Chapter 8

Congratulations on your victory, Oogami-kun ♪

Truly. At first I had only intended to film the reference video; I didn’t think it would turn into such an intense competition.

Yup! Both Oogami and Fushimi were incredible out there! Their whole match had me sweating like crazy!

My heart was beating so fast, my eyes were totally glued to the monitor!

I was caught entirely unawares this time around.

Fufun ♪ We’re on entirely different levels when it comes to brains! I’m the strongest there is!

If it were a battle of wits though, I feel like Yuzuru-chan would have taken home the prize.

Huhhh? The hell you mean by that?! Grrrr!

Oh goodness, I can’t stand how you flare up at me like that every time.

I’m sure our staff will be delighted to have expectations for this video so thoroughly exceeded. Now, shall I give the prize to our winner, Oogami-kun?

Here. Just as promised, this is the limited-edition figure of the game’s mascot character. Congratulations.

Hn? Oh yeah, I guess ya did say somethin’ like that…

The mascot is highly popular among its players, and you mentioned liking it as well, correct?

Nn? I mean, I don’t hate it… Hey, Fushimi.

Yes? Can I help you with something?

Here. Take it.

Umm? But why would you…?

This kinda thing definitely don’t seem up your alley, so you were plannin’ on givin’ to that pipsqueak of yours, right?

I like the character too, but I’d just set it on a shelf and let it collect dust.

‘S better it goes to someone who’ll actually take good care of it. I know that pipsqueak’s always got stuffed animals ‘n stuff on him, don’t he?

So I’m tellin’ you to take it with ya.

…Oogami-sama. I’m much obliged. Thank you very much; I’ll gift it to Bocchama.

I will certainly repay this kindness someday.

Hmph. ‘S not like I’m tryna hold it over your head or nothin’.

…What? Don’t go grinnin’ at me, ya damn okama.

Goodness gracious! If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I’m just impressed with you, Koga-chan! You can be so kind ♪

Whoaaaa! This is all so heart-warming! You’re such a good kid, Oogami~ There, there ♪

Gaaaaah! Don’t go pattin’ my head~! I’ll bite your fingers off! Grrrrrrrrrr!

It’s good you have so much energy! Ha ha ha ☆

Good for you, Yuzuru. Tori will overjoyed, don’t you think?

Yes, I’m sure he will be.

Fufu. I must admit I wasn’t too keen to partake in this at first, but I did enjoy myself in the end ♪

I didn’t. It was scary… I’d rather stick to playing tag than games of war~

And I definitely prefer playing hero over fighting with my allies!

Huh? What’s with that. Neither of you get it at all, do ya~

Playin’ a real live survival game is fun and all, but it’s not nearly as fun as the game it’s based on, yanno~?

Is that so?

You doubtin’ me?! ‘Course it is! All right, you leave me no choice. I’m challengin’ all y’all to a round in that game!

If you’re just playin’ video games, no one gets hurt, ‘n we can go for as long as we can hold out. You can do this much can’t ya, Mr. Emperor?

Just leave it aaaall to me. I’ll show ya the ropes… ♪