I stood by myself, watching all these people walk in front of me. I've been standing here for a while now, waiting for the Finals to start.

I only saw the others this morning and during lunch. During interval of my games, I would just drink water, then wait outside the dojo. I received a message this morning from mom that they would arrive around afternoon.

They said that a butler of Akashi went to our house to get Go-chan, saying that I already asked them to look after Go-chan, plus it seems Akashi's grandparents in mother side asked for him.

Anyways, I am somehow...

Calm...

Despite being in National tournament.

I think because I have a goal, a goal not just to put some people on their place.

"Are you always a loner? I remember people flocking around you, annoyingly"

I turned to that side, and who could it be, the crazy archer from same region.

"... ah... It's Amemiya. You are here?"

"You- you forgot that you were the one who decided for me to be here. So, I'll do my best to put you below me."

I looked at her and smiled. Somehow, she's different now.

"You are right. Do your best, ah but, you cannot, and will never put me below you. Instead, I'll reclaim what was mine before. Ah, but do your best, at the very least, put others below you. Also, aim to be someone just below me, at least that's something to be proud of"

"You really are a despicable woman, don't you know that?!"

"I know. But one thing is certain, I love archery and I am playing to compete, but also because I love it. I am a despicable person, but to those who are tarnishing the thing that I love. But I think you are also a despicable person, you love archery, and changed now. So good luck"

"You really are the worst" then she left, but I feel like she would win. Well, not the champion though

Ah, now it reminded me, I received a message from Midorima, Ryouta, and Satsuki. They said they won't be able to come today, but they wished me good luck. Midorima and I changed contact number last time, and surprisingly we've been exchanging emails.

He is also sending me daily horoscopes.

Today, my lucky colour is white, and I'm neither in lucky nor the unlucky side.

Well, I don't dwell much to horoscopes, but since Midorima made an effort of letting me know, I'll make this day as my Luckiest day.

~

The finals started, and among all the participants, only 8 of us remained. As expected, the two from Hokkaido were also here, and Amemiya too.

Well, I'll mind about them later.

For now, I could feel the wind is a bit stronger today. It affected the result today quite a lot. More like, it speed up the result since there were lots who weren't able to adjust because of the weather.

Well, adjusting your posture and bow comes to experience. I could say that I also struggled adjusting as well, but not because of the weather, but because I wasn't able to hold my equipments for at a week and more. To be honest, mine is more pathetic than adjusting because of weather.

I stood in the platform, take my stance and waited for the signal.

Once I heard the signal, in my own pace, got my arrow and started my own routine. One by one, aiming to the center target. Adjusting my stance depending on the wind.

~

However, how crazy things were- or am I jusr lucky? The remaining ones were me, Amemiya, and someone I don't even a recollection to who is she. One thing, the two from Hokkaido failed to advance. The others easily failed. Why? This is amazing though.

But they told us to sit and wait on the side while for some reason, they started removing the arrows and some targets, leaving only oke target in left, center, and right. For some reason, they also moved the arrows and lines about 5 steps behind the usual standing position.

They are modifying the tournament? Seemed Amemiya and the other one are the same as me, confused and curious.

Ah...

I remembered what Akashi said before back in middle school,

~

"A game can be modified depending on the organization. However, they could only modified depending on the situation"

"Situation?"

"Yeah, one is when there's no end to the game, and the other one is because the organizers didn't want the other team to win, or want the other team to win"

"The second one, isn't that cheating? Can they even do that in Basketball? And how?"

"In basketball it's rare for them to modify when there's no end in the game. We'll play until one wins, they will always add five more minutes. However, the latter often happens using the referees. Even though there's foul, they won't call, but instead call every time on the other one"

"That..."

"Don't worry about basketball. In archery, they could easily modify things. The latter one though rarely happens. So in your case, they could only modify the game if there's no end. So at least practice shooting..."

~
Because of what Akashi said, time to time I practice shooting to different ranges, and targets.

