Team Alaskan Wildlife Tours

As Hagemi arrived back home, she didn't see Yuusuke anywhere. None of his shoes were missing, meaning he wasn't out. Shaking her head, she stormed over to his room to find him asleep.

"It's past noon... WAKE UP!" Hagemi yelled as she yanked off the covers, sending Yuusuke tumbling to the floor.

"GAH! O- Okaa!?"

"I got shit to talk to you about. The Global League... You want a spot on a team?"

Yuusuke sat up in confusion.

"Mimoko is trying to secure you a spot on a team, but the problem is the team sponsor isn't too keen on you joining. Instead, she wants me to join the team with Mimoko."

"Why can't we all-"

"Limit of two per federation. Thus, after some pressure from Mimoko, she agreed to give you a chance. Tonight and tonight only, you'll have to face her in a game. Win, and you make the team, lose, and I make the team instead. Since she is the type to put you on the clock just to get there, I'm telling you now and planning on dragging you over there well ahead of schedule to ensure an automatic forfeit isn't an issue. So get dressed unless you want me dragging you over like that. 5 minutes is all you get."

Slamming the door behind her before Yuusuke could protest, Hagemi shook her head. "Yuusuke, you better win this," she thought.

...

Elsewhere, Utami found herself being dragged by Okisato to a hotel. "Why must I accompany you on such a day? Just because Mimoko-sama has prior engagements, doesn't mean there's stuff I can't do on my own."

"This is important. You want to participate in the Global league, right?"

"Preferably on a team with Mimoko-sama."

"I doubt that'll happen. She's planning to be on a team with Shousen-san, and with a limit of two per federation-"

"Then he can change-"

"No, after what happened with Kuon at the Chess Olympics, the WWCF put in a rule that any federation change within 1 month of the start of a team event where federation affiliation matters, will not be counted. That and I doubt there's a federation that would just approve his request to transfer to it."

"And why must I come with you?"

"I feel you're good enough to be on the team I'm on. That, and we need 2 female players."

"You've already gotten a team of 4 guys?"

"If the negotiating goes well, yes, and it won't just be any 4 guys, all of us will be 2700 or higher."

"..."

"Given your growth, I feel you could work wonders on the women's board, thus I felt I'd try seeing if you could make the team. You might have to prove yourself in a match, but I feel there will be enough present to vouch for your prowess."

Arriving at a hotel, the two were guided to a room where they were met with Peter, Hubert, Arun, Solveig, and the team sponsor of Alaskan Wildlife Tours, Rex Grata.

"Madman Duras!?" Utami gasped.

"Oh? I see Arun was able to get recruited, and it seems we have our under 2000 and second female member," Okisato nodded.

"You implying this girl you brought will make the team?" Rex asked.

"Her rating is over 2300."

"Ah, your disciple. Considering she's been raising her rating, it seems your teaching is having a positive effect," Peter grumbled as he read his book.

"Mi- Mimoko-sama is my main teacher. Tanabe is just the assistant," Utami trembled.

"She's taught by Mimoko and you? Well, you weren't lying bout bringin' in talent. Lemme just check her record," Rex nodded.

A quick check of Utami's play history later, Utami was officially on the team.

"Looks like we're all set then. Guess that means the day's a practice session. Get workin' on team strats too."

And thus, Team Alaskan Wildlife Tours was fully formed.