Interview just before the tournament

Translated by NotBlueYet

Edited by Kingavent

We began with questions prepared by the officials.

“First of all, you two have won the World and Japan Competitions, so why did you decide to compete in the duo category this time instead of the solo category?”

Both Rio and I have won in the solo division.

I guess people would have thought that we would compete in the solo division if we were to compete in the next competition.

“I guess it was because I wanted to try something new.”

“I did, too. Besides, I thought I would like to play duo with takamori.”

What is important when playing Pro-hopple in a duo is mutual trust.

The way you play solo is fundamentally different from the way you play in a duo.

It is not a matter of one being stronger than the other.

“Did you two meet at a tournament?”

“No, we did not. We didn’t compete in the same tournaments.”

“I asked Takamori-san if he would like to collaborate with me.”

The first meeting between me and Rio was a pre-collaboration meeting.

I won the 4th Pro-hopple Japan and the World Championship.

Rio won the 5th Pro-hopple competition the following year.

I did not participate in the 5th tournament.

We had never met each other at the tournament.

“Is there anyone in this year’s tournament that you two are interested in?”

The question made us think.

I thought of someone in particular.

“Rinka Sakurada, I think.”

Rinka Sakurada, one of the most popular Vtubers of the moment, is also scheduled to participate in this year’s tournament.

Rinka’s game skills should be good enough to compete with the pros.

“Rinka is one of the hottest Vtubers in the world right now; is she good enough to get takamori’s attention?”

“ I have duoed with her once, and I think she is very good. To be honest, I wouldn’t want to meet her in close combat.”

I felt that Rinka was outstanding at close combat.

I couldn’t say for sure that I could win if we shot at each other head-on.

Rio would probably be able to hit it off, but it’s not good for me, who is good at long distance.

“How about you, Rio?”

“Umm, I guess I would be Noa Osaka.”

Aisaka Noa, Rinka’s partner, is a popular Vtuber.

“I found out from watching her play videos that she is a good long range sniper.”

“I see, so those two are the hottest pair of Vtubers.”

“Yes, that’s right. They were also in second place in our predicted rankings.”

The pair of Rinka Sakurada, after Osaka, was ranked second in the predicted rankings after us.

The pair’s ability has been recognized by the public as well.

The fact that they are competing in this tournament for the first time may be one of the reasons why they are attracting so much attention.

“Now, please tell us about your enthusiasm for this year’s competition.”

“I’m going to have fun at the tournament, but since I’m going to participate, I’ll aim to win. Games are supposed to be fun. But this is the first tournament I’m going to participate in with takamori-san, so I’m going to do my best to win!”

When he said this, the comment section was abuzz with excitement.

[I’m looking forward to your divine play!]

[I’m looking forward to seeing you play with the gods.]

[You should go out with each other already.]

“I, too, am looking forward to seeing how you two play. Good luck!”

I think it was a little over thirty minutes in time.

The pre-conference interview was over.