During the regional tournament, they modified how to conclude the game. This time, as well? But to make things more complicated since it's for individual.

Not long after, two organizers, both female then approached us and finally explained us the new rules.

"We will modify the rules now in order to conclude the winners. From now on, you will be going there one by one. The range though had changed, and you would be standing on that line" the one on the left pointed the new line "and you will be using the the arrows in the standing quiver, so you can remove your quivers now. There are 10 arrows each quiver, but you could only use with the maximum of 3 in each target"

Huh? Wait a minute... 3 in each?

"Uhm, so we need to shoot in each target?" Ah, the other archer just asked the same question in my mind

"Yes, you need to shoot 2 arrows in each target. But you could only have 1 more try if you fail the first one. If you fail to shoot one or two from your three arrows you need to go to your next target. The scoring will be the same, but additional points will be added if you performed magnificently" she smiled to us, there's meaning on it. It's not just a tournament anymore, but also an exhibition match.

"Is there any particular order where to start or where to go next?" Amemiya asked as if she already have idea what to do.

"No, you can start wherever you want, as well as where to go next. You can also stay where you are standing. As long as you stand in the correct line, use only 3 arrows from the quiver stand, you can move on your own pace. Ah, but as usual, you can't have interval of more than 1 minute between each arrow."

"How about the order who will go first?" This time, I asked them "are we going to decide or it's already been decided?"

"It's already decided." The other one responded "we decided based on your performances and scores today. The order will be first is Kiriyama-san from Kanto region, next is Amemiya-san from Kinki region, and last is (L/n)-san from Kinki region"

I rather go first though, but well.

"And that said, we will restart in 2 minutes" the two bowed down and left us.

For the next two minutes, they apologized for the wait, and simplified the explanation that they modified the game.

And exactly two minutes, the game restarted.

Kiriyama-san stood in the left, and I could see how nervous she is. When the whistle signal resonated, got her first arrow, then she had her stance. She perfectly shoot them, but not in the center target. And I don't know if she internally panicked, since she failed to shoot her last three arrows. They didn't even reach the target.

We could see the frustration in her face.

Once she sat down, they collected the arrows from the target, then reloaded the quiver.

Once the target area is cleared, Amemiya stood up, and she went to the middle target. She got her first arrow then shoot perfectly to the center part.

To everyone's surprised, she didn't move, and got her next arrow, and shoot it to the right target. It did reach the target, but not the center. It's 8 points. She again shoot one, and it went next to her first arrow. She did the same to left target, but her arrow didn't reach the target.

Indeed, because of the angle is wider, shooting towards left is harder than the right.

Instead of shooting her arrow from the middle, she moved to the left and there shoot. Well, nice adjusting. Though she scored 8 first then 10. Surely though she would be getting additional points.

She sat down and yes, frustration could be seen as well on her face. This had became interesting though.

Once the target area got cleared. I stood up and went straight to the right target. When I heard the signal, I got an arrow and finally realized why they failed their shots. Mine is a bit heavier to the normal ones, and I am sure that these are heavier than the normal ones.

However, since they seemed wanted some exhibition, I stood in the right target, however I aimed towards the farthest target.

I would like to thank you Akashi for giving me ideas back in middle school.

In this kind of situation, I rather aim the farthest first, decreasing the range.

Of course, the great me was able to aimed the center for both of my first two arrows. I adjusted my aim to the center target and also was able to aim the center, and lastly, the easiest target also ended up having two arrows in the middle.

I could hear the loud cheers and applaud from everyone. I smiled to myself and bowed in every side then head back to where we were sitting. I could see Kiriyama-san clapping, and she really meant it. The other one is clapping while glaring at me.

What a sight, I also wanted to see the other's reactions, but well for now...

This is just the start for me to reclaim my former glory.

~

I thought I would be able to go and meet up with my parents and the others, but multiple journalists swarmed around me, asking questions one after another. Carrying my bow, even the trophy and certificate in my hand, I was answering them, not sharing everything though. Being vague as well, but I was surprised when suddenly someone asked me..

