Chapter 179: The Return of the Nine Schools Battle
As the days passed, the boundaries between Mahiro and Miya's relationship grew increasingly blurred.
Miya's guilt-driven indulgence and Mahiro's substitute-seeking demands led them to engage in almost everything short of crossing that line in places where Minami couldn't see.
Even during his most irritable moments, Miya could satisfy his willfulness.
Though she had initially resisted, even giving him cold shoulders for many days, she gradually became terrifyingly obedient afterward.
Somehow, in Miya, he seemed to see Miyuki's shadow.
Is this what mother and daughter are like?
At school, he spent his days with Shizuku, Honoka, and Sayaka. Returning home, he kept Minami company while occasionally seeking comfort from Miya.
Such joyful days made time fly by.
The second summer vacation at First High School arrived, coinciding with the Nine Schools Competition, with various high schools intensively preparing for the event.
This year's competition had undergone rule changes.
Firstly, events like Speed Shooting, Battle Board, and Mirage Bat were canceled, replaced by Rower and Gunner, Shield Down, and Steeplechase Cross-Country.
The sudden event changes left many schools scrambling, as the last-minute notifications forced them to restructure their team selections from scratch.
They also needed to develop corresponding strategies and tactics.
Moreover, these events gave people an ominous premonition, especially the Steeplechase Cross-Country—this wasn't something students should be exposed to but rather military training content!
However, compared to these changes, the new additional rules made the event modifications seem somewhat insignificant.
The new rule was simple, consisting of just one sentence—
"Yotsuba Mahiro of First High School is prohibited from participating in all events except the Steeplechase Cross-Country."
When this rule was announced, everyone was stunned, with some even unable to contain their laughter.
What was this?
Previously, the targeting had been covert, but now it was out in the open, right?
Even when dealing with Mio before she became one of the Thirteen Apostles, they hadn't been this harsh!
"Sigh, who made your performance last year so outrageous? Probably no participant from any previous Nine Schools Competition could match you."
After all, even the publicly acknowledged Strategic Class Magician Itsuwa Mio had lost to him. How much stronger could other magicians possibly be?
However, the person saying this was none other than his dear senior, Watanabe Mari.
Incidentally, he was currently sitting in the student council room as a special guest.
"I say, Watanabe-senpai, didn't you and Mayumi-senpai already graduate? Why are you still showing up here? Stealing the spotlight, are you?"
Mahiro stared with dead fish eyes at Mari, who was patting his shoulder, and offered a weary retort.
The main issue was, although she was saying comforting words, she was actually trying hard not to laugh!
And nearly failing to contain it!
"We're just here to cheer on our juniors, of course."
Sitting opposite them, Mayumi smiled while holding instant coffee.
"That's right, university is on break now, so Mayumi and I came to visit. We just happened to hear about the Nine Schools Competition changing rules specifically for you... pfft... but never mind that—"
"Don't be discouraged, Mahiro-kun. You can still participate in the cross-country obstacle race, can't you?"
Watanabe Mari couldn't hold back her laughter as she spoke, eventually turning around completely while clutching her stomach in suppressed mirth.
Yotsuba Mahiro: "..."
I really want to pin this woman down on the table and make her cry, then see if she can still laugh like this!
"Now now, Mahiro-kun, there's no need to sulk. Actually, Mari is right—you can still participate in the cross-country obstacle race events. Moreover, with your abilities, you could join as part of the technical team."
Seeing his displeased expression, Mayumi stepped in with a gentle smile to comfort him.
Though truth be told, Mayumi also desperately wanted to laugh.
Mahiro-kun looks so cute like this—it's the first time I've seen him like this.
That's what Mayumi thought to herself.
But honestly speaking, while the Nine Schools Competition officials might seem excessive, they're actually being completely reasonable.
Especially since she knew exactly how powerful her boyfriend and fiancé Mahiro-kun truly was.
It was enough to make people look up in awe and feel the despair of that overwhelming difference.
