the board. He lost piece after piece, unable to defend effectively.
Sweat dripped down his face, his breath coming faster with every failed attempt. Yet in the faint flickers of his aura, a tiny pulse of potential whispered—a hint that he was far from powerless.
Finally, Mina's Phantom Veil captured his last piece. The match ended. Akihiro slumped, embarrassed and frustrated.
"Terrible," he muttered.
"Terrible… but raw potential," Mina said, neutral yet curious. "Work on it, and maybe you won't be a complete waste."
Sayaka smiled softly. "This is only the beginning, Akihiro. You'll improve—I can see it."
Looking at the faint aura left on the board, Akihiro realized something important: he might be weak now, but a spark was waiting to ignite. And when it did… Shinkage High would never forget him.
And perhaps, more importantly, he hoped to finally earn the attention of Mina and Sayaka—the only people whose recognition truly mattered to him.
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