"(L/n)-san, you were the one from Teiko, right? The calmest youngest archer of Teiko, (l/n) (f/n)-san?! You're that person, right?"

Ah, someone remembered me. But-

"I am now from Rakuzan" I could easily say that yes I am that person, but this is just the start. I haven't done anything much in Rakuzan, so I'll reclaim that glory one more time. Not the youngest part, but I'll see how archery should be done.

"(F/n)" the swarming journalist became silent once this voice called my name. Well, who else could it be, "everyone is waiting for you. Let's go"

I slightly bowed down to these journalists, and excused myself, then followed Akashi.

~

For some reason, he got my bow.

But before we meet up with the others, I stopped from walking then turned to Akashi

"I actually wanted to thank you first before we meet the others." I told him, and he just stared back at me. "Well, because of what you told me before during middle school. Because of that, we actually do those kind of things during our club activities. So it's not new to me. Different range, crazy shots, exhibition matches, even though just for fun, we play them. So I could say that thanks to what you said before, we are prepared to that kind of change"

"Even though I didn't say that, despite of the change, I am confident that you would be able to win"

I couldn't help but smile to what I heard. I don't know if he has other meaning, but I am just happy that he believes in me.

"I am just here to congratulate you, but to see an annoying familiar face. So you know him, (f/n)?"

"...? Ah you are Sasaki Tadashi, the son of my dad's friend. When did I give you the right to call me by name?"

"That's not important"

Not important?! What the heck is wrong with this person?!

"Who is this person?"

I looked at Akashi and he is genuinely asking who. He forgot him?!

Ah... then that means, this guy here is irrelevant and not important to Akashi.

"Don't joke on me, you bastard! Don't pretend you didn't remember me!" He raised his voice and it's really loud that the people around were looking at us now "You bastard! What's with that look?!"

"What's with this commotion?" And here comes his father, and he looked at me then to Akashi "Isn't this the bastard from last time? So you know him?"

Why are they pressuring me to answer them? Who do they think they are?!

"I know him, more than you. He's my friend since middle scho-"

"And this is why I need to transfer you to Hokkaido so you need to associate with better people"

"And who do you think you are to decide something like that?" I glared at this old man, goodness dad. You need to find good friends, or you find good ones that's why you left them?

"See, this is what I'm saying. You need good environment in order for you to grow up."

"I see, so that's why my father left. He went to a better environment." I smiled at him and I could see his face turning red

"You- ah, it's not Dai's, this is the fault of the woman he got married to. I'm sure of it. This is what I told him before, to marry a better person. See what happened to his daughter" he shook his head, and looked so disappointed "I really need to talk to Dai. You need to grow up-"

"Ah, I remember these pests" Akashi interrupted him, and yes, he is also angry "they are the pitiful father and son duo from Hokkaido. Saying that they will win since they are the black horse, but couldn't even score, and their mouths are just full of trashes."

"You-!"

"Father, this is clear that you need to talk to uncle Daisuke. I think he is also one of the influence why (f/n) is like this. She needs a better environment."

Indeed, this father and son duo, they are trashes!

"You sure insulted not just me, and my friend here, but even my parents. I am in much better environment thanks to my parents and friends. You don't have the rights to insult us. You don't know anything about my family!" I retorted, and even though I am mad, I still did my best not to talk casually

"This is the very reason. Don't worry, I'll talk to Dai and prove to you that you need strict education, especially manners"

"No need" I flinched as I turned towards that voice, and it's Dad walking towards us, no, toward me

"Dad..."

"Everyone is looking for you. Your mom is with them as well." He then patted my head, and what's with this warm feeling "and here you are with your friend."

"Sorry, I needed to talk to Akashi"

"No wonder. Congratulations my daughter in winning the Nationals. Go and meet up with the others now. You as well, Akashi-kun. You two should leave and don't entertain people who don't deserve to be entertained."

