Editing Kakegurui Trip Fulltext (section)

=Chapter 5: The Reason for Living=
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==Chapter 5, part 1==

The way you see the world depends on the state you are in. For a time, I was someone else and saw the world differently. The girl that was pressured by her classmates to gamble and rake up a huge debt, that is not the Kifune Izayoi that is today.
<br><br>
I remember becoming detached form myself. In order to deal with the misery of being a housepet, I started distancing myself from my own emotions. It was as if I was helping someone else deal with their suffering, rather than myself.
<br><br>
I never gave up, though.
<br><br>
Now I am the real me. I am one of the most respected and powerful students with a bright future to look forward to. I see the world in raw colors, not in shades of gray like before.<br>
The old me is dead and burred. The new me does not tolerate being belittled. I will do better for myself than any of the idiots who were looking down on me. I'll push them out of my way to make that happen, if needed.
<br><br>
Successfully completing this tournament will be a milestone on my path upward. The government and the investment world are watching. Their future decisions will be based on my ability. I will be a well respected alumna of Hyakkaou, ready to keep ascending as an adult. 
<br><br>
Joining the student council would have been a logical goal for me, but I deliberately chose not to get involved with it. Being a subordinate of Kirari Momobami was not on the list of things I wanted for myself. Serving her was definitely not my life's passion.
<br><br>
"''Soon, everything you have dedicated your life to will come to fruition. Don't worry, Kifune. Your casino business will flourish and you will be a winner"'', I said to myself.
<br><br>
<blockquote>Translator's note: I translated the title of his chapter as 'the reason for living'. What the writer actually had in mind is more like the French 'raison d'être'. It means the same, but is more passionate and can be used more whimsically. Someone could consider raising their children as their actual reason for living but exotic fruit ice cream as their raison d'être.</blockquote>


==Chapter 5, part 2==

Yumeko closed her eyes in delight every time she brought the spoon to her mouth. She had ordered a passion fruit mango double scoop and was sitting next to me, enjoying her treat.
<br><br>
''"Kifune-san hasn't done anything to you besides the linen room thing, has she?"'', I asked.
<br><br>
Yumeko let out a soft moan as she took another spoonful. ''"Nope! I bet she's too busy running the place."''
<br><br>
''"Right. I can't see the benefit for her in pestering you, anyway"'', I said.
<br><br>
Yumeko licked her lips, collecting ice cream residue from them. ''"I'm not going to try anything against her personally either. As long as I can gamble here, I'm happy. I'm hoping everybody can have a good time like I do."''
<br><br>
It was amazing seeing her like this. After such intense matches, so much money on the line and with undoubtedly skilled opponents up ahead, she looked completely at ease. She was simply enjoying her ice cream, detached from the world around her.
<br><br>
Kifune was back on the intercom. ''"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests! Thank you for your patience! The final round of the Ryouran Island Poker Tournament will start shortly! Players, please take your seat!"''
<br><br>
Yumeko quickly stuffed the last spoonful in her mouth. ''"Hmm... I have to hurry! See you later, Suzui-san!"'' I watched her disappear into the crowd.
<br><br>
The tournament hall had only one table now. It was right in the center, surrounded by the familiar red draped barrier. The crowd around it was thicker than ever. The spot where the screens were hung was probably just as busy. 
<br><br>
The five players were seated. They were being cheered on by the crowd, even louder than before. Somebody was waving a banner in support of their friend.
<br><br>
Yumeko was neatly sitting upright, with her hands resting on her legs. It seemed that almost every conversation around me was about her. She spotted me and waved in my direction. Many around me thought this was a public greeting and raised their arms, in support. 
<br><br>
Yumeko then turned to one of her opponents. ''"So, we meet again, Mitarai-san. I'm a bit surprised, but happy to see you"'', she said softly.
<br><br>
Mitarai quickly looked at Yumeko though the gaps in her bangs. She said nothing.
<br><br>
Mitarai made the same impression as when we met her at the bar yesterday. She was looking down and hunching as if she wanted to disappear into the table. Her presence at the tournament final looked out of place. It was hard to imagine that someone so timid and shy as she had the skill to consistently win poker games. Her housepet tag became even more of a mystery. Apparently she had a million Yen, but instead of paying her student council tribute, she chose to sign up for this tournament instead. 
<br><br>
The intercom was used for another announcement. ''"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the dealer of the final round!"''
<br><br>
A girl stepped over the red barricade with a microphone in hand. It was Kifune. The gold colored buttons of her black uniform where glittering as brightly as those of the other Kansankai staff. However, only she wore a wine-red ribbon that created a contrast with the rest of her outfit.
<br><br>
She took the dealer's spot. The light in the hall dimmed and a spotlight was aimed at her. The crowd applauded. With an exaggerated gesture, she spread her arms wide and slowly turned a full circle as a greeting to the public.
<br><br>
Kifune cleared her throat. ''"This is the last night of the Ryouran Island Summer Camp! I sincerely hope that pleasant memories of this event will stay with you for a lifetime! Now, onto the final round of the poker tournament! I hope that it will be something that you will remember fondly as well!"''
<br><br>
Kifune gestured towards the players at the table. ''"One of the remaining contenders will go home with 500 million Yen. No matter the outcome, I wish that all of you playing and all of you watching will enjoy yourself to the utmost!"''
<br><br>
The crowd applauded again. Louder this time. Kifune knew how to work the public. Her presentation was spotless and confident.
<br><br>
She put her right hand on the left side of her chest. ''"I hereby swear, as your host and the manager of this casino, that I will act as an impartial dealer! Let's begin!"''
<br><br>
The lights returned to normal and Kifune put the microphone away. She picked up a card deck from one of the stacks at the table. After the card snuffle machine did it's job, Kifune retrieved the deck and did the riffle shuffle with unusual elegance and speed. Earlier, I noticed that some of the dealers were not so practiced and used the table when performing the move. Kifune however, could do it in the air and without looking at her hands. Her eyes were on the players and she was smiling gently.
<br><br>
It was as if she was wearing an entirely different face than the one she had at the ship. You would never think this was the same Kifune that grinned with such contempt when she pulled that petty stunt on Yumeko. I remembered that she was switching personalities back then too. It was scary to imagine what made someone behave this way.
<br><br>
All the players had a million worth of chips and the ante started at 20 thousand. It was just like how the previous rounds began.<br>
The cards were dealt, the ante was placed and the players peeked their hand. The crowd was silent now.
<br><br>
''"Please discard"'', Kifune said. Yumeko changed two cards.
<br><br>
''"The betting can start"'', Kifune continued.
<br><br>
Clockwise, the first after Kifune was Yumeko. She was ignoring Kifune and only looked at the other players.
<br><br>
I wondered what kind of impression Yumeko was making on those who had never met her before. She probably looked like a nice, normal girl, eager to play a nice, normal game.<br>
But of course, she had a reputation and 500 million Yen was at stake. Perhaps the fact she didn't look scary it all was what was frightening the other players the most.
<br><br>
''"Bet, 300 thousand"'', Yumeko said, moving the chips forward. 
<br><br>
So once again, the round started off with a huge bet. This time it was Yumeko who did it, however. I remember that at her table in the first round, a guy made this move with a mediocre hand. At her table in the second round, it was Ace who went for that stunt with a hand that was never revealed.<br>
Perhaps Yumeko liked the impact that it made and decided to initiate the round herself this way now. She eventually found a way to have fun playing against Ace. She may be looking to pull off something similar here.<br>
I knew Yumeko well enough by now to know that is was likely not some calculated tactic, but rather a move to see how she could tempt the others out of their stiffness. ''"If the game was not played with passion, than nobody was having fun"'', she must have been thinking.
<br><br>
The player after Yumeko was a guy. I didn't really know him but I'm pretty sure he was a second year like me. His mind was made up quickly. ''"Fold"'', he said, sliding his cards towards Kifune.
<br><br>
''"Fold."'' The girl after him followed suit.
<br><br>
''"Fold"'', said the guy after her just as quickly.
<br><br>
The last player was Mitarai. If she would fold too, Yumeko would collect everyone's ante for a quick 80 thousand profit. It would have been a decent but somewhat boring start.
<br><br>
''"Raise... 500 thousand total"'', Mitarai said with a timid voice.
<br><br>
A murmur went through the hall.
<br><br>
Despite her appearance, Mitarai had to be a shrewd player. She had made it to the final table, after all. She must have taken Yumeko for a bluffer, or perhaps Mitarai got crazy lucky here and her hand was good enough to justify wagering half her chips. 
<br><br>
Yumeko looked bewildered for a moment. She stared at Mitarai with wide open eyes. Mitarai did not meet her gaze and kept looking down onto the table.
<br><br>
''"Call"'', Yumeko said decisively.
<br><br>
''"On to the showdown, then. Jabami-sama, Mitarai-sama, reveal your cards please"'', Kifune calmly said.
<br><br>
Yumeko went for a slow reveal again. She smiled and flipped over her cards one by one, keeping her eyes on Mitarai. ''"Three-of-a-kind aces."''
<br><br>
The crowd murmured again. Yumeko was not bluffing. This was a very lucky hand.
<br><br>
Mitarai turned her cards over without ceremony and spoke with a weak voice. ''"... Four-of-a-kind fours"''
<br><br>
The crowd gasped. Getting such fantastic cards is incredibly lucky by itself. It's even more lucky when this happens in a hand where a player before you put lots of chips into the pot already. Raising will look like you are suspecting a bluff, while in reality you don't even have to be doubting the strength of their cards.<br>
It was almost inconceivable that Mitarai could keep her shy and reluctant look while fortune smiled on her this warmly. I guess I understood why she was good at poker. She was dominating the game with the poker face of a quiet reclusive. Her housepet tag became even more of a mystery, however. 
<br><br>
Yumeko didn't react. She gave Mitarai a neutral look, as if nothing had happened. 
<br><br>
The pot went to Mitarai. She calmly re-stacked her chips and made no eye contact with Yumeko. 
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 3==

