Matsushita Chiaki was very satisfied with her life so far. Having just entered elementary school, she believed herself to be a lucky child. Born into a relatively wealthy family with kind and open-minded parents, she was raised in an environment without restrictions.
Her parents were always willing to fulfill her wishes, buying her anything she wanted. In return, Chiaki excelled in both school and cram school, consistently achieving top grades.
—I'm amazing.
This thought came to her naturally. Praise from her parents, teachers, and classmates affirmed that she was on the right path. Her parents were grateful for having such an exceptional daughter, and she in turn appreciated having such supportive parents.
Their home life was harmonious. Even with their busy schedules, her parents made sure to spend time together every evening, watching TV as a family. Her father always brewed a pot of strong tea, and as winter approached, her mother had begun knitting sweaters again.
"Isn't that show airing tonight?" her father suddenly asked, recalling something.
"That's right," her mother replied, checking the time and date on her phone. "It's the program everyone's been buzzing about online—the genius showdown."
"If you ask me, our little Chiaki is a genius too."
Saying this, her mother gently patted Chiaki's head. Chiaki blushed and pouted.
"That's different," she said. After all, the two featured on the show were rumored to solve high school-level problems. While she believed she was smarter than most, she wasn't arrogant enough to compare herself to them.
"To me, you'll always be the most amazing child in the world," her mother said kindly, setting aside her knitting. Then she called out to her husband:
"Don't go believing everything about that White Room place. They say it's borderline militaristic. I would never send Chiaki to a place like that."
"When did I ever say I wanted her in the White Room?" her father protested, sipping his strong tea.
"I'm just saying, that kid named Ryo really is a genius. But our philosophy won't change. We've always planned to send Chiaki to Advanced Nurturing High School. We're proud members of the ANHS faction."
Online debates had intensified lately. Supporters of ANHS were dubbed the "ANHS faction," while backers of the White Room were the "White Room faction." It almost felt like a political battle.
"Genius isn't just about test scores," Mrs. Matsushita said with a scoff. Perhaps due to raising a daughter, she clearly favored Sakayanagi Arisu over Ryo.
"Bookish and frail—that Ryo boy looks like he could blow away in the wind. Chiaki, don't grow up like that, okay?"
"Okay," Chiaki nodded, pointing at the TV. "It's starting! It's a live broadcast."
At her words, both parents turned their full attention to the television.
"Wow, the venue looks amazing," Chiaki murmured.
The camera panned from above, revealing a tech-inspired stadium filled with thousands of spectators. Just imagining performing in front of so many people made Chiaki feel anxious.
Dramatic music blared as a host in a sharp suit appeared on stage. He raised his mic and called out:
"Where are Japan's genius prodigies?!"
"Right here!" the crowd roared back.
Chiaki blinked, stunned.
Why does this feel like a variety show?
"Your talent is the nation's treasure. Your brilliance, the hope for tomorrow!"
"Welcome to the live broadcast of 'Ultimate Genius,' jointly produced by Advanced Nurturing High School and the White Room!"
"Let's welcome our two contestants!"
Before Chiaki could process the excitement, the screen changed, accompanied by a shift in the music. A rhythmic tapping sound echoed—like something striking the floor.
"I am Sakayanagi Arisu. My grandfather founded ANHS. My father is its current chairman."
The voice was calm and cold. A cane appeared first, then legs, then a waist, and finally a half-hidden face in shadow. Chiaki realized the tapping came from the cane in Arisu's hand.
"Advanced Nurturing High School has always been our family's pride."
The music paused for dramatic effect.
"To me, the White Room's provocation is nothing more than an ant trying to shake a tree. Their so-called artificial genius is a delusion."
"Arisu!"
Chiaki's mother squealed with excitement at the fairy-tale-like silver hair and delicate features of the girl onscreen. Chiaki rolled her eyes.
"Burying a fake genius—that job belongs to me."
Raising her cane, she declared:
"The only value of the White Room is that it made my life a little more fun. I'll prove to everyone what makes a true genius."
The background music surged again as her name appeared on screen.
Say what you will about Japanese variety shows—they knew how to deliver a spectacle. Chiaki found herself leaning forward.
Then the scene changed again.
"Advanced Nurturing High School? You mean that elite school whose test bank I crushed like it was nothing?"
The boy on screen smiled confidently.
"Honey! I'm switching to the White Room faction!"
