It seems Kanata and the others are enjoying the Big Game.
The Big Game between the Condors and the Blaze was intense from the start.
It was a series of big plays fitting for a Big Game, worth seeing in person.
“Hmm, an interception from here is tough. The defense team has no choice but to push through.”
Major Himnon’s expression was gloomy as his favored team was in peril.
“The Condors’ defense team is a bit weak, you see. It’s a crucial moment right from the start.”
“Both teams are fundamentally offensive, so the burden on the defense team is heavier.”
“…Kanata, why do you switch teams when the offense changes?”
“Powerball is a sport for specialists. Offensive and defensive teams have separate roles.”
“You came to watch Powerball without even knowing that?”
“…It’s fine, isn’t it? I just came because I was bored.”
“It’s fine. Natsume might come to like Powerball through this opportunity. What do you think of Powerball seen live?”
“…I feel like I’d be faster if I carried the ball myself.”
Indeed, Natsume is one of the fastest even among the 5th generation models.
Powerball, which is very similar to American football from their original world, only allows up to 4th generation models by regulation.
Apparently, 5th generation models have too much of a speed increase, making running too advantageous.
The rules of Powerball are almost the same as American football, but the game is generally much rougher.
Rules like unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness are applied loosely, and tackles to the head are not fouls.
It’s rare for the regular season to pass without casualties.
It could be called post-apocalyptic, but I really don’t want anyone to die in a sport.
While fending off Lilith, who keeps reaching for the Champagne whenever she sees an opening, I enjoy the game.
” stingy! It’s just Champagne, what’s the big deal!”
“No! You must be twenty years old to drink alcohol!”
Huh? Come to think of it, Champagne is named after the Champagne region of France, right?
What’s it like in this world?
I pick up a bottle of Champagne and read the origin.
Origin… Champalume, huh? It is indeed Champagne.
“They’ve fallen behind again! I guess that interception from that position was tough!”
Oops, I got distracted by something trivial and missed the important part.
“It’s only the first quarter. We’ll start here.”
“That’s right, let’s hope for a comeback.”
“…Kanata, I want lamb steak too.”
…You eat a lot while the game is going on, Natsume.
The game continued to be heated until the final fourth quarter.
While we, who like Powerball, were excited, Natsume just kept eating.
I wonder why she came to watch if she wasn’t particularly interested in Powerball.
Well, it’s a good thing. Natsume, who never wanted to get involved with anyone, came all the way to the stadium like this, so the reason doesn’t matter.
Like American football, Powerball’s strategic play in the fourth quarter is its highlight.
Game management considering the remaining time, this is where it gets most exciting and compelling.
The fourth quarter offense and defense resemble the endgame of Shogi.
It’s a battle of wits, reading the opponent’s intentions, which is especially crucial in close games.
And the game reached its climax.
The Condors, leading by one possession, faced 4th down with a short distance to the opponent’s territory.
Moreover, they were just a little closer to gaining possession, a thrilling situation.
“Considering the remaining time, this is the deciding moment.”
Lilith, who loves strategic battles, leans forward, focusing on the match.
“Indeed, punt or a 4th down gamble….”
A difficult choice, what will they pick?
“…What’s the situation?”
Natsume asks, stuffing her face with chocolate parfait, and Major Himnon, with a troubled expression, explains.
“It’s a choice between giving up possession and using a punt kick to gain defensive advantage, or attempting to continue the offense with a 4th down gamble. The Condors are less than half the way to the goal line, so they want to continue their offense. If they score a touchdown, they’ll have a two-possession lead, and considering the remaining time, a comeback will be impossible, securing the World Series championship. However, if they fail the 4th down gamble, they won’t be able to gain distance with a punt, and possession will go to the opponent. The possibility of conceding points increases, making it dangerous.”
Natsume, who seems to be watching Powerball for the first time, might not understand, but I’ll add a little something.