The round continued with Mitarai mostly in the lead. She lost a chunk of chips to others on occasion but was never close to being in danger of elimination. Everyone seemed to be of about equal skill and focused on playing sensibly. When someone made a huge bet, everyone else folded. When a there was a bluff that was called, it was for a moderate sum. It looked like the game could keep going for ever.
<br><br>
The ante went up for a second time and was now at 80 thousand.
<br><br>
The guy second from the dealer made a big raise. He was the one with the least chips. Mitarai called. He revealed a straight. Mitarai had something better. Considering his stack size and his hand, it seemed like a good move, but he was unlucky and now very close to elimination.
<br><br>
You could only rarely get a glimpse of Mitarai's eyes. Her black bangs were covering them and she kept looking down at the table most if the time. She just increased her chip lead and crushed an opponent, but said nothing and was looking as miserable as before.
<br><br>
Yumeko had the second largest pile of chips. Her attitude was totally differed than in the round before. She was not attempting to chat and looked unhappy. 
<br><br>
The girl third from the dealer went all-in. The guy in the fourth seat called. Neither of them had that many chips left so a move like that was to be expected at some point. Mitarai folded without hesitation and so did Yumeko. The guy second from the dealer took a moment to think. He was about just as low on chips at the others still in this hand. Every fold was painful for him as the ante kept eroding his chip stack. He leaned forward and rubbed his temples. He called eventually.
<br><br>
The three who were still in this hand became the center of attention. Many of the spectators were cheering for one of them. They had an exhausted look. The girl was noticeably sweating. The last guy to call kept his hands on his temples and closed his eyes. 
<br><br>
Mitarai and Yumeko were not involved in the showdown so they could afford to let their guard down for a bit to enjoy the show. They were both ignoring the spectacle, however. Yumeko kept looking at Mitarai with cold disapproval. Mitarai kept looking down and was hiding her eyes. 
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 4==

The guy who called last, won the pot. This turn of events postponed eliminations as he was the one with the least chips. In the spur of the moment, he stood up and shouted. Some were rooting for him but there was also laughter in the audience. He quickly sat back down, looking embarrassed for what he did.
<br><br>
His comeback was sort lived. In the next hand he lost to Mitarai. Some hands later, the rest of his stack went to Mitarai too. The first elimination of the round was a fact. 
<br><br>
It was as if Mitarai was targeting him. If he was out of the hand, Mitarai took it easy. If he was betting, Mitarai raised. He eventually had no choice but to go all-in against her and lost the showdown.
<br><br>
Yumeko seemed to be playing as carefully as she could get away with. She folded very often and didn't win or lose much.
<br><br>
Mitarai seemed to be frighteningly good at the psychological game. If there was a showdown that she lost, it was for a small amount. Nobody could figure out her bluffing. If the cards were not folded, she seemed to always have at last one pair. 
<br><br>
The audience around me was taking about her. From what I picked up, nobody seemed to have heard of her. She was playing at least as well as Ace, but had none of his fame.
<br><br>
Four players remained. Yumeko started the hand with a small bet. The girl and guy after her both raised a little. This was by now a familiar situation. Everybody expected Yumeko to call or fold as she had shown no interest in huge raises. Mitarai folded.
<br><br>
Yumeko broke her pattern and went all-in. Her chip stack was the second largest, so losing to her here would mean elimination. The girl took a moment to think and then nodded as she moved all her chips forward. The guy after her did the same.
<br><br>
They probably read Yumeko's sudden change in play style as a bluff. Yumeko wasn't really bluffing, however. She had two pair with aces. It was good enough to win.
<br><br>
The crowd reacted. Some were cheering for Yumeko, some were clapping for the eliminated.
<br><br>
Only Mitarai and Yumeko remained. Mitarai was leading with slightly more than three million, while Yumeko had a bit less than two million worth of chips.
<br><br>
''"Come on, Yumeko, you can do it"'', I yelled.
<br><br>
Despite the noisy crowd, she heard me. She looked at me and smiled while nodding. She then quickly turned her attention back to the table.
<br><br>
Either Yumeko or Mitarai would win 500 million Yen, a sum much larger than the lifetime earnings of the average Japanese wage worker. It felt unreal that so much money was at stake at a table game. The sum I had wagered on the tournament was pocket change in comparison. 
<br><br>
From the start of the round, Kifune only acted as the dealer. Now that the game entered the final phase, she picked up her role as announcer again to entice the public. She grabbed the microphone and spoke with a dramatic voice. ''"Now, only two remain! Two out of the 125 made it this far! I can't wait to see who will take home the grand prize! The ante goes up to 320 thousand! Ladies, please place your chips!"''
<br><br>
Mitarai complied. Her appearance remained unchanged. She was hunched and looked down onto the table, like she had done all this time. It occurred to me she was missing out on lots of information by no observing anyone. Since she was performing so well, it had to be part of a strategy somehow. A strategy I could not understand. 
<br><br>
Yumeko's appearance also remained the same. There was something about this round that made her very unhappy. Here she was, playing a game she loved so much with such a fabulous prize on the line and the public rooting for her. There was however no trace of her usual passion. She had not yet moved her ante into the pot. 
<br><br>
The public sensed something was wrong and went silent. Suddenly, you could hear the jazz that had been playing in the background all this time. The air conditioner was cranked up to the maximum for such a crowd and the soft swoosh it made blended with the hi-hat of the music.
<br><br>
Yumeko sighed deeply. She started tapping the edge of the poker table with her thumb ring. It was the loudest sound in the hall.
<br><br>
''"You... are enjoying this game?"'', Yumeko asked slowly.
<br><br>
Mitarai looked startled when spoken to this way and her shoulders trembled slightly. 
<br><br>
''"I find it utterly boring. It doesn't excite me even a little bit. Why do you think that is?"'', Yumeko continued. 
<br><br>
Mitarai said nothing.
<br><br>
Yumeko looked like she was suppressing anger. It was so unlike her usual self. She continued speaking slowly to Mitarai, emphasizing ever word. ''"You can hear me, right? If you know the answer, could you please tell me?"''
<br><br>
Mitarai began answering with her weak voice. ''"Well, I guess that..."''
<br><br>
''"Jabami-sama, please keep the talking relevant to the game"'', Kifune interrupted.
<br><br>
''"I wasn't talking to you. You're not the one who's playing here. Don't interfere, please"'', Yumeko said without looking up. It was a reply to Kifune, but Yumeko didn't avert her eyes from Mitarai.
<br><br>
Mitarai shriveled up and retracted her shoulders even further. She was short to begin with so her seating at the table wasn't high. With how low her head was hanging now, her bangs were almost touching the table.
<br><br>
''"If you don't comply, I can use my authority to remove you from the tournament. What will you do, Jabami-sama? Will you obey dealer's instructions or forfeit the game?"'', Kifune said. As she was about to add something to that, there was a commotion in the crowd.
<br><br>
The spectators were dead silent since the start of his hand, but now something was going on among them at one end of the hall. Some were stepping aside to make room, others were dragging their friends aside who had not yet realized what was happening. The crowd parted, opening a corridor like the Red Sea did for Moses.
<br><br>
Through the opened space, a girl was walking up to the tournament table. She wore her long silver hair in two braids that were hung in loops, forming ornaments around her ears. The blue huge of her eyes and lipstick matched. She was beautiful and walked with grace and determination, like you would imagine royalty to do. Like many at the hall, she was wearing the school uniform summer vest. She however combined it with a long-sleeve shirt with frills.
<br><br>
The navy blue ribbons that tied her braids swayed as she dodged the barrier surrounding the table. Everybody knew who she was. Even if somehow someone didn't, the effortless confidence she was radiating made it clear for them.
<br><br>
Not far behind, was Sayaka Igarashi. Sayaka had her usual black ponytail and was wearing the long-sleeve uniform jacket. She had a focused and serious look. Everything about her told you she was here for business, fulfilling her role as the council president's secretary.
<br><br>
Kifune grabbed the table edge after briefly losing her balance when she saw who was approaching her. Shock and panic could be seen in her wide open eyes.
<br><br>
In front of Kifune was student council president Kirari Momobami, the undisputed ruler of Hyakkaou Private Academy.
<br><br>
Kifune grabbed hold of herself and snapped into her hostess role. She bowed deeply. When her face was visible again, she had narrowed her eyes and was smiling as wide as her mouth allowed.
<br><br>
''"President Momobami, what a pleasant surprise. I'm grateful you have come all this way. If you are vacationing, I'll be happy to assign you personal staff"'', Kifune said, maintaining her grin.
<br><br>
Kirari did not respond. When she reached the table, she didn't stop walking. Instead, she slowly went around it with slow, deliberate steps as if she was checking if the floor was creaking. She looked completely at ease and was not acknowledging Kifune, the players, nor the crowd. 
<br><br>
With a faint smile, Kirari turned towards her secretary. ''"Sayaka, you can deal Five-card Draw poker, right?"''
<br><br>
Sayaka had caught up and was now also at the table. ''"Yes, president. It won't be a problem"'', she promptly replied.
<br><br>
Kirari briefly put her slender hand around Sayaka's waist and looked at Kifune. ''"Splendid. I've decided that from now on, Sayaka will deal this game."''
<br><br>
Sayaka did not react to the touch and was calmly looking at the table. She was taking notice of what state the game was left in.
<br><br>
Kifune looked baffled and one of her eyelids quivered.
<br><br>
Kirari ignored her expression. ''"Thank you for all your hard work, Kifune. You may step down now"'', she said, maintaining her faint smile and slightly raising one eyebrow.
<br><br>
''"You are surely joking. What need is there to change dealers now? Am I not good enough?"'', Kifune protested.
<br><br>
''"Ah, my apologies for not being clear enough. I suppose there is need to put it more bluntly. I'm not asking for your input. I'm simply stating that you can go. That's all"''
<br><br>
''"With all due respect..."'' Kifune stepped a bit closer to Kirari and faced her. One of her hands was on the edge of the poker table. She was using it to support herself. It trembled slightly.
<br><br>
The head of the Hyakkaou's student council and the boss of Ryouran Island stared at each other. For a moment, there was only silence. The jazz music had stopped some time ago and this made the air conditioner the only noticeable sound in the hall.
<br><br>
Kifune finally spoke. ''"...This casino is officially sanctioned by the Tourism Industry Association and the Kansankai have permission to operate it. Even as student council president, you have no standing to dictate how we run things. You must know we have no intentions to oppose the council and fully intent to pay tribute with any income we can spare."''
<br><br>
''"Oh, yes. I know that you have the Kansankai work tirelessly to promote Ryouran. You're all doing a great job. I truly appreciate it, don't worry"'', Kirari said while placing a finger on Kifune's chin, raising it slightly.
<br><br>
''"But, if I say that the dealer will change, the dealer will change"'', Kirari continued with a knowing smile.
<br><br>
Kifune's eyebrows began to twitch.
<br><br>
''"Earlier you guaranteed as the manager that the game will be dealt fairly. I think I have enough clout to do the same"'', Kirari said and then widened her eyes as if she remembered something. ''"Ah, but I have to take an oath first, right?"''
<br><br>
Kirari placed her right hand on the left side of her chest. She closed her eyes and lowered her head slightly. Her long and elegant silver-gray eyelashes were on display.<br>
''"I, Kirari Momobami, promise fairness and neutrality in regard to the dealer selection."''
<br><br>
Kirari slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Kifune. ''"That should do it, don't you think?"''
<br><br>
It wasn't a condescending smile and the girls were about the same height and age. Yet, this was clearly not some friendly banter between equals.
<br><br>
Kirari gestured towards the shuffle machine. ''"Besides, it doesn't really matter who the dealer is, does it? The mechanical shuffle combined with the manual one just gives you randomness, after all. I'm sure Sayaka can manage it just fine."''
<br><br>
Kifune was speechless.
<br><br>
Kirari glanced at Kifune as she stepped away from the table. ''"Ryouran Island belongs to the student council. This means I can treat it like my property and get the final say about everything. I'll go back to spectating. I can't wait to see who will win. Sayaka, you know what to do. Now, resume the game."''
<br><br>
All this time, Kirari had been speaking softly and politely. There was no hint of aggression in her body language. Her dignified presence alone was enough to keep the spectators silent. When she was standing it the spotlight, it was as if no one else on the hall mattered. The glance she gave to Kifune had no malice behind it. It was more of a knowing look saying ''"I bet you didn't expect that"''. 
<br><br>
After a moment, Kifune managed to regain control of herself. She picked up the microphone with a trembling hand and announced that the round would resume. 
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 5==

