And thus, we're rivals [Season 10 End]

Okisato sighed as he prepared to leave.

"Why so sour, Tanabe-kun? That was a very beautiful mate," Mimoko huffed.

"At my expense. And considering the game was full of mistakes, I'm surprised you're praising it so highly."

"The best in the world make mistakes."

"And throw petty fits when they realize their mistakes might make them drop elo."

Mimoko began to pout.

"Your pouting face is your only charm point. Well, I'm off. Happy New Year."

"Say, have you joined a team for the World Chess League?"

Okisato stopped and turned back around. "Yes, I have."

"So I wasn't hearing things. That means we're rivals, but might not be able to face each other."

"That all depends on board placements. Though given who else is on the team, I'll likely be placed at the rising stars board."

Mimoko went quiet for a bit before returning her reply. "In that case, I'll petition to be placed on that board as well. I want to face you proper in a tournament setting."

"For elo?"

"NO! Ahem, Tanabe-kun, I want to face you at your best, to see how much you've grown."

"Not sure the World Chess League is the place for that. It's a team event, so going for a draw against you would be to most strategically sound strategy."

"What makes you think you'd have the luxury to draw?"

"THAT confident in your lineup?"

Mimoko didn't say another word.

"I see. Well, we are rivals, so showing our hands isn't in our best interests. Though if I can ask, was Shousen-san accepted onto your team?"

Mimoko remained silent, yet her eyes told Okisato all.

"So that's how it is. Best of luck then. You'll need it."

Once Okisato was gone, Mimoko let out a sigh.

"Really wish I could pry those NDA secrets out of you too," Daria chuckled as she warped in garbed in a winter kimono and boots.

"Maestros competing would be overkill. Besides, I heard you're going to be stuck on commentating duty."

"All because I was in a flustered mood thanks to your doppelganger."

"Do you think she'll return?"

"Possibly, but at the very least, her game logs no longer match up with yours. That at least erases any match fixing allegations."

"All-Japan really had a shadow over it thanks to her... I couldn't even have a proper match with Iori-chan."

"That Emmie girl also had a hand in things, but at least the boy managed to humiliate her. Speaking of which, I heard you kissed him last night."

Mimoko's face went bright red. "O- Okaa-chan!"

"Look at my little girl becoming a woman. Now, ready to head out?"

Mimoko pouted and nodded.

[Season 10 End]