All the Heroines are my Ex-girlfriends

"Speaking of shogi, I might take a leave next month."

Yukima Azuma said.

Hearing that, the three girls in the student council room all turned to look at him.

"Is there a match coming up?" Shinomiya Kaguya blinked and asked.

"Something like that…" Yukima Azuma nodded.

Next month was the start of the Mynavi Women's Open Shogi Tournament.

It was the largest open women's shogi tournament in Japan.

No age restrictions, no status restrictions.

Any female shogi player could participate.

The winner would receive the title of Queen.

For female shogi players, this was practically a one-step ascension to the heavens.

Moreover, as long as a player passed the preliminary rounds and entered the main tournament—

And managed to win a single match in the main bracket—

They could bypass all previous achievements and directly become a professional female shogi player.

By the way, the current Queen title holder was none other than Yukima Azuma's senpai—Sora Ginko.

…

Time passed quickly.

Before long, Yukima Azuma had already requested his leave from Shuchiin.

That morning, as usual, he left his house.

Only to see a familiar red-and-white sports car parked outside.

Recently, every morning, Haruno had been waiting there, she using all sorts of excuses to pull Yukima Azuma into her car and drive him to Shuchiin.

Today, before Haruno could even poke her head out—

Yukima Azuma took the initiative to walk over, open the passenger door, and sit inside.

Seeing him get into the passenger seat,

A playful glint flashed in Haruno's eyes.

But before she could entertain any thoughts, Yukima Azuma cut her off.

"Starting tomorrow, you don't need to come anymore."

Hearing that, Haruno slightly parted her lips but found herself at a loss for words.

Lately, even if nothing had really progressed—

At the very least, she could still interact with Yukima Azuma, exchange a few words with him.

Haruno had never considered what she would do if he outright pushed her away.

Refuse?

She wasn't so shameless.

But just agreeing to it…

Haruno only felt that the cracks in her already fractured heart were now being stabbed deeper.

"I'll be taking leave starting tomorrow. I have to attend a shogi tournament."

Actually, these two sentences were spoken back-to-back.

It was just that the slight pause in between made Haruno feel like she was plummeting into an abyss.

But now, after hearing his explanation—

It was as if the sky had cleared, and light had suddenly broken through the clouds.

She started the engine.

A subtle smile curled on her lips.

Compared to winning the lottery, the feeling of thinking she had lost something but hadn't was even sweeter.

After all, luck had never felt real to her.

She had never once won a lottery in her entire life.

Well, maybe there was one time.

But she had been the one to throw that winning ticket away.

…

The car pulled up in front of Shuchiin's gates.

Yukima Azuma reached for his seatbelt.

"Ne, since we're parting ways tomorrow, doesn't Azuma-kun think I deserve a goodbye kiss?"

Haruno's playful voice teased his ears.

"Heh." Yukima Azuma scoffed coldly. "In your—"

The word "dream" never made it out.

The moment he unfastened his seatbelt and lifted his head—

Haruno's lips had already pressed down on his.

For the second time.

Wasn't he supposed to be a badass CEO? Why did he keep getting forcibly kissed?

He should be the one pushing women against the wall, saying, "Woman, you have successfully caught my attention!"

…Ah, wait. Weren't Nao and Yukino the ones running the company?

Their tongues briefly intertwined.

Yukima Azuma actually considered biting down on that agile tongue to make Haruno remember this moment forever.

But in the end, he let it go.

After that short farewell kiss—

Yukima Azuma pushed her away.

"Goodbye, Azuma-kun! I'll miss you!"

Haruno cheerfully waved, then placed two fingers on her lips and blew him a kiss in Frieren's style.

Yukima Azuma waved back—but only to swat away the airborne kiss. He had no intention of collapsing like Himmel.

Seeing that, Haruno didn't mind at all.

She was already more than satisfied today.

…

The next day.

Yukima Azuma officially took his leave from Shuchiin.

Early in the morning, the doorbell rang.

When he opened the door, standing outside was none other than Hinatsuru Ai.

"Shishou!" she called out before launching herself into Yukima Azuma's embrace.

.o(≧∀≦)o

It had been over a month since she last saw her shishou.

Yukima Azuma patted her head in response.

His gaze then shifted to the young woman standing behind her.

Today, Sora Ginko was wearing an icy blue kimono.

A symbol of her seriousness toward shogi.

The obi belt around her waist was tied into a large butterfly bow—an emblem of maidenhood.

Because of it, her slender waist was accentuated even more.

A truly delicate, palm-sized waist.

Incredibly alluring.

"L*licon."

(¬`‸´¬)

Seeing Yukima Azuma's gaze shift, Sora Ginko pouted slightly, her tone laced with a hint of jealousy.

"Senpai looks absolutely stunning today."

Yukima Azuma spoke with sincerity.

Faced with such a direct attack, Sora Ginko's defenses crumbled instantly.

