“What made you decide to naturalize?”

When Jair arrived in Australia, he answered questions from reporters. “I wanted to participate in the National Competition.”

Jair was ranked 1,071 on the overall rankings. He took pride in his skills and wanted to be a star like the high rankers. However, the United States was too big. The country was overloaded with strong and capable individuals, and Jair became weak in comparison. He didn’t even get elected as a representative. The ‘abundance’ of the United States had taken away Jair’s chance.

***

“Zibal? It has been a while.”

At the New York area selection round, hundreds of participants on stage were focused on Zibal. There were a variety of responses from the people. Those who recalled that Zibal had led the United States in the 1st and 2nd National Competitions welcomed him. Meanwhile, those who were disappointed that Zibal took the path of a hermit after facing several defeats frowned. Some people laughed or mocked him openly.

“Shouldn’t you retire after being called a punching bag? Why did you crawl back?” 

“Don’t take away other...