This was evident from how three families of the Ten Master Clans had jointly requested the school to ensure Yotsuba Mahiro could graduate properly from First High School.
However, Mahiro remained unaware of this matter. He just curled his lips disdainfully and said:
"Tch, if they don't want me to compete, then I'm not interested anyway! I won't participate in any events this year! Let them have their fun without me!"
"Um... Mahiro-kun, it would be better if you don't throw a tantrum... Our First High team still needs you..."
The current student council president, Nakajou Azusa, weakly raised her hand to speak, much like a small animal.
Her pitiful appearance made one wonder how long she would cry if someone punched her.
Most importantly, her voice was too soft, and Mahiro didn't even notice she had spoken.
So Azusa shifted her gaze, seeking help from her vice president.
"Shiba-san, you think so too, right...?"
"Sorry, Nakajou-senpai, I won't express any opinion on this matter."
Miyuki displayed a perfect, ladylike smile.
But her words drew a small whimper from Azusa.
"Eh? How can that be..."
"Nakajou-senpai, don't you think the Nine Schools Competition officials are being too unreasonable? Although Mahiro-nii-sama is indeed strong, stronger than anyone else, that shouldn't be grounds for disqualification! Just because students from other schools are weaker, does that mean Mahiro-nii-sama shouldn't be allowed to compete?"
"That makes no sense!"
"Moreover, if things are like this now, what about next time? If our First High produces another equally outstanding competitor in this Nine Schools Competition, will the officials add new rules next time to prevent that student from participating too?!"
"...Amazing."
Mari was stunned by Miyuki's performance.
Everyone else was rendered speechless by what they heard.
Miyuki's argument indeed made sense—the logic of "I'm weak so I'm right" shouldn't be used as a judgment standard, much less as the main rationale for defining rules.
Otherwise, it would be an insult and disappointment to the truly capable competitors.
But the main reason they dared not speak was primarily because they had actually seen an angry expression on Miyuki's face!
Although they had long been aware of Miyuki's issues, wasn't this brother-complex attribute a bit too extreme?
Mari couldn't help but glance at Mayumi, whose gaze happened to meet hers at that moment.
She saw a wry smile unconsciously form on Mayumi's face as she gently shook her head.
"Miyuki, I understand your feelings and recognize that the Nine Schools Competition officials have overstepped this time, but please calm down. The people here aren't your enemies."
"Onii-sama..."
Finally, with Tatsuya's persuasion, Miyuki released her tightly clenched fists and returned to normal.
Noticing the astonished looks from the surrounding seniors and her classmates, Miyuki's face flushed red and she deeply bowed her head.
"I apologize for my excessive agitation."
"No! Miyuki is absolutely right—we truly cannot tolerate such rules!"
"Indeed, this is really unfair to Mahiro-kun."
Honoka, the newly appointed secretary, and Shizuku, the discipline committee member, both spoke up in support of Miyuki.
"You're both correct. As First High School students, we indeed cannot tolerate such targeted rules. Protest is necessary, but... Yotsuba-kun, you don't need to be stubborn about this matter either."
Hattori Gyoubu, who had inherited the position from Juumonji as the new head of the club activities committee, adopted a Commander Ikari-like pose as he looked at Mahiro.
"Oh? What guidance does Hattori-senpai have to offer?" Mahiro responded with a smile.
However, when he said this, the atmosphere seemed to grow several degrees heavier.
"I wouldn't call it guidance, just some personal opinions."
Hattori maintained his expression as he said:
"Setting aside how the Nine Schools Competition concerns First High's honor for now, if Yotsuba-kun you refuse to participate in the competition, this wouldn't serve as an effective protest—rather, it would play right into the competition officials' hands."
"Yotsuba-kun, you should participate in the Nine Schools Competition and achieve astonishing results—that would be the best form of protest!"
"I agree with Hattori-kun's opinion. The Nine Schools Competition officials would probably be delighted to see Yotsuba-kun not participating."
This time it was Ichihara Suzune who spoke.