Her snow-white face flushed a deep red.

"What about me? What about me, shishou?!"

>⩊<

Hinatsuru Ai, still nestled in Yukima Azuma's chest, looked up and pointed at herself.

"Umu umu, Ai looks adorable today too."

ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

Yukima Azuma said before giving her another affectionate head pat.

Hinatsuru Ai's face instantly lit up with joy.

In reality, besides the two of them—

There were quite a few others at the entrance.

Sainokami Ika was there, as was Kiyotaki Keika.

Both of them were also participating in the Mynavi Women's Open Shogi Tournament this time.

Additionally, the Hinatsuru family had specially prepared a vehicle to transport everyone.

After a brief exchange of greetings—

Yukima Azuma and the group boarded the car.

He sat next to Sora Ginko.

His gaze unconsciously fell upon the oversized butterfly bow tied at her back.

A kimono's bow was a symbol of a young maiden.

When a girl matured, she would typically wear her hair up and no longer tie such bows.

Furthermore—

There was an unspoken rule that if someone untied this bow, they would have to take responsibility.

Yukima Azuma reached out and touched the silk ribbon.

Its smooth texture felt rather pleasant, making him reluctant to let go.

Sora Ginko noticed his subtle action.

Her teeth gently bit down on her cherry lips.

If it had been anyone else daring to touch her bow—

Sora Ginko would have already pulled out a kitchen knife.

But since it was Yukima Azuma—

She let him be.

After all… it wasn't a problem.

"Speaking of which, Ai-chan still hasn't joined a workshop, has she?"

At that moment, Kiyotaki Keika, who was sitting in the front, suddenly brought up the topic.

Hearing her own name mentioned, Hinatsuru Ai blinked in curiosity.

"Eh? What's a workshop?"

Hearing that, Kiyotaki Keika sighed helplessly and turned her head, shooting a glare at Yukima Azuma.

This master of hers…

He hadn't even explained something as basic as workshops to his disciple?

Although Hinatsuru Ai had only officially become his student for about a month—

In reality, she had been learning shogi for a long time.

"A workshop is the introductory system of the shogi world," Keika explained.

"Normally, only by joining one and consistently competing to climb the ranks within it—"

"Can someone become an officially recognized female player. There's even a chance to enter Shoureikai and aim for the professional leagues."

Yukima Azuma added a brief explanation before steering the conversation.

"However, there are other ways to become a female player, such as this tournament."

"Today, I plan to take Ai to register for a workshop first, then let her compete in the tournament right away."

"As long as she passes the qualifiers and wins a match in the main tournament, she can immediately become a female player—saving a lot of time and effort."

"After that, with some research matches and official games, her ranking will rise very quickly."

Hinatsuru Ai nodded, half-understanding.

That sounded… intense?

Oh well, whatever shishou says, she'll just do it.

Meanwhile, Kiyotaki Keika, sitting in the front row, let out a bitter smile.

It sounded easy when said like that.

But who could possibly skip training in a workshop—

And still make it through the official qualifiers to become a female player in one step?

That was just common sense.

However, Hinatsuru Ai was definitely an exception.

Keika understood Ai's talent all too well.

This girl… had already reached Shoureikai-level strength long ago.

A girl who hadn't even joined a workshop yet—

Was already at the level of Shoureikai.

Meanwhile, Kiyotaki Keika, now twenty-five years old, was still struggling in the workshop system.

Comparison was truly cruel.

Even if they were from the same household.

Still, Kiyotaki Keika couldn't help but feel a sting in her heart.

As a grown woman—

She didn't show it outwardly, only lowering her head in silence.

At that moment, Yukima Azuma leaned forward—

Placing both hands on Kiyotaki Keika's shoulders.

His fingers gently massaged them, helping her relax.

At the same time, his voice rang out with unwavering certainty:

"Keika-nee, don't be discouraged. This year, you will become a female player."

His tone carried the weight of an undeniable truth.

Kiyotaki Keika felt a surge of motivation from his words.

But soon, doubt crept back into her heart.

If only things could really go the way Yukima Azuma said…

But… could she really do it?

"Keika-nee, don't worry. After all, it's Azuma saying it," Sora Ginko chimed in.

As Keika's kouhai,

Her feelings toward Keika were no less than Yukima Azuma's.

Of course, she also hoped Keika would become an official female player.

If she missed the age limit and lost her chance—

It wouldn't be a matter of status.

What Ginko feared most was that Keika wouldn't be able to bear the blow of failure.

"Keika-nee will definitely make it!" (note: she calls Keika's "-nee" not "oba-san" like she calls Ginko.)

Hinatsuru Ai also cheered her on.

"Umu! I'll do my best!"

Kiyotaki Keika finally felt her fighting spirit ignite.

For these younger siblings alone—

As their big sis, she had to be strong!

--------------------------------------------

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