Win One for Tsuyoshi!

6 years ago

Mitsuha and Michiko stood together to avoid getting split among the throng of nerds... err enthusiastic fans as they made their way into the public recreational facility. Over Mitsuha's shoulder was a small carry satchel filled with cards while Michiko held a set of pamphlets and rule books.

At twelve years old, Mitsuha and Michiko had just barely made the cut-off for this year's Magic-the-Gathering 2x2 format tournament, a fact that Tsuyoshi had every intention of exploiting this year. Like so many other hobbies and interests, Tsuyoshi had introduced the card game to Mitsuha and Michiko out of sheer enthusiasm, as well as provide himself some partners to practice against before coming to the tournament circuit.

Earlier that morning, their parents had dropped the three children off at the recreational center at the appointed time, just as so many other participants were also showing up. Tsuyoshi had been looking forward to this local tournament for the past few weeks; Mitsuha and Michiko, not quite as much, though they were willing to participate because they both looked up to Tsuyoshi and his infectious drive. It also gave them an excuse to spend their weekend together doing something truly different.

Just then, a hand clamped down on Mitsuha's shoulder, nearly causing her to erupt in shock. "It's time!" Tsuyoshi excitedly proclaimed.

"Oniichan...!" Mitsuha yelped as she turned around. Tsuyoshi's eyes positively gleamed through his glasses like a cat that had just cornered its prey.

"We've got our assigned bracket and time slot! Let's go! We have to assemble our decks and lay out our team strategy! To victory...!" he declared before heading into the facility, with Mitsuha in tow.

Michiko smiled feebly as she gave a jaunty wave goodbye as she watched Tsuyoshi drag Mitsuha away backwards to impotent protests before heading for the concession stands. I'll be nice and grab them each a Ramune soda later. Mitsuha likes strawberry and melon. Tsuyoshi-sempai goes for the wild side like dragonfruit.

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Inside the main gaming hall, the participants and observers headed to their assigned locations as the MCs gave the opening announcements, followed by the tournament rules, brackets and prizes. Tsuyoshi had been looking forward to this event for the past few months, having introduced the game to the two girls only a year ago. Before that, it was Reversi, Shogi, Pokeman, and several others. Their parents drew the line at Airsoft and Paintball however... Not until they're fourteen, Tsuyoshi...! they declared.

Michiko looked towards the arena area where she could see Tsuyoshi and Mitsuha were seated and getting their cards ready. The Yamano siblings were practically family to her, and they treated her like the third member of their clan. Tsuyoshi was every bit an older brother to her as he was to Mitsuha and an inspiration to both of them. He wasn't just a nerd either; those who knew him best knew he was also an intellect of few peers with a diversity of interests that went beyond pop culture. He could discuss horticulture, history, science and literature before geeking out about the latest anime or movie reference.

Below, the first round of individual games had started. Michiko was too far away to hear the specifics but could tell from the facial expressions that all eyes were focused on Tsuyoshi's cards and moves with only scant attention being paid to his pint-sized partner, which was almost certainly exactly what he had in mind. You poor unfortunate fools... she thought with amusement. Mitsuha may still look like an eight-year-old, but she's got the mind of a tiger, and while neither girl was quite as... enthusiastic as Tsuyoshi was, they didn't take the game lightly either.

As expected, Tsuyoshi and Mitsuha won the first match, with their flummoxed opponents never even realizing what had happened. "Congratulations, sempai," Michiko said, as Tsuyoshi started to make preparations on his deck and Mitsuha nibbled on a fruit-flavored snack stick.

"Yeaah... what a match... " Tsuyoshi exclaimed as he grinned. Nothing like an easy first round win. Of course, the next round opponents wouldn't likely fall for the "pint-sized assassin trick" again; he'd have to come up with another tactic as the competition ramped up. Which is why... "So, Michiko... can I ask you to substitute for the match?"

"Eh? Why would you want that? Mitsuha and I don't even play the same style."

"Exactly," Tsuyoshi explained. "The next team was watching our match. They'll be expecting the same style. Mitsuha's style is to attack first and often. You're more of a defensive builder. On the next match, they're going to expect a quick attack and spend a lot of their resources building up tons of defense. When that attack doesn't come, we'll catch them off-guard!"

Michiko sighed as Mitsuha gave her a knowing look then beckoned at her. At some pre-arranged agreement, Michiko handed Mitsuha a Y5000 note. I told you so , Mitsuha's smug expression silently said.

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Soon, the next bracket of matches started. Mitsuha watched carefully from the sidelines as Tsuyoshi and Michiko took the stage. As expected, their opponents fell right into the pattern Tsuyoshi had predicted, mounting up their resources against an immediate attack that never came, even bypassing what should have been juicy opportunities to seize assets to do so. Like a true card-player, Tsuyoshi kept his face calm, but inwardly he was grinning, perfect! keep doing exactly that! By mid-game, it was far too late; Tsuyoshi had managed to seize the mid-board and the game was a foregone by then.

By mid-afternoon, the MCs took to center stage. Tsuyoshi, Michiko and Mitsuha had managed to fend off their matches and were now staring at the quarterfinals. "Tsuyoshi-sempai, what's your plan now?" Michiko asked. Only two matches were left, but she had checked the names on the list and the remaining teams were all ranked from the previous year's tournaments. This time, no more cheap tricks or tactics would work against these teams.

"I have a plan! it'll be just as smooth as sailing in a mud boat!" Tsuyoshi declared.

"That's not very inspiring at all Oniichan...!" the two girls said almost in unison.

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The tournament drew to a close as the crowds began to leave the auditorium. Tsuyoshi sighed as he held the third-place trophy. Well, not too bad, considering we were going up against ranked tournament players...

"Oniichan... sorry we couldn't do better," Mitsuha said with a little regret.

"Eh?" Tsuyoshi expressed a little surprised then smiled and gave a thumbs up. "You two were great! What's important was we all have fun!"

Both girls thought about it, then looked at each other and nodded... yeah... a trophy was just a simple thing... what truly was important was the memories and friends we shared this day. These were the days we would cherish as we all grow to our old age and retirement one day. They all pulled out cold bottles of Ramune sodas and pushed the marbles down and gave a toast. "Kampai!"

Clink!