Oh god, why? Why is this happening? Why did she show up? What does she want? Am I her target or is this about something else?
<br><br>
I spotted one of my Kansankai subordinates in the corner of the hall. When he saw that I was looking, he averted his eyes like he was ashamed. He had a walkie-talkie on him so he should have had some warning that Kirari was coming. There were no ships scheduled for today so Kirari had to have arranged her own transport. Anyway, this didn't matter.
<br><br>
What mattered was that she saw though the trick. I didn't expect she had figured out the technical aspect of it yet, but she made it clear she understood that a cheat was in play.
<br><br>
The way Yumeko had been acting, it was safe to assume she had caught on as well. That on it's own would not have been a problem because her protest could have been brushed aside as nonsense from a sore loser. Kirari's command couldn't be brushed aside, however.
<br><br>
I could not stage a power play against the council. Not yet, anyway. Also, the public may grow suspicious if there would be so much fuss about a dealer change. I couldn't suddenly start arguing that it mattered who was handling the cards.
<br><br>
I had mastered the riffle shuffle. I practiced for countless hours. When I was good enough to do it blind, I kept practicing while reading so I could dedicate even more time to perfecting the skill.
<br><br>
I could split the deck in two perfect halves and interleave the cards from them in perfect alteration. This was the essence of the cheat. When shuffling cards like that, the end result is predictable. In fact, if some number of perfect riffle shuffles are preformed one after the other, the deck would return to it's original state.
<br><br>
I had considered to alter the card shuffler so that it would shuffle the cards in a predetermined way. This proved to be way too complicated to pull off on such a small table-top machine. It was much easier to rig the device to not shuffle the cards at all, while still making it's familiar, mechanical noise. 
<br><br>
The card decks stacked on the table looked like they were factory sealed, but they too were altered. Thy were carefully prearranged. By picking a deck from a specific stack and preforming a perfect riffle snuffle on it, I got a card arrangement I wanted. 
<br><br>
I could set up any player at any position on the table at any time with a fantastic hand. All I had to do was use a new deck from the right stack and not fail to perform the perfect riffle shuffle.
<br><br>
The ceremony of unsealing a new deck, using the mechanic shuffler and then riffling the cards gave any ordinary onlooker the impression we were fair and thorough. In reality, every step of the process was compromised.
<br><br>
I made some other Kansankai practice the perfect riffle shuffle. Only a small number of them ended up actually pulling it off reliably. This was fine. I didn't need many co-conspirators. The cheating only needed to happen at the tables where Mitarai was playing. All other tables got a working card shuffler, pristine decks and a fair dealer. 
<br><br>
If Mitarai doesn't win, it would be a disaster. We don't actually have enough on hand to pay out the 500 million Yen prize money and all the side bets placed on Yumeko. We could technically make it work by asking ours investors for some leniency. This would however mean balancing on the edge of bankruptcy and having our customers wait for their money. The damage to the reputation of the casino would be very severe in that case. If everybody would think we were reckless amateurs, we would be done for, and so would my future career. 
<br><br>
If Mitarai loses, Ryouran Island loses and I lose. It's the last thing I want to happen, but I no longer control the situation. I could have strong-armed Yumeko, but doing that with Kirari was impossible. Now I can't stop the tournament and I can't control the cards.
<br><br>
It was all over for me. Was Yumeko the one to pull the stunt of bringing Kirari here? Not that it mattered much now, but it would have been nice to know who was hammering the nails into my coffin.
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 6==

