"That's quite a lot, but it's the first day after all. Most people probably bought it because of the publicity. Whether it can sell more depends on the word-of-mouth."
Izumi Chihiro was pleased but not carried away by the joy.
"Well, the high sales on the first day certainly owe something to you."
Eriri reluctantly admitted this point.
Izumi Masamune's appeal as the main writer was indeed quite significant, especially for an author like him who had many loyal fans. Many people bought it purely as a form of support.
Although curious, she didn't have particularly high expectations for Izumi Masamune to write a youth romance story that would truly hit the mark and be amazing.
Unless it's written by someone with Nayuta's style, readers won't particularly favor it.
"Actually, I'm also very interested in the story you wrote, Senpai, so..."
Kani Nayuta poked her index fingers together, seemingly hinting at something.
"Oh, Nayuta came with us so she didn't have time to queue, did she? Eriri, you..."
Izumi Chihiro immediately understood.
"I know, I'll have them bring one over later."
Eriri crossed her arms and tilted her head as she spoke.
Half an hour later.
"Got it! It's great not having to waste time queuing."
Kani Nayuta looked at the game disc in her hand, content.
She would be busy tonight when she got home!
However, on the second day of the anime convention, Kani Nayuta was noticeably less excited than before.
"Ah, it's over."
During her lunch break, she buried her head on the table.
"Nayuta, you're already bored. Do you remember how excited you were yesterday?"
Izumi Chihiro understood her current state, so he tried to lighten her mood with a teasing tone.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Senpai, can we go somewhere else this afternoon?"
Kani Nayuta said in a weak voice.
Although accompanying her Senpai was something to cherish, she hoped to experience more fun, rather than repeating the current process.
"I don't mind, Eriri, what do you think?"
He gave the decision-making power to Eriri.
"Whatever you want. Anyway, after the first day, the quality of the stall works drops significantly. Even if there are any good works that were missed, we can buy them at those small shops later."
Eriri shrugged.
"Then, how about going to an arcade?"
Izumi Chihiro suggested.
In a place like Akihabara, it was only natural to adapt to the local environment.
"An arcade? Nayuta has never been to one! I'm very curious!"
Kani Nayuta suddenly looked up, her eyes bright as she spoke.
"An arcade? It has been a long time since I last went."
Eriri thought about it and tacitly agreed.
Both of them had game consoles at home, and they used to go to arcades just to satisfy their curiosity and experience the lively atmosphere.
But in the end, they still only played together, so after a few visits, they found it boring and stopped going.
This time, with three people, it would be a bit more lively.
The three entered a large arcade, where the facilities were very complete, big and small, everything was available. Not only arcade games, but also other games such as dance machines and basketball shooting machines.
As soon as they entered, they heard a very noisy sound. The three looked in the direction of the sound and found a stage where many people were gathered.
"Wow, so many people!"
Kani Nayuta exclaimed, looking at the bustling scene in front of her.
"It seems like a game competition is taking place."
Izumi Chihiro easily judged.
"Senpai, let's go join the fun!"
Kani Nayuta pulled his arm and went over.
"It's not too late to take a look."
Eriri witnessed this scene and quickly followed.
"Hello everyone, our Retro Tournament King of Fighters '97, after fierce competition, has finally reached its final battle! Now, the two strong contenders who have entered the finals will engage in a supreme showdown. Let's welcome them now..."
As they got closer, the three realized that one of the two people about to duel on stage was the Miss Black Cat they had met before.
"It's already the finals, that must have been very difficult, right? Miss Black Cat has a lot of gaming talent."
Kani Nayuta praised.
As one of the largest arcades in Akihabara, it was filled with hidden gaming masters. Even if it wasn't a professional-level competition, reaching the finals was not an easy task.
"Mhm."
Izumi Chihiro nodded, "If Eriri went up, she'd probably be instantly defeated."
"Don't use me as a unit of combat power, baka! Chihiro, you wouldn't fare well either, would you?"
Eriri stomped her foot.
"At least I can beat you."
He smiled slightly.
Three black lines seemed to appear on Eriri's forehead. In the dim light, she extended her right foot, but stepped into empty air.
She looked up, only to be met with her childhood friend's smiling, silent gaze, as if saying, "I've been guarding against that move of yours!"
"Hmph!"
The girl snorted lightly and had no choice but to give up.
...
On the stage, the competition was in full swing.
"First up, from Chiba, Miss Black Cat…!"
Gokou Ruri stepped onto the stage, her expression as calm as ever, giving off an unapproachable aura.
"And then, the mysterious and unknown U.M.R. player, who entered the finals in her first appearance at this arcade's tournament!"
On the other side, a girl wearing an eye mask and a hat, identical to Eriri's disguise, appeared before everyone.
This made Kani Nayuta turn to look at Eriri.
"Did you teach her that?"
"Don't look at me, that's not my patent…"
Eriri clarified.
"Let's just watch the match."
Izumi Chihiro smoothed things over.
…
"I won't lose."
Gokou Ruri said with a serious expression.
The champion's reward, besides a portion of the prize money, also included a large amount of game tokens, while the runner-up's prize was just a giant plushie, which was useless. So, she had only one goal—champion!
"Of course, I don't want to lose either."
Umaru Doma's tone was equally firm.
For her, winning games was the most enjoyable thing!
After a period of honing her skills, she hadn't met an opponent she couldn't beat, so this time would be no exception!
Thus, the two gaming prodigies began their peak showdown, captivating everyone's attention!
Feint calculations, psychological warfare, each had their strengths, and both sides exchanged blows, still unable to determine a winner!
The match came down to the final game of the bo5, the last character.
At this critical moment, their differing beliefs determined the ultimate victory and defeat!
"I told you, I won't lose!"
Gokou Ruri controlled her character, launching a furious attack, while Umaru Doma chose a defensive playstyle.
Finally, with a precise guard-breaking combo, she successfully defeated Umaru Doma's last character and claimed the championship!