"I wonder about that," Fuji posed mysteriously from a short distance away. "Perhaps after considering his response, walking away was the more respectful choice."

Tamagawa stood awkwardly among all of them. Niou was correct, of course. He was the only one here who hadn't played on the Nationals stage. Wasn't that what Marui had been trying to prepare him for, though? His lesson at Kingdom Court hadn't been for nothing; Tamagawa was determined to see to that.

"That's true. Of everyone here, I have the most to learn. Everyone, thank you for your participation! I look forward to training with you," he closed with a bow.

Hearing Momo beginning to stir, Fuji slipped into the dormitory, carefully sidestepping Jackal.

"Awake?"