Aki can barely sit still. For days she had wrestled with the idea of convincing Ryoma and Nakahara to issue a public apology, just enough to satisfy the champion's camp and reopen the title-shot negotiations.
She never acted on it, because she knew Ryoma would never bow that way, and Nakahara would never force him to.
But now, seeing this new plan forming, seeing a real path forward, her entire mood lifts. Moreover, she believes Ryoma's career in Japan isn't completely done yet.
"By the way," she says, almost bouncing in her chair, "I heard something from the JBC side. No confirmation yet, but… there's a leak going around."
Nakahara raises a brow. "What kind of leak?"
"If things follow the usual pattern, after Ryoma beat Masuda Kokushi, JBC is pushing him up to rank five. And if Shimamura beats Tanimoto Harada next month…" She grins. "Ryoma might land at rank four."