I couldn't believe Kirari had shown up! When the commotion started in the crowd behind me, I thought there was an emergency of some sort. I made way, like people around me were telling everyone to do. Then I saw her walk by with calm determination. I guess you could consider this an emergency, but not of the physical kind. 
<br><br>
An extra chair was lifted into the barricaded off area around the poker table by staff. Kirari sat in it with legs crossed and a satisfied look on her face. She was like an empress, watching a gladiator match in the Colosseum. I heard she liked to see the struggles of he common folk, so I bet she was enjoying herself.
<br><br>
Sayaka was shuffling the deck. She did it a bit clumsy, but very thoroughly and alternated shuffling techniques. ''"I'm not very practiced, but I guarantee I'll do this right"'', her movements seemed to say.
<br><br>
Yumeko hadn't said anything since Kirari made her entrée. She was observing in silence, but I caught a brief smile on her face when Kifune was removed as dealer. Had Yumeko planned this somehow? She made it clear to Mitarai she was not enjoying this round while she was obviously having a blast playing with Ace in the previous one.
<br><br>
Was Yumeko thinking that Kifune was rigging the game? That would surely be a reason for her to dislike it. I didn't notice anything strange, but Yumeko apparently did. She alone would have stood no chance of exposing Kifune so that's probably why she called in Kirari.
<br><br>
It would have been senseless to rig the tournament to only prevent a particular person from winning. That meant that if there was cheating, it was to make a specific person win.
<br><br>
''"Ah, there you are! This place is packed!"'', Mary said while squeezing herself through the crowd. ''"It was exhausting, but I did my job. That Mitarai girl really looks like a star player, doesn't she?"''
<br><br>
''"'Job', you say?! Saotome, you brought the council president here, didn't you?"'', I said loudly. ''"And here I was thinking you weren't interesting in this match at all! You're amazing! How this you pull it off though?! Did you just call her up or something?! Oww..."''
<br><br>
Mary kicked my leg and slapped a hand on my mouth. ''"Shut up, before you start some weird rumor, you numskull. I had absolutely nothing to do with Momobami showing up. I'm as surprised as everybody else is about that"'', she hissed into my ear.
<br><br>
''"I was in the hall with the screens most of the time. When the final round started I made my way here and only found you just now"'', Mary continued.
<br><br>
''"Then what was this job you were talking about?"'', I whispered back.
<br><br>
''"I'll explain later. I thought I understood everything, but now that Momobami is here, I have no idea how things will play out. We'll have to just watch it unfold"'', Mary answered while brushing her tails aide and looking at the table.
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 7==

The crowd was quiet and the players didn't say more than necessary. You could hear the sounds of the cards being shuffled and the chips being stacked. The game was moving at a fast pace and it was a back-and-forth, suggesting the girls had about equal skill. Yumeko performed her actions with practiced ease while Mitarai's hands were trembling from time to time. 
<br><br>
You need to play more aggressively when the game is just a one-on-one, so some change in player behavior is to be expected. The impression that Mitarai was making was however so drastically differed, it was hard to believe she was the same girl. Sitting up straight, she declared her actions with an assertive voice and tension on her face. She had taken off her jacket and hung it on her chair. Despite only wearing the shirt, she was sweating heavily. Her breath was heavier too and you could see her small shoulders rising and sinking. The game was a desperate struggle for her and it was obvious she was giving it all she had. 
<br><br>
Yumeko had a flustered look. She too was breathing heavily. She was acting in her familiar way, happily playing an exciting game. Yumeko started to react to Mitarai calling out her actions, as if she was encouraging her.
<br><br>
Mitarai's sweat was dripping onto the table. It was like she was in a battle for survival, with her life depending on not being caught between the jaws of the beast trying to devour her. 
<br><br>
''"Poker should be like this, shouldn't it?"'', Yumeko said, spreading her arms wide, as if she wanted to embrace Mitarai. ''"Could you tell me your first name? Playing with you is so much fun, I'd love to know more about you. It's an honor to share the table with you"'', Yumeko continued. There was no sarcasm or belittlement in her eyes. It truly looked like Yumeko was overflowing with joy.
<br><br>
Mitarai looked up. Behind the waterfall of sweat, was a tense face with an anxious smile. She had dark shadows under her narrowed eyes like she was lacking sleep. ''"I am... my name is Hana Mitarai."''
<blockquote>Translator's note: Her first name is written as one of the spelling variants of the word 'flower'. So, Hana it kind of the same deal as girl's names like Rose and Violet.</blockquote>

Yumeko's eyes lid up. ''"Hana-san! What a lovely name you have! I wouldn't have expected that from someone playing with such ferocity, spirit and passion! Everything you do is infused with so much conviction! May I ask you one more question, Hana-san? Do you actually want to win this tournament?"''
<br><br>
One of Hana's eyelids was trembling as she was looking at Yumeko. ''"Of course I do. What kind of a stupid question is that?"'', she said, while another drop of her sweat hit the table.
''"Isn't it obvious I'm doing everything I can to win? I have to beat you. If I don't, I'll have to answer to Kifune-sama and..."'' Hana stopped herself mid-sentence and slapped a hand in front of her mouth.
<br><br>
Yumeko started luring out a stronger response. ''"Oh, what was that? I didn't hear anything. To me it looks like you don't really want the prize money. That's a bit disappointing, but fine, I guess. I'll just walk over you and call it a day. It seems we are in agreement. It's better if I win, right?"'', she said with a dejected look.
<br><br>
Sayaka dealt a new hand. Hana peeked and changed tree cards. Yumeko peeked and didn't discard anything. This meant Yumeko had a very strong hand or perhaps this was a bluff to turn up the pressure on Hana even more.
<br><br>
Yumeko leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table and rested her head in her cupped hands. She was looking straight at Hana with narrowed eyes. 
<br><br>
Hana swallowed hard. Sweat was still dripping from her and she looked exhausted and fragile, as if she could collapse any moment. ''"What do you mean, 'we are in agreement'? That's just straight up horseshit and you know it"'', Hana slowly said with a rasping voice.
<br><br>
Yumeko kept baiting Hana. She giggled and spoke with a care-free tone. ''"To tell you the truth, the 500 million Yen is not a big deal for me personally. However, I'm dead set on not letting you have it. I want to win to make you a loser, and you don't mind that much, do you?"''
<br><br>
[[Image:Kakegurui.trip.06.yumeko.mitarai.webp|frameless|right|300px|Yumeko faces off against Mitrarai]]
Hana grabbed the edge of the table as if she was ready to flip it.
<br><br>
Yumeko had a wide smile and was almost singing her words. ''"Yeah, that's right.. I absolutely don't want you to win, so be a good Mittens and roll over for me. Though, if I am somehow mistaken about you and you actually have the desire to prevail, why don't you show it? Put all of your soul into the game so we can have a really interesting match. Not that it will be enough to defeat me, but it will make a good show."''
<br><br>
The stacks of chips were about even. The advantage Hana had at the start of the on-on-one had evaporated. Yumeko seemed to be slightly more skilled and had been slowly gaining on Hana.
<br><br>
Sayaka was unmoved by the drama in front of her. ''"It's time for the betting. Jabami-sama, your move"'', she said calmly and coldly.
<br><br>
''"I'm all-in!"'', Yumeko said with enthusiasm while pushing her chip stacks. The highest stack collapsed and one of the chips rolled around the table, stopping in front of Hana.
<br><br>
Hana rested her eyes on the chip for a moment. Sayaka snagged it up and re-stacked it, but Hana kept looking at the empty spot on the table.
<br><br>
Yumeko was done with the taunting and spoke more softly.<br> 
''"Let's decide it with this hand. The rising ante will soon kill the game for us, anyhow. The way this is gong, it will surely be just a matter of luck who wins. The ups and downs of each hand, the impact of strategic betting, the bluffing, the mind reading... All those things are fascinating, but sometimes, risking it all at once is the right choice. You know by now that you can't slowly wear me down. Doing the radical thing is your only good option, no matter how frighting it may be"'', Yumeko said with a sincere look.
<br><br>
Yumeko place her left hand on her chest and made another embracing gesture towards Hana with her right one. ''"Do you have it in you, Hana-san? Can you take the plunge? Let us lose ourselves in the exhilaration!"''
<br><br>
Hana was looking straight at Yumeko with wide open eyes and her breathing was fast and deep. She stood up and slammed the table full force with both fists. The loud and dull sound filled the hall and was followed up immediately with the soft clatter of the resettling chip stacks.
<br><br>
Yumeko had been leaning over the table while seated. Hana now also leaned over it while standing, planting her palms on it for support. The girls' faces were now very close to each other. 
<br><br>
After a moment of silence, Hana filled her lungs to their maximum capacity and shouted. ''"You want all-in?!! You got it!! I'm calling!!"'' Her voice was high-pitched but distorted because she was using it at maximum volume.
<br><br>
The air displacement swayed Yumeko's hair like a gentle breeze. ''"Hehehe... let us cherish this moment together"'', she said.
<br><br>
''"On to the showdown then"'', Sayaka said with a neural voice.
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 8==