... eh...? Did dad just...? He did, right?

"Dai!"

And the warm feeling just disappeared. I could feel dad is enraged, he is angry!

"Kazuo, you never changed. Indeed we were friends, but that doesn't mean we can still be friends. I was able to hold your running mouth before because your words were just for me. But this and that are different. I care less what you say about me, but you insulted my daughter, her friend, and even my wife. I believe you get what I meant."

"Dai, you will regret this. Your wife is leading you to fall more than this. And your daughter is one of the results!"

"You better looked at your own family first. I don't have a problem with my family. But you do have"

Wow... dad just retorted to him, and even though he was mildly talking, I could feel his anger.

"Now let's go you two. We shouldn't waste our time with trashes that don't know their places" Dad put his hands on our shoulder, and yes led us out of this crowd.

I glanced back and I could see dad's well former friend turning red, and his son trying to calm him.

And speaking of, I also glance to Akashi, and he is having this smile that I couldn't explain.

"Ah, that's refreshing. I'm sorry you two to see such event. But at least I was able to cut ties with him." Dad told us then looked at me "I apologized as well last time. I didn't hear nor didn't have enough evidence to cut ties so I acted like that"

"No, it's fine now. That's really a refreshing one. Thank you dad. I already snapped, and good thing you arrived before Akashi snapped as well, right?" I turned to Akashi and he didn't respond "but anyways let's go."

~

We met up with others, and didn't mention anything about what happened. Though I think dad would tell mom and sensei at least that he already cut tie with that person.

Everyone was praising me, congratulating me. But in the middle of that, for some reason, Amemiya was here.

"What?!" Rio and Sayaka moved in front of us

"I don't have business with you. I need to talk to her. It will be a quick one"

"Then let's talk over there"

"Wait, (f/n)!" Everyone tried to stop me, but I laughed and pointed at Amemiya

"Don't worry. This girl here is at least smart enough to understand that I am much better than her"

...

Yeah, they were silently looking at me in disbelief. And Amemiya glaring at me.

But I just noticed now, Akashi disappeared. I wonder when did he leave

Amemiya and I went on the side, not far from the others, but at the very least, they could see us.

"Then, what is your business with me?"

"First, I still don't accept you as someone above me. I'll pull you down next time."

"Well, sorry to say, but this is just start again for me. I am actually reclaiming my former glory, so you'll be a good stepping stone."

"Stepping stone, huh? But be thankful, I am here to give you some pieces."

"Hmmm?"

"Since you won, you will be Japan's representative for the world competition that will happen next week. It's been decided since the very beginning. After all, they would see if you could be part of Japan olympic team"

"Ah, yeah, I heard from someone about that. It's different from the tournament that I would be competing in two weeks."

"Then as a present from me, here's a warning."

"Warning?"

"That competition is different. Fair play had never happened there. Every year, some would do any means to lessen the participants. For me, I could resort to asking someone to hide your equipment. However, they would result hurting you if they think that you are a threat to them"

"You know someone who got hurt?"

"Ah, I know some personally, and they all ended the same fate. So this is my warning"

"... why though?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, I'm thankful. But this is a surprise for me"

"At the very least, I don't want you to end like them until I put you down"

I sighed and chuckled as I nodded to her "I see. Thank you for the warning. I'll keep that in mind."

Then before she left, "Congratulations, and don't lose until you lose against me"

Well, for now, she at least know her place.

I joined them again and asked what Amemiya told me. I told them her warning, and they couldn't believe that she was showing kindness.

"By the way, did anyone notice when did Akashi leave?"

"He left right away when we met the others. He said he had an urgent thing to do" dad responded as his phone suddenly rang. He excused himself, then I turned to Sayaka who informed me their plan

"So, we'll meet in front of the hotel. Sensei will treat us. (F/n) will be busy from here on. For now, let's enjoy this victory!"

~

TBC