Similarly, as a third-year senior who had already graduated, she was only sitting here because Mayumi and Mari had forcibly dragged her along.
"Regarding this matter, Hattori-senpai and Ichihara-senpai, I can still accomplish this even without participating as a competitor."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned curious gazes toward him.
"How do you plan to do that?"
Discipline Committee President Chiyoda Kanon asked curiously.
"It's simple. As technical staff, I'll just make sure all our participants win their championships, won't I?"
Mahiro shrugged, saying this as if it were the most natural thing.
However, such a statement was so astonishing that it stunned everyone present, leaving them momentarily unable to process it.
Make everyone champion?
Even though these words came from Mahiro himself, and everyone knew about his exceptional skills in CAD adjustment, this still sounded utterly fantastical.
"Well, I wouldn't say it's for everyone. I'll be taking on CAD tuning and tactical guidance for half of the competitors in this tournament, ensuring these contestants win the championship."
"So that means Mahiro-kun will still be participating as a technician this time?!"
"Yes, exactly."
"Yay!"
Honoka let out an excited cheer.
She had always considered it a regret that she couldn't get Mahiro's support during last year's Nine Schools Competition, and never expected to make up for it this year!
The others also breathed sighs of relief upon hearing this.
If Mahiro were to take on all the technical work alone, regardless of whether it was even possible, just the thought of that terrifying workload made their scalps tingle.
"However, this time I'd like to recommend one contestant for the Nine Schools Competition."
"Who?"
"Sayaka."
"So you're recommending Sayaka-chan to become a Nine Schools Competition contestant, in exchange for taking on CAD tuning for half the competitors and ensuring they win the championship?"
In the station café, Erika propped her chin on one hand, smiling playfully as she teased him.
Their usual group had gathered here after school as always, though compared to last year, they only had one new addition—the recently enrolled Minami.
"If you want to put it that way, that's not wrong either."
Mahiro stirred his coffee listlessly.
"But the Nine Schools Competition people are really going too far, making such harsh conditions..." Mizuki adjusted her glasses discontentedly.
"This isn't just harsh—it's deliberate targeting," Shizuku gently corrected.
"No no no, you're all wrong. This kind of targeting makes perfect sense! Otherwise, how could it highlight our Yotsuba-kun's amazing skills? Right?"
Erika could no longer hold back, laughing out loud while teasing him.
This kind of malicious targeting happening once last year was bad enough, but for it to happen again this year was practically unheard of!
Truly the Mahiro she knew—such an absurd situation would never happen to anyone else.
"Erika, you're really from the same dojo as Watanabe-senpai, even your reactions are identical."
Under Mahiro's deadpan retort, Erika's laughter cut off abruptly.
"Idiot! Don't compare me to that woman!"
Erika's face flushed red as she glared at him angrily, simultaneously delivering a sharp kick to Mahiro's shin under the table.
However, before Mahiro could even react, Erika was the first to put on a pained expression.
Her toes curled tightly inside her shoes.
"Oww... damn it, why are you so hard? Are you made of iron?"
"Ha, it's not like I asked you to kick me. Should I have informed you that I know Armament Haki?"
The two exchanged banter using One Piece references.
Meanwhile, sitting beside him, Sayaka—who had rarely managed to escape club activities—couldn't help speaking up:
"Um... Mahiro-kun, am I really going to be okay?"
"Don't worry, Sayaka. You're just lacking confidence right now. Actually, your skills are already quite strong. Participating in events like Steeplechase Cross-Country shouldn't be difficult for you—just maintain your usual mindset."
"Besides, you still have me, don't you?"
Mahiro gently covered Sayaka's trembling little hand, which was shaking from nervousness, and softly comforted her.
"Yeah, I understand. I'll do my best!"
Under Mahiro's encouraging gaze, Sayaka nodded firmly and immediately intertwined her fingers with his.
"Hmph, the sickeningly sweet smell of love."
"Erika-chan, I think your jealousy smells even stronger."
"Mahiro-sama, I'll go prepare dinner now."
"Mm."
...