Hana... The strength of your play... incredible.
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
I first met Hana a couple of months ago. It was a rainy day and somebody has shoved her into a muddy flowerbed. She was sitting in it with all her clothes dirty and was crying quietly. Her housepet tag swayed with every sob. 
<br><br>
It was as if I was looking at a version of my past self. I had never given up, however. Hana looked like she did. She had noticed someone had approached her but kept her face hidden. She wasn't looking at me and she no longer cared that her clothes would stain more, the longer she sat there.
<br><br>
I was searching for someone like her. It wasn't that I felt anything special for her. There were plenty of other housepets around, after all. Hana just seemed perfect for what I had in mind so I made my choice then and there.
<br><br>
''"Your life"'', I said.
<br><br>
Hana was startled and looked at me fearfully.
<br><br>
''"You have given up on it, haven't you?"'', I continued.
<br><br>
Hana averted her eyes.
<br><br>
I bent over and whispered to her. ''"And if you haven't yet, it's better to do it now. No matter how much you struggle, nothing will change. You will be oppressed, used and then discarded. It's inevitable. Maybe just take the shortcut and get it over with, huh?"''
<br><br>
''"I'm scared of death"'', Hana managed between sobs.
<br><br>
''"But then there will be no one to throw into the mud. Which is scarier; being treated like garbage your whole life or end it all on your terms? You'll come to accept the abuse eventually if you endure it long enough, but do you really want to?"''
<br><br>
''"...I..."'' Hana wept uncontrollably. Her tears were washing the mud from her cheeks. ''"I can't kill myself"'', she said, clenching soil in her fists. ''"I can't go on like this but I can't end it either. It's terrifying either way."''
<br><br>
''"You are indecisive and weak. If you can't make up your mind about such a thing, why not give your life to me instead?"'', I said, extending my right arm to her.
<br><br>
[[Image:Kakegurui.trip.07.kifune.mitarai.webp|frameless|right|300px|Kifune meets Mitarai]]
She looked puzzled. Then she tried to wipe her muddy face with her muddy arm and took my hand.
<br><br>
This was the trick I used to recruit Hana. A trick that would not have worked on me even in my most desperate moment. I would have rather died trying to dig myself out of the pit of misery, than surrendering myself to someone like that. Nobody deserved to be above me. I, Kifune Izayoi, would be one of the rulers. Playing servant for someone was out of the question. The success of the Kansankai was proof that it could be done. In time, any problem could be solved and any threat to my success could be eliminated in some way.
<br><br>
Hana was one of us now and was helping out with the casino. It was however crucial that nobody knew that. At school, she acted like a secret agent of sorts. She never spoke to me or any other Kansankai in person. All contact with her was though the phone.
<br><br>
Hana continued to be bullied and I could have stopped it. Her assailants were obviously pathetic losers themselves and I had ways to lean on people. I did nothing, however. It would raise suspicion if it became known that she was protected. For the plan to work well, everybody needed to think she was an abandoned deadbeat who only had her own willpower to thank for her success. She would look just like me.
<br><br>
Hana would be the perfect tournament winner. Nobody would place bets on her, nobody would suspect she was co-opted and nothing would need to be paid out. I probably didn't have to worry about anyone figuring out she was actually unskilled at poker, either. As the champion, she would have enough clout to refuse any game and not be pressured into one. 
<br><br>
The tournament prize and the side bet rules were great publicity. We would look so generous while in reality we would only be taking in money. Sure, maybe someone might bet some small amount on Hana as a joke, but that would be a negligible loss.
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
Now that Kirari had forced in an actually neutral dealer for the end of the round, the plan was shot. Not all was lost, however. I fully expected Hana to be a complete pushover without the cheat in place. I was wrong. She was playing brilliantly. She was being outclassed by Yumeko in the long term, but not by much. Nobody would think that Hana didn't have the right to sit at the final table of the tournament.
<br><br>
''"Reveal your cards, please"'', Sayaka continued.
<br><br>
''"Yes!"'' Yumeko eagerly reached for her cards, but then stopped herself. ''"Igarashi-san, would you allow us to enjoy this moment to the fullest? Could I please flip over the cards slowly, one-by-one?"'', she asked Sayaka.
<br><br>
Sayaka hesitated and then gestured towards Kirari.
<br><br>
Kirari was still seated and had the same satisfied look. She briefly closed her eyes and nodded with a smile.
<br><br>
''"Thank you!"'', Yumeko said cheerfully. 
<br><br>
So what hands did they have?<br>
Yumeko didn't change any cards so that suggests at least a straight. This is of course disregarding the mind games. Yumeko's move could have been purely provocative, but that seemed far too reckless, even for her.<br>
Hana looked spend, like she could have fainted from the pressure and exhaustion. She had proven to be a shrewd player however, so I had hope she was not mindlessly stepping into a trap here. She changed three cards so she should be holding at least a pair.
<br><br>
My future, the casino's future, Hana's future.... All of those would the depend on the outcome of this hand.
<br><br>
Yumeko flipped her first card. It was the ace of diamonds, so she had a strong high card at the least.
<br><br>
My heart was beating very fast and I felt like bugs were crawling over my skin. My fate was to be decided by something I had no control over and this scared me like nothing did before. My mind was racing and it was as if the world unfolded before me in slow-motion. Every card flip seemed to be taking an eternity.
<br><br>
Yumeko flipped her second card. King of diamonds. Everything remained possible, including a royal flush.
<br><br>
I felt nausea well up inside of me. Surely she didn't... 
<br><br>
Yumeko flipped the four of clubs. What she had was worse than a straight. 
<br><br>
I was now nauseous and euphoric at the same time.
<br><br>
Yumeko flipped the four of spades. She had a pair at least.
<br><br>
My feet took on a life of their own and I stepped like I was about to run away. I stopped myself just in time. It must have looked like a clumsy stumble to any onlooker.
<br><br>
While revealing her cards, Yumeko had been looking at Hana. For the last reveal, Yumeko looked straight at me with wide open eyes. Thy were like twin back holes, an unstoppable force of nature, pulling in everything around it. With a wide grin, she flipped the four of hearts, making her hand a low three-of-a-kind.
<br><br>
I wanted to vomit. I wanted to run away. I wanted to scratch every inch of my itching skin. I wanted to curl up on the ground and cry.<br>
With irregular breath, shaky footing and a racing heart, I stopped myself from doing any of those things. It was not known to the public that the tournament was rigged and there was still hope it would stay that way. I needed to look neutral.
<br><br>
I tried to calm myself down by doing the calculation in my head again. Paying the 500 million Yen and all the side bets on Yumeko would be extremely painful but not the end, necessarily.
If would be salvageable if our investors were in a generous mood and if Yumeko wouldn't make a public fuss about needing to wait for her money. Those were big ifs, but there was hope. If things could be resolved quietly and privately, the casino would stay open and there was an outlook on a profitable future. One that was further away than I'd hoped, however. 
We couldn't open the casino to the general public. Though, perhaps the hotel and beach on their own could bring in modest profits whenever the weather was fair but there were no school holidays.
<br><br>
The calming down worked. I now at least knew how to proceed if Hana lost.
<br><br>
Sayaka kept speaking with a flat tone. If she was feeling anything, it was probably relief that her job here was almost done. ''"Jabami-sama has three-of-a-kind fours. Mitarai-sama, please reveal your hand too."''
<br><br>
Hana revealed with a single move.
<br><br>
''"Mitarai-sama has three-of-a-kind sixes and wins the tournament. Congratulations"'', Sayaka said without any flair.
<br><br>
The crowd gasped. Then there was a long applause. It was clear that the winner was not the favorite, but people seemed happy enough to have witnessed such an exciting tournament.
<br><br>
Kirari was slowly clapping from her chair with the same faint smile she held throughout her presence here. <br>
Yumeko stood up and clapped enthusiastically.
<br><br>
Hana look dazed. On her face was a mixture of relief and disbelief. She was staring at the flipped cards on the table with wide open eyes. You could still see her shoulders move along with her heavy breathing.
She didn't turn her head to me but found me with her eyes. With the tension now gone, I saw exhaustion and pride on her face.<br>
Tears were welling up in my eyes. I felt shame for underestimating her so much. 
<br><br>
Yumeko went around the table to grab Hana by the shoulder and shake her hand. ''"Congratulations! It was a blast playing with you. I had a wonderful game! It's a memory I'll cherish forever. Thank you!"''
<br><br>
The audience was still applauding. ''"You actually beat Jabami!" "Tech me poker sometime!" "Mittens! That was amazing!" "Congratulations!"''
<br><br>
And with that, Hana the Mittens was no more. I'll have plenty of cash to buy her out of housepet status. She was no longer a secret agent so there was no point for her to keep the tag. She will be reborn as a full member of the flourishing Kansankai and stand by my side as I achieve my goals.
<br><br>
Yumeko and Kirari knew the tournament was rigged but I didn't think that would be a problem. All we have to do is open up the decks with the fake factory seal and fix the compromised shuffling machine. All evidence would be gone in 5 minutes.<br>
Only a couple of the staff were in on the cheating. They were all loyal and wouldn't betray me. 
<br><br>
The next financial report to our investors will look delightful. From now on, it would be smooth sailing for me up to my graduation. My success was assured.
<br><br>
When acting as dealer, I didn't wear the walkie-talkie to not create the impression that there was some hidden communication possible. I also instructed the staff to not interrupt the final table proceedings unless there was some dire emergency.<br>
Now that the tournament was finished, one of the staff was standing outside the barricade around the table, urging me to approach. He was clearly upset about something.
<br><br>
I walked over to him. ''"Yes, what is it?"''
<br><br>
He grabbed my shoulder and pulled me closer to whisper in my ear. ''"I-I'm sorry, Boss... Someone had placed a bet on Mitarai last second."''
<br><br>
''"So what?"'', I hissed back. ''"That's not a problem. A minor payout is accounted for. There was bound to be someone who did foolish things like that on a whim. Don't talk about such things here in the open. People might..."'', I was saying, but then saw the tears in his eyes. 
<br><br>
Before the final round started, I had checked the status of the side betting. As expected, nobody had bet on Hana. It seemed someone had sneaked in a bet after I left for dealer duty but before the round began.
<br><br>
''"The g-girl who took the bet didn't realize. She was just told that a-all bets were welcome and that there was no l-limit"'', my staffer was sobbing in my ear.
<br><br>
''"How much?"'', I asked with wide open eyes.
<br><br>
''"The b-bet was 200 million Yen, so the payout is one billion. B-boss... Kifune-san... What will we do?"''
<br><br>
My heart started pounding in my chest again. ''"That's ridiculous"'', I hissed at him while staring at his desperate expression.
<br><br>
The nausea was back. I took a breath and closed my eyes.<br>
''"Who did it? Who placed that bet?"'', I asked him with a weak voice.
<br><br>
''"It was that famous guy..."''
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 9==

