Living Normally In An Abnormal World

Chapter 79.2: Madman vs Emperor

The popular video uploader, Toudou Satoru, is live streaming. As always, he greets his audience with a bright smile, bringing energy to everyone who watches him.

‘Hello everyone, let’s start the stream!’

‘… Weren’t you going to play?’

‘Eh, we’re going to do sports?’

‘Okay, I understand.’

It seems he’s brought along some company. However, this time, quite rarely, he has kept his promise and arrived at the Toudou household on time. But instead of normal entertainment games, it seems he’s been met with a live stream collaboration.

‘Mother vs Grauzer!’

‘Oh.’

‘The sport is basketball!’

‘Then, Grauzer, let’s begin.’

‘Don’t think you can win easily just because I’m a man.’

‘Of course not, I wouldn’t think that against someone like you.’

‘Be prepared.’

‘Yes, let’s have a good match.’

This time, it’s a sports showdown between him and Toudou Haruki.

He’s completely enthusiastic. The one who was complaining just a moment ago immediately changed his attitude when he heard they would be playing his favorite sport, basketball. Furthermore, his opponent is Haruki. Having seen her impressive physique in the pool, which rivals that of Erina, his expectations are soaring. He gets more motivated the stronger his opponent is, disregarding the possibility of losing. That’s his reckless courage, what some might call foolhardy bravery.

Haruki sees this as a chance to show off in front of her adorable son. Moreover, since basketball is her hobby, her enthusiasm is even higher than normal as well. Additionally, the opportunity to face off against a man with a physique that ranks among the best in the male population is a once-in-a-lifetime event for every woman, and she’s very much looking forward to it. Furthermore, since it’s him, she doesn’t have to worry about getting physical, so she can give it her all without holding back.

Both their motivations are at an all-time high.

Meanwhile, the female viewers, who had come to watch the adorable Satory-kun, are unable to hide their unease and dissatisfaction at the sudden start of a battle between the strongest man and a woman. Some are even sending relentless anti-comments directed at him.

Conversely, the male viewers are here to see these kinds of action. They’re excited, as if to say, “We’ve been waiting for this!” And for once, instead of anti-comments, they’re sending Satoru comments of gratitude and praise.

1 on 1.

Haruki and he stand on opposite sides of the three-point line. They decide who goes first with a game of rock-paper-scissors, which Haruki wins, giving her the offense.

Haruki, who usually has a calm expression, has her smile gone in that moment, and her eyes are fixated on him. Without saying a word, she exudes a sense of intimidation, considering how she might outmaneuver him.

He also doesn’t have the leisure to chat with Haruki. But he feels his spirits rise as he senses the pressure coming off her skin. However, he suppresses those feelings and takes a breath before sharpening his focus, his eyes sharp and ready to detect the slightest movement from Haruki.

Haruki hands him the ball, and he returns it to her.

That’s the signal for the start.

The moment Haruki receives the ball, she suddenly jumps high and goes for the shot.

He’s shocked that Haruki is going for a three-point shot right from the start. He reacts in time, but his hands didn’t touch the ball, which passes through the net without a hitch.

The offense switches to him.

He takes the ball and immediately starts driving, trying to get as close to the goal as possible. But Haruki quickly moves into his path, blocking his attack. As he tries to pass the ball with his left hand, he instead launches into a jump shot. It’s not just any jump shot; it’s a fadeaway shot, moving backward as he shoots. Furthermore, he’s aimed the shot high, creating an arc. This shot, with its two elements, flies over Haruki’s block attempt and goes into the goal without touching the ring.

After the first exchange, the score is 3-2 in Haruki’s favor. But the viewers think:

‘They’re taking this way too seriously.’

The viewers understand in that one exchange that this isn’t just a game; it’s a clash of pride between two sportsmen.

As for Satoru, he wants to join in, but his desire to watch the match between his mother and the other man is greater than his desire to join in, so for now, he’s completely content to just watch.

‘…’

Both are silent. They don’t need to say anything.

Their 1 on 1 continues.

30 minutes later:

‘…’

‘!’

‘!!’

‘…’

The two communicate without words, ignoring the surrounding thoughts that they should talk about.

After watching for a while, it becomes clear that they’ve started a 1 on 1 from the half-court line.

It’s an all-court 1 on 1.

They run around the court until one of them scores a shot, the ball goes out of bounds, or a foul is committed.

If the ball goes out of bounds, the player who didn’t let it go out gets the offense.

If a shot is made, the player who was scored on gets the offense from the half-court line.

If a double dribble, traveling, or charging is committed, the player who didn’t foul gets the offense.

After a while, no one can tell how many goals have been scored or how many times the ball has been stolen.

Haruki goes on the offense, but suddenly stops dribbling near the free-throw line, holding the ball and taking a step or two. Then, she jumps.

He understands Haruki’s intention the moment she holds the ball. At the same time, he gathers strength in his legs, preparing for the highest jump of the day. Having understood her move, he’s able to touch the ball. All he has to do now is deflect it.

Haruki is surprised for once, but she doesn’t lose her cool. She tries to put the ball directly into the goal with one hand, but to avoid being deflected by him, she grabs it with both hands and tries to push it in forcefully.

It seems like a fair match, but it’s actually a huge disadvantage for him. The strength difference between an adult woman and a child, and the height difference that he tried to minimize by lowering his left shoulder and raising his right, which means he has to use one hand to counter Haruki’s two.

It was a perfect defense, but the overwhelming strength surpasses it. His hand is easily deflected, and he loses his balance, falling back to the ground.

Haruki slams the ball into the goal and then, still holding the ring, looks down at the fallen him.

This is also the moment that decides the match.

100 to 76.

It seems they were playing to 100 points. And Haruki’s dunk was the final move to seal the victory.

The two shake hands, congratulating each other. It’s the result of a fair and square confrontation between two sportsmen. Haruki’s face is filled with joy, and as for him, his unusually high tension probably means he’s in a good mood.

‘That was amazing! Well, that’s all for today, bye!’

And then, Satoru, who had completely faded into the background, appears on screen, and the stream ends.

This stream was more than enough to start a new trend.