落とし穴８６堀：正月すぎてのんびりと (Part2)
"Wait, wait, I'm not heading out. I have guests coming over."
"Guests?"
"I hadn't heard about that."
"Well, it’s the usual crowd, so there’s no need to make a big fuss about welcoming them."
"The usual crowd?"
"Who could it be?"
"Nom. Probably Taiki or Taizo, right?" Kaya guessed while munching on a mandarin orange.
"Exactly. Taiki and Taizo-san. And Zargis, too."
"Ah, the usual suspects, then."
"What are you all going to do?"
Well, when a group of close friends gets together at home, there’s only one thing to do...
*Ding-dong.*
Oh, looks like they’re here. I stepped out of the kotatsu and headed to the entrance. Jessica and Cleena, who were on guard duty, were already handling it. In fact, they were exchanging deep, formal bows. Ria and Samantha were out shopping.
"Happy New Year. I look forward to working with you again this year."
"Ah, yes. Happy New Year. I look forward to it as well."
"Mm. Happy New Year. Same to you. So, what brings you here today, Taiki?"
"Happy New Year! And same to you. Wait, Cleena, your Japanese sounds a lot like us students. Where did you pick that up?"
"My... bible. Manga."
"You aren't using weird manga as a reference, are you?"
"It is fine. Besides, thanks to the effects of my skills, I possess a certain level of common knowledge about Japan. So, I am not using *that* kind of material. Also, learning that Samantha and I were characters in a romance manga was, frankly, awkward. I’m sure you two had a grand time reading that back then."
"...Well, I wonder about that..."
No, Taiki-kun, you laughed your head off watching Samantha, and you got all excited over Cleena being a classic trope character, didn't you? Good grief.
Anyway, we were getting off-track, and it was too cold to stand around chatting in the entryway.
"I invited them. I figured everyone would have settled down by the fourth. Also, Zargis, Happy New Year. Looking forward to another year."
"Yes. Happy New Year to you as well."
"Alright, come on in."
With that, I led them not to the banquet hall, but to my room.
"Oh? Yuki-san, you brought them here?"
Milly looked on with curiosity as I returned to the room with the three men. The room was warm thanks to the heater, so the kotatsu wasn't strictly necessary, but it’s a tradition, isn't it? The three of them settled down in front of the TV without issue.
"Are we watching a movie? I’d love to see *Chushingura*."
Sorry, Riel. We aren't watching a movie. When a bunch of guys get together on their day off and aren't drinking, there’s only one thing to do.
"It’s a gaming tournament."
"A gaming tournament?" Tori tilted her head.
Yes, a gaming tournament. It’s the perfect entertainment for a cold day, something everyone can enjoy without leaving the house. A wonderful game where the fun is limited only by the number of software titles you have! Well, since it’s not an online game, we’re limited to four players at most.
"Alright, which one should we start with?" Taiki-kun was agonizing over the pile of game discs.
"This is my first time doing something like this, so I’m a bit lost. I’ll leave it to you experts. I did at least practice a little, though."
"Yes. Unfortunately, Taizo-san, I am also quite inexperienced with these things. I’m in the same boat—I did some practice, but that’s about it."
Well, Taizo-san and Zargis come from a generation—or rather, a world—where such things didn't exist.
"Let's start with *Gario Kart*."
"A classic. Let's go with that."
Modern *Gario Kart* has moved to handhelds and online play, so I dug out the old-school split-screen console. The legendary 86 model. The 86 has plenty of party games, making it great for groups.
"First, a race. After that, a balloon-popping battle royale. Sound good?"
"Sounds good."
"Indeed. That I can manage."
"I won't lose just because I'm playing."
As they said that, the signal changed... from red to blue!! All the karts took off at once, heading into the first corner, grabbing items, and kicking off a race where sabotage was the name of the game.
Before I knew it, the wives had gotten involved, and it turned into a massive tournament with qualifiers and finals. Naturally, Taiki-kun and I took first and second place, achieving an overwhelming victory.
"I’ll win next year."
"It all comes down to habit and efficiency, it seems."
It was good to see Taizo-san and Zargis vowing for a rematch.
"Dear. You’re going to be practicing with me starting tomorrow."
"Indeed. Even if it was just a chaotic brawl, it’s frustrating to be beaten so soundly."
I never expected the wives to get so serious. I mean, in a chaotic brawl, what else can you expect? There’s no way they could win when they haven't practiced.
Yes, today is January 3rd. I imagine things are starting to settle down for everyone? Some of you might even be back at work already. This story was a bit like a gathering of relatives or friends. It’s tough to play outside in the middle of winter, isn't it? Do you have any memories of holding gaming tournaments?
Well, let’s try to avoid turning it into a real-life fight where blood washes away blood.
With that, the New Year's "pitfall" segment comes to a close. We’ll rewind the clock a bit and start from the summary.
Stay tuned!