After I parted ways with Yumeko and Ryota at the tournament sign up, I headed to the hall with the screens. There was work to be done.
<br><br>
I was regretting that I couldn't enjoy myself at the casino some more and I was not really looking forward to watching the tournament. It couldn't be helped. I was under orders from Yumeko. I had sworn to obey her during this trip, but more importantly, what I was about to do seemed to involve getting revenge on Kifune. It was so frustrating that I couldn't do anything about the treatment we got from her on the ship. However, with the ridiculous plan Yumeko came up with, I could bite back.
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
''"Mary-san, this is an order. Watch as much of the tournament tables as you can. Among all the players, there will be one who will be consistently and suspiciously lucky. Find out who that person is. You have until the end of the second round to do so"'', Yumeko had whispered to me.
<br><br>
It was all good up to that point, but Yumeko kept whispering. ''"Right at the last minute, just before the betting on the final round is about to close, make sure at least a 100 million Yen bet is placed on that suspicious player. It doesn't have to you who is betting and it doesn't have to be your money. I'll reimburse you and anyone else you convinced to bet if it doesn't pay off. Please, Mary-san, make it happen."''
<br><br>
Getting instructions like that from someone who was acting air-headed and starry-eyed was frighting. This was however Yumeko. Around her, the outrageously abnormal was a daily occurrence. I trusted her when she said she would refund any losses. All of this was going to be a challenge, but there would be no risk.<br> 
Yumeko probably didn't want to draw attention to herself by moving her own money. She knew that Kifune was watching her, so she needed someone else to bet.
<br><br>
I decided to not let Ryota in on the secret. I was happy to let the guy enjoy himself, watching Yumeko's games. If I needed him, I could tell him about the scheme later. In the mean time, it was probably safer if he didn't know.
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
I got some iced tea from the bar and managed to find a seat where I could see all the screens. I took a sip as I watched the dealers perform the first shuffle of the first round. Being friends with Yumeko had proven to be quite the roller coaster. How much stupid stuff had I been involved in now, only because she nudged me into it? I've lost count.
<br><br>
My observations during the first round were inconclusive. I had seen some things from some people that could be considered strange, but there was nothing really suspicious. With 25 tables it was impossible to keep track of everyone.<br>
It annoyed me that I had gotten nowhere. I didn't want to disappoint Yumeko, but above all, I didn't want to fail. Sloppy work was unacceptable. I had one more round to spot the cheater.
<br><br>
Ace had shown up between rounds. I ended up humoring him as much as I could stand. I needed someone to place the bet on the cheater and Ace was a great candidate for that.
<br><br>
There were only 5 tables in the second round. This made my job a lot easier and I had a suspect pretty soon. It was Mitarai, that housepet girl we met at the bar earlier. At first glance, she was remarkably unremarkable. She had a timid demeanor and seemed to be playing carefully with fair skill.
<br><br>
I happened to be looking at her table when there was a showdown with her involved. Mitarai was the last to call. She won with a full house, but the pot was low. I couldn't make sense of that. With such a fantastic hand, re-raising at least a little bit would absolutely be the right thing to do.
<br><br>
I kept watching her and saw something similar happen again. Mitarai was holding back. It was as if she didn't want to win too quickly. I was willing to believe that her mind games were very effective, but the odd thing was that she seemed to have a differed goal than everybody else. She was acting like she wanted her opponents to bleed dry slowly, without ever looking like she was particularly lucky herself.
<br><br>
The fact she kept getting away with not pushing her advantage when fortune smiled on her, told me her skills were way beyond my comprehension... or that she was cheating.
The second round at Mitarai's tabled wrapped up. She won.
<br><br>
I was anxious and a bit reluctant. What I was about to do brought no risk to myself, but a lot of money would be involved and Yumeko's trust in me would be on the line. More importantly, I was going to try to convince Ace of something. He and Yumeko shared a table with only the two of them remaining. It was a drawn out battle and I noticed that Ace's attitude had changed a lot.
<br><br>
There was no way I could come up with a 100 million Yen myself. I was far from broke, but my casino winnings from yesterday paled in comparison to the amount Yumeko had requested to be bet. I was still not entirely sure if Yumeko's order was a sign of trust, or another one of her elaborate gags. Anyway, a promise is a promise and if my actions helped to ruin Kifune, I was all for it.
<br><br>
Yumeko had won her table. Ace was out of the tournament. It was time for me to make the move. I took a last gulp of iced tea and headed towards the tournament hall to intercept Ace.
<br><br>
''"Goldilocks! So you are here after all! The black haired maiden is truly formidable. I got carried away and lost. Her charm pales in comparison to yours, of course"'', Ace said with a bright smile.
<br><br>
I kept my face neutral. ''"Ace, listen, there is something I need to tell you."''
<br><br>
Ace kept smiling. ''"Go ahead, my golden haired angel. No matter what insults come from your lips, they will sound as soothing as a siren's song to me!"''
<br><br>
I shook my head. ''"Forget about all of that for a second. We need to talk business. It's a... delicate matter. Let's go outside, it's way too crowded in here."''
<br><br>
We went to the fountain outside the casino entrance. There was nobody there and the splashing water made it hard to hear anything from afar. I explained the situation to him.
<br><br>
''"So yeah"'', I conduced. ''"Yumeko's hunch was spot on and all I need now is someone to bet at least a 100 million Yen on Mitarai. You keep the winnings if the bet pays out. You get compensated by Yumeko if it doesn't. Do you... perhaps have the money available to make this deal?"''
<br><br>
Ace was holding his chin and had a frown on his forehead. He was in deep thought.
<br><br>
I took out my coin card. ''"There's 5 million Yen on this thing, my winnings from yesterday. It's all I have, pretty much. I'll give it to you to throw into the bet as well. It's chump change compared to what I'm asking you to wager, but it's all I can do to prove how serious I am about this."
<br>''<br>
Ace changed pose. He crossed his arms and was smiling again. ''"Don't worry, Goldilocks. I believe everything you said. Knowing the black haired maiden, it all makes sense. She doesn't really care about the money. She just wants the casino management to feel the thrill of being exposed to huge risk, together with her."''
<br><br>
His grin widened. ''"It's only a good gamble if everybody is absolutely terrified. That's what she is thinking."''
<br><br>
Ace threw his head back and laughed. ''"Simply amazing. What a wonderful scheme. However... It's none of my business. I can make my own money. I don't need any risk-free handouts like this. Perhaps I need some more incentive to cooperate"'', he said with a wink. 
<br><br>
I was expecting this. ''"If Mitarai does not win, you'll get refunded and... I'll go a date with you to the amusement park"'', I said as calmly as I could.
<br><br>
Ace suddenly looked serious. ''"Goldilocks, we have a deal. I need to hurry"'', he said while snatching the coin card from my hand. He quickly went back into the building.
<br><br>
My job was done. I could loiter a bit and then watch the final round with Ryota. I stopped by the bar and ordered a fruit plate. As I was eating it, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
<br><br>
''"The bet has been placed. I made it 200 million Yen, total"'', Ace quickly whispered into my ear. He then smiled and loudly talked about the amusement park and how our date there would go.
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 10==

