Chess Tournament Finals - Part 2

It wasn't the first time Tachibana and Kanako sat face-to-face with a chessboard between them. Under the roof of National High School's exam hall, these two child prodigies would face each other once again.

In contrast to their uncharacteristic first match as children, both of these prodigies would play at full strength, fully committed to defeating their opponent. After practising profusely prior to the finals, they were as strong as they would ever be.

"It's been a while, Kanako Hanae."

"Yeah, it has."

"I've been waiting for this day."

"Sorry about last time. It was just... I wasn't in the right headspace."

"The past is the past. I just want to play against you. With my all, I'll play against you at your all."

Looking up at the clock near the front of the exam hall, it ticked closer and closer to the designated time. Both girls then looked down at the board, ready as ever to begin playing.