“As long as they maintain possession, even if they don’t score a touchdown, they can eat up time, and if they advance a bit more, they can aim for a field goal. Given the score, a field goal wouldn’t secure the win if the Blaze scores two touchdowns and converts both 2-point conversions to take the lead. However, a field goal would increase their advantage even if it doesn’t decide the game.”
“…I don’t quite get it, but it’s a situation where scoring a touchdown means victory, but the risk is high.”
“That’s right. Timeouts are almost over. What will the Condors choose?”
“If it were you, Major Himnon, what would you do?”
“A punt. Even if we concede points, possession will come back to us, and we can score then.”
“I would gamble. This is a situation where we should take a bet. What about you, Warrant Officer?”
“Gamble. The Blaze are a champion team that has won for three consecutive years, while the Condors haven’t won the World Series in over twenty years. Challengers shouldn’t play defensively. If there’s a chance to take them down, you should bet on it.”
The Condors’ choice after the timeout ended was… a gamble.
Major Himnon clasps his hands together and begins to pray.
And Major Himnon’s prayer reached heaven; the 4th down gamble was successful.
Not only that, but they advanced into the red zone just before the goal line.
“Yes! Yes! Even if they don’t score a touchdown now, a field goal is certain!”
Major Himnon, turning his praying hands into fists, performs a powerful victory pose.
“At this point, seal the victory with a touchdown! The goddess of victory is here!”
There was a tiny goddess too.
…With the blessings of the petite goddess, the Condors soared high.
The touchdown pass was successful, scoring a decisive point.
The moment the touchdown was scored, Major Himnon was crying.
He must have been so happy. Good for you, Major.
On the way back in the Dachshund car, Major Himnon, still exhilarated, happily drinks Champagne.
“Today is the best day of my life, Kanata. I thought I was finished after my fall from grace, but I’ve been officially assigned to the Asura Unit, my divorce is finalized, and the Condors have won. You were a god of opportunity for me.”
“Himu-himu, do you know? The god of opportunity only has forelocks. The back of the head is completely bald.”
“And why is that?”
“Because if you miss it once, you can never catch it again. Major Himnon seized his chance. By his own efforts. I just gave him a little push.”
Major Himnon smiled happily, then his expression turned a little sad.
“Thank you. However, I realized from tonight’s game. I can’t be a gambler. To become a great soldier, one must be able to go for the gamble without hesitation in such situations.”
“You can say anything after seeing the result. It just happened that way.”
“That’s right, it could have gone the other way. We need cautious people in an organization, especially since we have so many gung-ho soldiers.”
Lilith, known for her sharp tongue, is unusually supportive. Perhaps she likes Major Himnon?
“Hahaha, thank you. Thanks to the Commander, I was able to enjoy a wonderful night in a wonderful room, but I guess I’m just a commoner. I feel more at ease watching the game from the general seats while munching on grilled corn.”
“With a beer in hand. I guess I’m the same.”
I admit I’m a commoner, but that’s how I feel, so I can’t help it.
“From the executive seats, you can’t provide support with cloud noise.”
“That looks fun, doesn’t it?”
It’s a privilege of the home team, after all.
“Hey! Natsume, what are you doing!”
“…I’m sleepy, so I’m going to sleep. Wake me up when we get to the hotel.”
“It’s fine to sleep, but you don’t have to use the Warrant Officer’s lap as a pillow! That’s my seat!”
“…First come, first served. Good night.”
“Warrant Officer! Move your head!”
“It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s just a lap. It’s not like it’ll diminish anything.”
I’m kind of happy about it, to be honest.
“Then I’ll sleep too! I won’t let you hog it!”
Lilith, indignant, rests her head on my lap.
“Kanata, you have it tough. I’m envious of your youth.”
Major Himnon comments casually, as if it were someone else’s business. And indeed, it is.
And so, I ended up giving my lap to a flat-chested beautiful girl and a chest-undereveloped beautiful girl on the way home.
I watch more BS than terrestrial television these days. They broadcast things like sports, world heritage sites, and documentaries.