As everybody was clapping for Hana, Mary cupped her hands and began whispering into my ear. She explained what Yumeko's instructions to her were and what she had been doing during the previous rounds. 
<br><br>
I felt like a dunce. Yumeko and Mary had been miles ahead of me. They had figured out what was going on early and acted on it strategically and skillfully. All I had been doing was cheering for Yumeko without suspecting a thing. Yumeko's foresight was brilliant and Mary's keen observational skills were crucial to executing the plan. It was both comforting and unsettling being friends with these two. 
<br><br>
Sayaka looked at Kifune, probably expecting she would make an end announcement of some sort. It seemed that this was not going to happen, so Sayaka took the microphone from the table herself. She spend a second looking for the activation button on it.
<br><br>
She found the button and made a quick no-nonsense statement, informing everyone who won and that the tournament was over. After putting the microphone down, she walked over to Kirari to stand by her side.
<br><br>
Hana was led away by one of the staff and Kifune disappeared into the crowd as well. The final proceedings must have looked a bit clumsy and anticlimactic, but the audience didn't seem to care much. The tournament itself had been spectacular, after all. 
<br><br>
''"Well, I lost"'', Yumeko said cheerfully as she joined us in the crowd.
<br><br>
''"You... You certainly put up a great show"'', I said, managing to smile. ''"Saotome told me about... eh... the thing you had her do. I can't believe all of this was happening in the background."''
<br><br>
Mary crossed her arms and was frowning. ''"Yumeko, I did exactly as you asked. I found the right person and arranged the bet. It was a nearly impossible task, but I managed it. Don't you dare giving me any more orders."''
<br><br>
Yumeko giggled. ''"I see, but it all worked out didn't it? If I had thought you had failed, the game would not have been nearly as thrilling for me. I would have been lost without you. Thanks so much, Mary-san!"''
<br><br>
''"Hey, stop clinging to me"'', Mary shouted.
<br><br>
Yumeko was hugging Mary's arm. ''"Mary-san, tell me, did you have to promise a date to Ace? When are you going?"''
<br><br>
Mary looked shocked. ''"Yes... I mean, no... It was only if... Hey, how did you know? Wait, you didn't do all this only to make me... Aarg!"''
<br><br>
''"Yumeko, there's something I don't quite get yet"'', I said. ''"You had the foresight to know the tournament was rigged before signing up. So, why did you sign up, anyway? If president Momobami showing up had nothing to do with you, you wouldn't have known there was any outlook on the cheating to stop. Since you don't like rigged games, you were knowingly signing up for misery."''
<br><br>
Yumeko looked at me while still hugging Mary's arm.
<br><br>
''"If I hadn't signed up, I wouldn't have been able to play all those wonderful games. I couldn't just pass up the opportunity for fun so grand as this tournament. Sure, it was a bummer to know there was foul play, but it made the challenge even more enticing somehow. I was... trying to find a way to deal with it myself at the final table, but then the unexpected happened."
<br>''<br>
Yumeko let go of Mary's arm and looked at me more seriously. ''"You should chose to do whatever makes you happy and accept there may be setbacks."''
<br><br>
I smirked. ''"To be honest, I'm only passionate about video games. I just have to choose which ones to play to have the most fun. It's nothing compared to the choices you are making."''
<br><br>
Yumeko snorted. She stood close to me and put a hand on my neck. I was expecting a warm touch but her fingers felt cold. She looked straight at me from up close. Her eyes widened and I felt like I was staring at an inescapable abyss.<br>
''"The choices are just a means to an end for me. I want to bring out everything my opponent has. Only if brought to the edge of despair, does their true potential awaken. People can do the most miraculous things when pushed to their limit. Playing against people in that state brings me unimaginable pleasure"'', she softly said while rubbing my neck with two fingers. 
<br><br>
I was afraid of Yumeko, but I was also drawn to her. It was like surfing on the towering waves a hurricane had produced; an exhilarating sort of fear. You could only enjoy the ride if you accepted that you could slip and be pulled under at any moment. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the touch, knowing that the abyss was staring at me.
<br><br>

