Under these circumstances

Going back in time to just before the start of the third round, an uncharacteristic scowl fashioned itself on Iori's face as she stormed into the playing hall. She wasn't the only one scowling as so were the arbiters, Daria, and even Mimoko herself. This was all thanks to Emmie, who had hijacked national TV the night prior to deliver a "prediction".

"So, wanna hear my thoughts on the big chess match tomorrow between Mimoko and Iori-chan? Well here's how I think it'll go EXACTLY!" were the words Emmie used to open up the broadcast before proceeding to showcase a game she believed the two would play move-for-move.

"That fucking face-melted fuck bitch! I thought her ass was dead for sure, but now she's back and saying I'm gonna play exactly like she predicted!? The fuck is she trying to pull!?" Iori thought as she sat down with a huff.

Mimoko was equally distraught, but more so because of her knowledge of Mimoko Tanabe. But if there was anyone winning the award for most stressed, it would be Daria.

"You sure you're alright?" Saloni asked as Daria sat down next to her.

"I'm fine. Who's the guest today?" Daria mumbled.

Saloni frowned and gazed at the empty seat. "I don't know. They said it was someone on probation, which put my on edge, but they didn't say more than that."

"Oi, don't make it sound like I'm some criminal. I'm only doing this because it's required for the job," a voice snarled.

Daria and Saloni turned to notice none other than Ilmi Hollo standing in the doorway.

"Oh, it's just you. Your that girl from Finland I think they said the place was?" Saloni nervously smiled.

"Sheesh, that fucker managed to make the world forget Finland that badly? I'm gonna default to Finnish frequently in this broadcast, dammit."

"Did you hear the briefing on what happened?" Daria asked.

"About fucking Iori? As if that bitch would follow that shit's predictions. Best she'll get right is the Bongcloud and hopefully Mimoko's victory."

Daria nodded as she gazed down at the screen. The game for this round had appeared in Mimoko Tanabe's gamelog just a few hours ago, yet while it was wildly different from Emmie's prediction aside from the opening and Mimoko's supposed victory, Emmie's broadcast was arguably putting Daria more on edge.

"This could devolve into a scandal regardless of how things go. Is that the aim of Mimoko Tanabe? Regardless, Emmie's bold play was clearly calculated, indicating she has some connection to what's going on. We'll have to keep her under scrutinous watch," Daria thought.

On the other side of the playing hall, Yuusuke met up with his opponent, who just so happened to be someone he recognized. "You're Arii Eyepelter! I've heard you in many games. When did you buzz your hair?"

Arii's smile faded as a disgusted scowl formed across her face. "Fucking scrawny neet! This shit's all Matsuba's fault! She dragged us into a death game and I lost all my hair! Shit's taking forever to grow back too!"

Yuusuke's smile also faded. "I uh, didn't know."

"Fuck would you know! You're just some stupid punk trying to act intellectual. Well newsflash, you're not! I'm gonna clean house with your fodder ass!"

Yuusuke went silent again. "I... I thought your voice was hot, but you're a complete bitch."

"You insulting me, trash? I'll have your life ruined for that."

"Never meet your idols, huh? This tournament just loves whipping my back," Yuusuke mumbled to himself.

"What was that about whipping!? You hear that!? This guy's pro-slavery!" Arii shouted aloud.

Many heads turned, but hardly any were moved by her words, dismissing them just as quickly as they turned their heads.

"Shouben-kun into slavery? What a fucking poser. I fucking hate whores that lie their asses off to ruin guys' lives. Today, and today only, I'll root for you, Shouben-kun," Iori thought as she turned to face Mimoko.

"You look a bit more shaken than me. Are you sure you're up for playing me?" Mimoko asked.

"Bongcloud... I'm gonna Bongcloud ya, and win unlike what that melted face bitch spewed. Then I'm going to insist the refs pair me up against her next round so I can melt her brain in humiliation."

This was the first time Mimoko had ever seen Iori so shaken, yet with her resolving to fight, she too resolved herself to fight as well. "As you wish, I'll rout your attack and mate you at my best," she declared as the round began.