Ke Xue Lu Ren Wang

Chapter 51: Red Leaf's Second Mission

"The principle is actually very simple."

Yuzuru leaned back in his chair, his hands crossed in front of his chest, speaking in a nonchalant tone.

"I took advantage of the shuffling time. During the shuffling process, I used a technique to cut out ten consecutive cards, memorized their order, and then cut them back."

Upon hearing this, Ooka Momiji's blue pupils dilated slightly.

"In this way, as long as the cards you draw are among these ten, I can find the corresponding card set in the shortest amount of time."

Yuzuru shrugged and explained.

"So that's how it is."

Ooka Momiji nodded seriously, seemingly reviewing every detail of that day in her mind.

"However, this method also has drawbacks." Yuzuru held up three fingers, bending them one by one. "First, you need to know how to cut the cards. Second, it tests your memory. Third, you must shuffle the cards yourself; none of these are dispensable."

He spoke with a very serious expression.

Ooka Momiji stared at him for several seconds, her lips moving slightly.

Are you praising yourself?

"If I'm not good enough, I won't have the chance to be your tutor."

Yuzuru didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said, and even laughed.

"You have the second thickest skin I've ever met."

Ooka Koyo tapped the lecture notes on the table with her pen, her tone slightly teasing.

"Second place?" Yuzuru's interest was piqued. "Then who's first?"

"A phantom thief who likes to steal other people's things."

This answer was truly unexpected.

The image of the white cloak and top hat instantly flashed into Yuzuru's mind—Kaito Kid.

I never expected that Hongye would have any connection with that person.

"That guy really likes to steal jewels, and although he always returns them in the end, I still don't like him." Ooka Momiji's expression became much more serious, and her tone revealed obvious dissatisfaction.

Yuzuru didn't respond to that, never expecting that tutoring would involve Kaito Kid.

Ooka Momiji waited for a while, and seeing that he didn't respond, she didn't continue.

However, her attention quickly shifted, and she tilted her head slightly, looking over with a curious expression.

"By the way, how did you know I know karuta?"

This is the question she's always wanted to ask.

When the two last talked, Yuzuru Toru's reaction was not like "I just found out she can play karuta", but rather as if he already knew this information.

"It's a long story."

Yuzuru straightened up, his expression suddenly becoming serious.

"Actually, I'm a detective."

"..."

Ooka Momiji stared at him for a second, then shook her head.

"It doesn't look like it."

"Then I'll try to deduce it on the spot."

Yuzuru raised his hand, pointing his index finger at Ooka Momiji's right hand.

"Miss Hongye, your hands are very well-maintained, and you're wearing manicures. But your manicures are different from ordinary manicures. Ordinary manicures are shorter and focus more on decoration. Yours are not only thin but also long, and the material is also harder, clearly designed for practical use."

Ooka Momiji subconsciously looked down at her fingertips.

"Only karuta players wear this type of nail art," Tetsuyu continued. "Wearing it makes their fingers more sensitive, allowing them to hit the karuta cards faster and more accurately. It's a common aid in competitions."

After saying that, he withdrew his hand, leaned back in his chair, and adopted a posture that suggested he had "completed his reasoning."

"Well……"

Ooka Momiji stared at him, remaining silent for a long time.

She didn't expect that the other party could deduce so much from just one detail: manicures.

"And what about you?" After a moment of silence, she turned the question around and asked, "You're obviously a beginner at karuta, so why are you better than many other beginners?"

"It's not the first time." Yuzuru thought for a moment and felt it necessary to lay the groundwork. "I've learned some karuta before. Although I haven't studied it systematically, I still know the basic rules and techniques to some extent."

"So, was your first real-world experience playing with me last time?"

"Just playing around with it occasionally."

Yuzuru Hanyu's answer was conservative.

In fact, he doesn't even qualify as "occasionally".

Last time was my first real experience with song cards, and I even had to learn the rules on the spot.

But no one would believe such a statement.

"I see."

Ooka Momiji nodded, her expression visibly relaxing.

She genuinely believed that Toru Hanyu had played karuta at that level on his first try, and if that were the case, she would have to admit that Toru Hanyu's talent was truly remarkable.

The study was quiet for a few seconds.

Ooka Momiji lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edges of the handouts, as if she was hesitating about something.

After a while, she finally spoke.

"I will go to the Manyo Karaoke Room for practice on Saturdays."

There was a slight pause.

"...You can come and take a look."

Yuzuru raised an eyebrow slightly, showing interest.

"Can I take it that you're inviting me, Miss Hongye?"

"Who invited you!" Ooka Momiji looked up, feigning indifference. "Didn't you say you wanted to learn about karuta last time? I was just giving you an opportunity."

After saying that, she turned her head to one side and added, "Who wanted you to come?"

Just then, a line of semi-transparent text appeared before Toru Hanyu's eyes.

[Mission Objective: Autumn Leaves of Ooka]

[Task Requirements: Gain favor with 'Ooka Momiji']

[Reward: (Karawa Practice Beginner Level Experience Card) has been issued]

[Reward for completing the mission: (Karawa Tag Game for Beginners) Permanent, 1 Attribute Point]

[Bonus Task: (Not Triggered)]

Yuzuru glanced at the mission panel and quickly assessed the situation in his mind.

This time the reward is much more generous than the last one.

Last time I only got the passive skill "Conditional Reflex Arc", but this time I not only get one skill, but also one free attribute point.

Moreover, the trial cards have already been issued.

In other words, the system is giving him a chance to "preview" in advance.

It seems I'll have to bring something truly impressive to this trip on Saturday.

"Ms. Momiji must be really good at karuta, right?" Yuzuru put aside his thoughts and continued the conversation.

"fine."

Ooka Momiji turned her head, a hint of pride in her voice.

"I only won a championship in school."

"That's still better than many people, many of whom can't even win a championship," Yuzuru praised without hesitation.

"Actually, winning the school championship is easy; I won it several times in a row without much effort."

Ooka Koyo added that she was clearly trying to remain calm when she said this, but her speech was half a beat faster than usual.

"That's amazing?!"

Yuzuru feigned surprise and praised him.

Ooka Momiji pursed her lips, trying to suppress the upward curve of her lips, but the pink tips of her ears betrayed her true feelings.

To be honest, she had heard many people praise and compliment her, but only Yuzuru Hanyu's praise made her feel inexplicably embarrassed.