==Chapter 5, part 11==

I was leaning back in my desk chair. My body felt numb and my strength had left me. It was as if I didn't have the energy to get up, even if I wanted to.
<br><br>
I've lost it all and it was Yumeko's doing. I had asked the staff about that guy who placed the 200 million Yen bet on Hana. He was famous. He insisted to sign up for everything as 'Ace'. He was on good terms with Yumeko. He was seen talking to one of her friends just before the final round.
<br><br>
It didn't matter anymore, but I found myself thinking about where I went wrong.<br>
If if hadn't bullied Yumeko at the ship, would she have ignored the tournament? Would everything have turned out fine if I didn't rig the poker games? Would it have helped if had I refused her as participant? None of those things seemed right. 
<br><br>
Yumeko Jabami was just something that happened to me, like a hurricane or a heart attack.
<br><br>
You could say it was all because I was greedy, but only losers aren't greedy. Taking things slow and be modest was not something I could have done. I couldn't have found the motivation within me to dedicate myself to something that would only bring me mediocre success. It was the stars or the gutter for me and nothing in between was worth the effort.
<br><br>
I leaned over the desk and held my head in my hands. My mind was a blur and my thoughts felt just as heavy as my limbs. Thinking clearly would not have helped me now, anyway. Soon, I would be kicked out of this place. All of the Kansankai who followed me, believed in me and trusted me would be bitterly disappointed. I was ashamed to face anyone at this point.
<br><br>
Paying out the side bet winnings was... impossible. If I presented the current situation to the investors, they would probably cover the loss, but only if I gave up ownership and new management was installed. My casino would no longer be mine.
<br><br>
I thought about Hana and the shame hit me even harder. My most unwaveringly loyal follower. What would she say to me now?
<br><br>
The door opened. ''"Ah, Kifune. There you are. You look terrible"'', Kirari said. Sayaka entered my office behind her and was carrying a briefcase.
<br><br>
''"... What can I do for you?"'', I said reluctantly while looking up. ''"There are no ships leaving the island today. I guess I'm arranging VIP suites for you both"'', I sighed.
<br><br>
I was bankrupt and Kirari knew about the cheating. There was no point pretending to be the eager hostess anymore.
<br><br>
''"No need. I have my own transport on standby"'', she said with a faint smile on her blue lips. ''"Your tournament was quite a show. What started out as a competition between players, turned into a battle between an individual and the management, didn't it? The ups and downs of it... The moves that were made... The passion of those involved... I very much enjoyed watching it."
<br>''<br>
''"Yeah, well, you didn't come here just to flatter me, right? There are more important things you want to discuss. Go on, hit me with them"'', I said while leaning back in the chair again and looking straight at her.
<br><br>
Kirari maintained the smile. ''"No need to hurry. Do you have any tea? I'd like to talk slowly."''
<br><br>
''"In here? There's only the coffee maker. I'm forced to send you to the bar for tea. They are still open. It's free for you, of course. Enjoy"'', I replied.
<br><br>
Kirari looked slightly dejected. ''"You're being cold. It's fine, I guess. Let's not dally and get down to business, then."''
<br><br>
I owed her. For the casino plan to work out I needed to be covered by Hyakkaou's special status and the island location was a dream. If I couldn't use Ryouran, I couldn't have started a casino that was anywhere near as alluring.
<br><br>
I was ready to pay a lease or negotiate some profit sharing agreement with the student council. It turned out I didn't have to. Kirari just let me use the island for free. She didn't exactly do it on a whim, because she had the paperwork ready before I knocked on her door. She saw me coming and gave me the most incredible deal. This felt a bit too lucky, but she had made the impression that she wanted to casino too, so I didn't think too much about it. 
<br><br>
Now, she was undoubtedly here to reap the rewards of her generosity. A generosity that had cost her nothing. She had us plan, fund and build the casino for her and all she had to do was give us permission to use the land. 
Well played, president. Well played.
<br><br>
''"So, about the island..."'', Kirari started. 
<br><br>
I closed my eyes and braced myself. This was the end. My head was on the execution block and Kirari was swinging the axe. 
<br><br>
I was startled by the door hitting the wall with a loud bang. Hana rushed into the room. She lost her balance and fell to the floor.
<br><br>
''"Oh, dear"'', I said with a timid voice. Of all the people, Hana was the last who I wanted to be a witness to what was going to happen.
<br><br>
Hana must have sprinted full speed to here. She was breathing heavily and sweating. ''"Please, student council president!! Please let Kifune-sama continue to run the casino!!"'', Hana shouted full volume. Her voice was distorted and raspy.
<br><br>
She looked Kirari straight in the eyes from the floor. ''"You can give me a Life Schedule. Do whatever you want with me. I'll obey you no matter what. I-I can be useful, you know. Anything is fine as long as Kifune-sama gets to k-keep being the manager here"'', she said with tears welling up.
<br><br>
A Life Schedule is something that is given to those truly hopelessly in debt to the student council. It's essentially slavery. If you happen to receive one, it means you have to do what you are told, even marry and have children with whom you are told to. Your complete, life long obedience becomes the repayment. Depending on the circumstances, you could still end up with an ambitious career. However, the clout, power and access that come with it will be used by those you have to obey.
<br><br>
Hana keeled before Kirari and slammed her head into the floor. ''"Please... Student council president... Please..."'' She lifted her head, looked at Kirari and slammed it on the floor a second time. And then a third time, with even more force.
<br><br>
I quickly stood up and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt to prevent her from doing it again. 
<br><br>
Kirari was silently watching with a neutral expression. Sayaka was not even looking at Hana at all.
<br><br>
Hana tried to hit the floor with her head once more and I tightened my grip to stop it. Her forehead was bleeding. Hopefully it was just the skin that was damaged. 
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
''"Yeah, they seem to be willing to loan the money. They asked for more details. They'd only do that if they were seriously considering it. It won't be a problem."'' Hana's voice on the phone was weak as usual and that was not because of the call quality. 
<br><br>
''"Great job. You are good at handling this sort of thing. If this works out, it will be your achievement"'', I answered.
<br><br>
Hana the housepet was a great recruit. Everyone in the Kansankai was useful, but Hana had special kind of single-mindedness that made her put in the extra effort to make anything work out.
<br><br>
I was worried about her shy personality. This proved to not be a problem. When she didn't have to deal with people in person, her weakness disappeared and her strengths were on display.
She only communicated through phone and email. With us and with the shareholders, creditors, contractors and utility companies.
<br><br>
Meanwhile, she was barely relying on me. She served me without fully grabbing the hand I had extended to her. It was perfect. Her membership of the Kansankai remained a secret and everybody thought she was a loner, while in reality she was a tremendous help. My respect for her gradually grew.
<br><br>
''"Kifune-sama"'', she said with in her usual timid way.
<br><br>
It was hard to figure out what mood she was in. This was perhaps why she got pressured into debt in the first place. When there is no emotional response from someone, others may stop to see them as human. They would be just like a robot you could toy with. Or maybe her bullies were tempted to see how far they could push her before she did show feelings.
<br><br>
''"I want to thank you for what you did for me"'', she continued.
<br><br>
''"Too early"'', I promptly replied. ''"You're still a Mittens and you're still being bullied."''
<br><br>
''"I know... That's not what I meant. A girl hit me in class yesterday. I looked at her after she did that. Like... I used to always look away and take it. Before, I tried to ignore them and waited for them to get bored. I've... I've never looked someone in the eye like that. I could do it because I knew I wasn't trash. I knew I was useful... to you. I somehow wasn't scared because of that."''
<br><br>
I remained silent. Hana continued talking.
<br><br>
''"Kifune-sama, you've told me about your future before. I now know what my future is too."''
<br><br>
''"Do tell"'', I said.
<br><br>
''"I'll help you make the casino a success. I'll dedicate my life to helping you realize your dreams. That's my future."''
<br><br>
There was a brief pause. Then I heard the loud slurping of Hana finishing her drink with a straw. 
<br><br>
I burst out in laughter. ''"Listen, this is a very dangerous thing you are promising to me. If you say things like this, I will work you to the bone and I will make you sacrifice everything for me. Unless. You. Say. No. Do you understand?"''
<br><br>
''"Yes"'', Hana said. There was another slurp.
<br><br>
---
<br><br>
I let go of Hana's shirt. She was crying while curled up on the floor, no longer attempting to hurt herself.
<br><br>
''"Get up. It's alright"'', I said. ''"I didn't live up to your expectations. Your trust in me was misplaced. Your unwavering loyalty to me was undeserved. I am... truly sorry for that."''
<br><br>
I was in tears myself but I pushed on. ''"But don't let that bring you down. You don't need me anymore. The way you handled yourself at the end of the game... With that spirit in you, you can do anything on your own, you know."''
<br><br>
''"No! No, I can't!"'', Hana managed through her sobbing.
<br><br>
I keeled beside her. ''"I can't pay you the full prize money, obviously, but I can manage what you need to get rid of the housepet tag. It's nothing compared to the work you did for me."''
<br><br>
''"No! Kifune-sama, you said so yourself! You'll accept any sacrifice from me! A future where I'm not serving you is a future I don't want!"'', Hana said and raised her head for another bang at the floor. I grabbed her again to stop her.
<br><br>
Kirari smiled at us from above. ''"Oh my, the two of you are really getting ahead of things."''
<br><br>
''"Hana, I have no intention of giving you a Life Schedule. You are simply not a party to the matter at hand. However..."'', Kirari said while grabbing her chin. 
<br><br>
Maybe she was really thinking or maybe she wanted us to boil in the fear of the unknown a bit longer. The sealing light of the room was just behind her. Hana and I were in her shadow.
<br><br>
''"I have no intention to take the casino away from Kifune either. In fact, I came here to smooth things out. Sayaka, the papers, please. You know which ones."''
<br><br>
Sayaka put her briefcase on my desk and opened it. She quickly found what she was looking for inside it and handed the documents to Kirari.
<br><br>
Hana and I were still on the ground and Kirari crouched next to us, coming down to our level. ''"That billion Yen side bet payout can be taken care of immediately. Sayaka can authorize the transfer in seconds, if I tell her to. It's bad business to have a patron wait for their money, after all. You will have to sign this, however."''
<br><br>
She put the document on the ground in front of me. It started with 'Capital Alliance Agreement' in a bold font.
<br><br>
''"The bet will be paid out and all the loans the Kansankai has will be taken care of as well. In other words, all of your debt will be bought up by the student council."''
<br><br>
Once again, I had completely misread Kirari. Only now could I fully see the trap that I had walked into.
<br><br>
''"Kifune-sama, I..."'', Hana was saying but stopped herself. I understood her.
<br><br>
''"We'll be reasonable with the repayment schedule. I'll expect you to draw up a plan to show how much and how often you can manage to pay. You are good with those kind of presentations, aren't you? If the situation justifies it, I'm sure we can lend you even more money from time to time"'', Kirari said, dropping a pen next to the contract.
<br><br>
''"Sounds good, doesn't it? Of course, you can refuse, but then you won't stay in charge here for long. This has already occurred to you, I'm sure"'', Kirari said while standing up and walking to my desk.
<br><br>
She was offering a Life Schedule of sorts after all. Not to Hana but to me. I was to give up on my dream and disappoint everyone who believed in me, or become a servant of the student council. This was strangely ironic because my dream was all about not needing to serve anyone in the first place.
<br><br>
I was humiliated. It was not the casual sort that I had to endure many times, but a skillfully crafted, subtle and very deep type of humiliation.
<br><br>
I clenched my fists. ''"Why are you even offering me this? It is for your benefit or just for laughs?"'' 
<br><br>
Kirari was leaning against my desk with her arms crossed. ''"There are couple of benefits, but I won't get into the boring stuff right now. During the tournament, I told you that I can treat anything the student council owns as mine. So, if Ryouran Island is mine and you have dedicated your life to it, I consider your life to be mine as well."
<br>''<br>
''"Pick up the pen. Or don't. It's your choice"'', Kirari said with a smile. Her blue eyes were glittering. She looked genuinely curious about my next move.
<br><br>
I was was crushed by the weight of a natural ruler. All this time I had been swimming in her fish tank, which I mistook for the open sea. I could never outdo her. I understood this now. My ambition to to push her out of my way someday seemed so laughably naive in hindsight.
<br><br>
I stood up. ''"Hana, you understand what I'm about to do, right?"'', I said, while picking up the pen and the contract.
<br><br>
''"I'll follow your lead, no matter what. Your future is my future"'', she answered without hesitating. 
<br><br>
My mind was made up now. At least I wouldn't be a total disappointment to my parents or my fellow Kansankai.<br>
I carried the contract to the desk and signed without bothering to read any of it.
<br><br>
''"Splendid. Sayaka, please make the transfer"'', Kirari said.
<br><br>
''"Yes president."'' Sayaka took the contract, tossed in back into her briefcase and left the room with it. 
<br><br>
Kirari plunged onto the couch opposite the desk and crossed her legs. ''"Now then. Its nice to have some coffee once in a while. Drinking coffee so late make you feel like you are doing something sneaky, doesn't it? Will you join me for a cup, Kifune? I'd love to chat."''
<br><br>
''"I'll get the coffee maker going"'', Hana said. She was holding a napkin to her forehead.
<br><br>
Kirari was talking with the same excited look she had in her own office when we spoke there. ''"Now that the financial stuff is taken care of, tell me what your plans are. You must have had some ideas about what to add to this wonderful resort. A gym or indoor pool maybe? Bungee jumping from that hill on the far side? Parasailing? I'd love to hear it."''<br>
I guess I should have felt strong resentment or even be enraged. I didn't and I wasn't. Now that I had given up on overthrowing that what I could not, there was only relief.
<br><br>
''"Yes, president"'', I said.
<br><br>