Chiaki had never seen a boy so good-looking. His smile seemed to reach into her heart. Her mother, meanwhile, had already changed allegiances.
"Should we have a son too?"
Chiaki's father nearly spat out his tea, coughing violently. But his wife and daughter were now both glued to the screen, even more focused than before.
Until now, only blurry footage of Ryo had circulated online. Most people only knew about him from tabloids. They hadn't realized how good-looking he really was.
"As for Sakayanagi Arisu..."
Ryo spread his arms as the camera zoomed out, revealing the White Room emblem behind him.
"You really think you can bury me?"
His voice echoed across the mountains, ending with a glimpse of his dark eyes.
Back in the studio, the two contestants took the stage to thunderous applause.
"You've seen the intros, but let's hear a brief self-introduction from each."
"I am Sakayanagi Arisu."
Wearing thick clothes, her face slightly flushed, Arisu smiled. She may have been nervously curling her toes inside her shoes, but she hid it well.
"I'm Ryo."
His intro was simple. Slightly thinner than Arisu, he stood beside her on stage. Chiaki suddenly found herself swept into her mother's arms. Glancing up in confusion, she saw a warm, maternal gaze fixed on Ryo.
Oh no. I'm being replaced!
After the introductions, the host continued:
"As you've probably guessed, these two contestants represent ANHS and the White Room. So we've also invited some special guests."
A spotlight lit up a dark corner of the stage.
"Please welcome Sakayanagi Narimori, chairman of ANHS!"
Polite applause followed.
"And Ayanokouji Atsuomi, founder of the White Room and a member of the Diet!"
Atsuomi smiled warmly, his politician's charm on full display.
"From Switzerland, world-renowned child psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, Mr. Jean Piaget!"
(Note: Jean Piaget passed away in 1980; this is fictional and not relevant to the main plot.)
The elderly scholar stood and waved, his deep gaze fixed with interest on the stage.
"Lastly, chairman of the Kouenji Conglomerate, Mr. Kouenji!"
A portly man rose and waved cheerfully.
For the Matsushita family—and most ordinary viewers—these were intimidating figures. Just hearing the titles made them more excited.
"Let's hear their thoughts," the host prompted.
"Arisu already said everything I wanted to," Narimori began.
"Same here," Atsuomi added.
Tension crackled between them, amplified by the dramatic music.
"I'm curious about both contestants," Piaget said, pointing to his temple. "Children's brains shouldn't be this mature... I'm intrigued."
Kouenji's comment was more casual:
"My son thought it sounded fun, so I came to see if this was just for show."
Sound effect: audience gasps.
"If you're skeptical, you're welcome to personally supervise later," the host replied.
"Very well."
With guest comments done, the host turned back to the audience:
"Before we begin, what defines a genius? In which areas must they surpass the average person?"
Chiaki thought for a moment, then blurted:
"Memory!"
To kids her age, good memory equaled good grades—a clear sign of a child genius.
Her parents nodded in agreement.
"Seems like memory was the most shouted answer from the crowd," the host chuckled.
"Then let's start with a memory-based challenge. Are both contestants ready?"
"Ready."
Ryo and Arisu responded in unison.
"Alright. Let's reveal the game."
The screen switched to an image of a deck of cards.
"Memory Challenge: Advanced Concentration."
Even Chiaki knew this popular card game: Concentration. Players flip two cards per turn. If they match, the player keeps them and goes again. If not, they are flipped back over.
Whoever collects more cards by the end wins.
But the version on screen had new, harder rules:
[Advanced Concentration: Two decks shuffled face-down and arranged in a grid. Players flip two cards per turn. They must match both number and suit (e.g., two 3♥) to count. Success earns another turn and the pair is removed. A blank card immediately replaces any removed pair. If a player flips a blank, their turn ends and they skip the next round.]
[Player with most cards at the end wins.]
"Oh my god..."
Even Chiaki's parents looked uneasy. This variation was far harder than usual.
Most people already struggled with standard Concentration, hence the name—it mimicked the strain of a nervous breakdown.
Was this really a game for kids their age?
Chiaki shivered.
"No problem."
"I'm ready."
On TV, Ryo and Arisu nodded to each other.
Just like the Ellery Queen brothers, putting on a good show still required genuine skill.
So...
Go all out.
Arisu took a deep breath but noticed Ryo's gaze wandering.
Following his eyes, she spotted a girl about her age in the front row, hands clasped in prayer, her beautiful violet-red eyes reflecting only one person.
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