Upon returning from school, Mahiro saw Miya sitting on a lounge chair in the backyard, basking in the sun while reading a book.
Originally, the backyard was just a flat lawn, but now it was filled with various flowers and plants.
This was at Miya's request, and naturally, Mahiro was the one who did the work.
Considering that Miya was alone at home and likely bored, he had transformed the backyard into a garden according to her wishes.
"Welcome back."
Miya put down the paperback book in her hands and smiled gently at him, but when she looked up and noticed it was still early, with the sun high in the sky, she couldn't help but express surprise, "Why are you back so early today?"
"Well, official holidays started yesterday. Today was only a half-day because of the Nine Schools Competition."
As he spoke, Mahiro casually lay down on another lounge chair.
"Nine Schools Competition?"
Miya paused for a moment, then pushed her half-finished glass of iced tea toward Mahiro, saying softly, "You must be thirsty? Have a drink."
Only after watching him finish the iced tea in one gulp did Miya remember.
"Is that the magic competition jointly held by nine high schools?"
"Yeah."
Mahiro nodded.
No wonder Miya was unfamiliar with it—after all, when she passed away, Tatsuya and Miyuki hadn't even started high school yet.
Moreover, due to her fragile constitution and magical attributes back then, she couldn't possibly have participated in such a high school tournament.
"I still have to go to school tomorrow for preparation and maintenance, then we'll set off early the day after tomorrow. The whole thing will take about ten days or so."
"Ten whole days?"
Miya's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she let out a soft sigh.
Ever since she had grown accustomed to this home and to Mahiro, this would be the first time they'd be apart for so long—and it was so sudden too. Unconsciously, her worries began to surface.
It was somewhat like a mother fretting over her child traveling far away—perhaps that was the emotion she was feeling now.
She was worried about whether Mahiro would eat properly, rest well, or sleep soundly at night without her company...
Unconsciously, she had completely settled into the role of a mother.
"Well, it's a high school tournament after all, so it's normal for it to take some time. But since it's a public event, if you get bored at home, you could always go watch."
"Me? Go watch the Nine Schools Competition...? Is that really okay?"
"Why wouldn't it be? Last year during the competition, that woman Maya even went to the spectator stands to watch a few matches."
Mahiro inadvertently brought up last year's events.
But it was precisely this casual remark that immediately put Miya on alert, and she questioned him:
"...What are you planning to do now?"
"Hey, don't be so tense. I don't want to do anything, just want you to meet Miyuki. Don't you want to see your daughter Miyuki, and incidentally watch her championship-winning performance in the competition?"
Mahiro said this while tilting his head to observe Miya, but upon seeing her current state, an inexplicable warmth surged in his heart.
Miya: "..."
Saying she didn't want to would be a complete lie.
She did want to see how Miyuki had changed over these years.
"If it's about the Yotsuba family, then you don't need to worry. If I were afraid of Maya, I wouldn't have dug you out from the Yotsuba family grave to resurrect you in the first place."
"...Fine, I'll attend the Nine Schools Competition."
Miya let out a light sigh and chose to agree.
But there was still some anticipation in her heart.
However, the moment her words fell, Mahiro suddenly rose from the lounge chair, his heavy shadow immediately enveloping Miya.
"Say, Aunt, I've done so much for you—what kind of reward are you going to give me?"
At this moment, Mahiro looked exactly like a villain.
And Miya was the trembling one. If it were the same as before, she wouldn't mind anymore.
But this time, she noticed the flames reflected in Mahiro's eyes burned more fiercely than ever, as if wanting to devour her whole.
"..."
Miya instinctively shifted her body, leaning back on the lounge chair as if trying to avoid him, only to find there was nowhere left to retreat.
The next second, the Shangri-La teleportation array enveloped them, instantly returning them to the room.
"...W-wait a moment...!"
"Not waiting."
"Don't... we can't... like this... mmm!"
"....."
"...Wait, at least let me mentally prepare myself...!!"
"...."
"...G-gently... mhm!"