I engaged in dilatory tactics to keep Katori-sensei in the dark, and together, we engaged in endless cycles of circular debates.
"Hey, Leo, what was for dinner tonight?"
That bastard Isono asked me.
"Broccoli was harvested from the palace farm, so it looks like it'll be a Chinese-style garlic stir-fry with other vegetables and fish."
"I see. Broccoli. In that case, today's meeting is adjourned."
"Broccoli!"
Hahaha!
It was our victory!
I'll never let the tournament be held!
Now then, I’m going to go play with Kinako.
"Kinako!"
"Nyaaan~♪"
I went to pick up Kinako, who had been playing with Daifuku at the shrine. She came running over to me, purring with delight.
"Yes, yes, it’s Papa~. Aren't you just the cutest thing~?"
Melissa, who had essentially become our resident animal caretaker, laughed at the sight.
"Fufu. Captain, you’re using your baby talk again."
"It’s fine, isn’t it~?"
"Nyaaan~♪"
She rubbed against me, purring loudly. As expected, she was the ultimate healing presence. My child was definitely the cutest in the world.
"Daifuku is cute too~."
"Kyu!"
However, just as I turned to head home, both of them suddenly ducked behind Melissa. Sensing a sudden surge of killing intent, I didn't even look back before I bolted like a panicked rabbit.
...But I was caught by the collar.
"Leo-kun... what’s the status of the tournament?"
It was Katori-sensei.
"Sensei, we are currently holding a series of meetings regarding safety evaluations and other logistical concerns."
I stated this firmly, maintaining the most suspicious expression I could muster. There was no way word would leak that we spent every session talking about broccoli or new game releases. It was the fate of all things within a bureaucratic structure to be gradually forgotten until the very plan and the responsibility for it vanished entirely!
It was too perfect! Absolutely flawless!
I was actually starting to scare myself with how well I’d mastered the art of bureaucracy!
"Is that so?"
With those words, Katori-sensei thrust his wooden sword into the ground. Fufu, did you really think you could shatter a bureaucratic structure with mere violence? Hahaha! I've won!
Then, Katori-sensei held out a piece of paper.
"What's this?"
"It is a letter of challenge."
"Wha?"
What are you talking about, old man? I read the contents, half-mocking him.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait...
"A humanoid fighter duel? How are you even going to see?"
"I’ve decided to undergo the surgery. With the incorporation of Zork and outer space technology, it’s possible now. I want to witness your true potential and see the end of the dream I once abandoned."
My mind went cold and focused in an instant.
"I’m the leader of the pilots, you know. I’ve crossed through the brink of death more times than I can count, and I’ve nearly died just as often. Don't underestimate me just because you're an old man who’s good with a katana!"
I grabbed Katori-sensei by the lapels.
"I know. But, Leo Kamishiro! I wish to challenge you, the strongest. That is now the dream of every warrior!"
"Give me a break..."
"Kukuku... even at my age, I can still be a challenger. Don't think for a second you can escape."
"Fine, Sensei. I’ll take you on. I do claim the title of the strongest in the world of pilots, after all. But at the very least, you have to clear a simulator solo first."
"Of course! Just you wait, Leo Kamishiro!"
Katori-sensei departed in high spirits. Dammit, I couldn't run away from this now.
"Ah... Fairy, were you listening?"
"A hot-blooded display of manhood. I heard everything~."
"Prepare an exclusive machine for Katori-sensei."
"An exclusive machine right off the bat?"
"Katori-sensei will clear that solo challenge in no time. Besides, having him on our side if we have to fight the Zen God Race would be incredibly reassuring."
And so, I found myself unable to escape. How tragic...
The baseball games began. Shortly after, a communication came in from Parcion.
"Did something happen?"
When I answered with a smile, old man Victor was grimacing with all his might. He looked like he was under a tremendous amount of stress.
"Regarding the soccer tournament you’re planning... we would like to participate."
"Um, what about the rules and everything?"
"There is no problem. We have studied the materials from Latarnia."
They had rulebooks, beginner guides, and instructional videos available in the Latarnia language. Of course, the Chronos edition was already in circulation as well. Since he insisted they could do it, I had no reason to refuse.
"Then please, by all means. As for the schedule for the practice matches..."
This was diplomacy. While the direct effects on peace or national prestige were low, the cost-performance was high when you considered it added another point of contact for emergencies. Claiming that politics and sports were separate was nothing more than a pipe dream. It wasn't about controlling the opponent; it was about weaving them into the fabric of human social interactions. Therefore, there was no reason to say no.
As a result, Parcion officially joined the soccer tournament.
...Maybe I should be a little cautious, though. This isn't discrimination—honestly.
I went to find Isono and Nakajima, who were managing the event. I kicked the door open without knocking and sank into the sofa.
"Parcion is joining the soccer tournament."
"...O-Oh."
Both Isono and Nakajima stared at me with blank expressions. They were slow on the uptake. It seemed their brains had shut down from pure exhaustion.
"Strengthen security."
"Right! I'll contact Riko."
Rikochi arrived shortly after.
"Is it true that Parcion is participating?"
"It is~. So strengthen the security."
"Understood... What about baggage inspection?"
"Reinforce it. Use a public excuse like 'there's been an influx of people trying to bring in outside alcohol' or something."
"Alcohol alone might be a weak excuse since we sell beer at the stadium... I'll make the reason alcohol and firecrackers."
"Much appreciated."
And so, despite the lingering suspicion, the friendly match was organized.
In the baseball segment, the team from the Galactic Empire was absolutely unrivaled. It was to be expected. These were baseball elites who had been raised in Little League since they were children, sharpened their skills in powerhouse middle and high schools, and eventually turned pro. I wanted to say the level was just too different for nations that had only known the sport for three years... but surprisingly, they actually held their own. The matches were legitimate contests.
Technically, the gap was staggering, but the other teams managed to close it through sheer physical prowess and raw athleticism. It was also wonderful that the Galactic Empire's pro team didn't hold back at all.
In the end, those who took it seriously were the strongest. The final was against the Taikyoku Nation, who had been snapping with competitive fury. Furthermore, it wasn't a blowout. They showed their grit by successfully scoring points against the Galactic Empire.
Shiyun, who had been turning beet-red while watching her own country's league earlier, now wore a beaming smile at the unexpected performance of her national team.
"I must grant rewards in the name of the Emperor."
Shiyun smiled gently while looking toward the podium. She mentioned she would be returning home temporarily to personally praise the players. For my part, I found myself genuinely concerned about the state of the blood vessels in Shiyun’s head.
As for the Ogre God Nation... the results were disastrous.
"YOU TOTAL AND UTTER BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARDS!"
Saria's scream echoed through the air.