November 3, 2009
On an Election Day where thousands of Americans went off to vote for their candidates, and the fans have spoken. Hinagiku Katsura is your 2009 International Saimoe League Champion.
In one of the largest turnouts in the history of the young competition, the student council president of Hakuoh Academy prevailed. Katsura, an expert kendo practitioner and love interest of Hayate Ayasaki (along with Nagi Sanzen'in) defeated Shana in a thrilling 2117-2106 nail-biter of a contest at the core of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
The victory sparked wild celebrations across the school and at the Sanzen'in estate in Nerima, Tokyo.
At Hakuoh, fans witnessed Katsura return from Sirius via teleportation, holding the prestigious crown and her kendo sword while wearing a restored version of her outfit, which was torn from battle.
"I have never felt so good in my life," Katsura said, shedding tears of joy. "The last time I won something meaningful was a few years ago, when I won the Korean Best Moe tournament. To succeed Fate Testarossa Harlaown and win the International Saimoe League...it's like a dream come true.
"I feel like I am in heaven, and I'm floating over the world drenched in the air of victory. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life."
The rally concluded with Katsura singing some of her hits from her album, as well as a stirring rendition of Kotoko's "Hayate no Gotoku!"
"We knew that once she defeated Shana," explained Ayasaki, "that she had it. She was facing a tough go at it, but once Katsura had that advantage, it was a done deal. Hinagiku is the best in the world. There is no denying it now."
"I am going to go naked and get drunk and freewheel around the campus," said a rather buzzed Yukiji Katsura. "My younger sister did it! Banzai Hina-chan! Banzai!!! Yeah!"
Meanwhile, it was a somber mood at the Shana camp.
"Well that sucked," said Margery Daw. "We were hoping for her to pull through. In the end, we didn't have enough leverage to figure Hinagiku out. That proved to be Shana's undoing."
Shana was unavailable for comment. However her personal speaker/agent, Alastor, quoted, "My master is very disappointed to see the lack of fan support for her cause. She congratulated Hinagiku Katsura in her victory while conceding defeat, but denounces the lack of voters supporting her. My master wishes to not comment any further on the defeat, and looks forward to the 2010 season."
Some Hakuoh students were in disbelief that Katsura, an #11 seed, could go on to win the entire tournament. However, Ayumu Nishizawa just had a feeling that things would go her way.
"You have to believe," Nishizawa said. "I did, and this is your result. Anything is possible in the ISML. Katsura-san proved that."
With the win, Katsura is the first competitor not in the top 16 to win the title, and becomes the first competitor to win at least one necklace on route to the Tiara.
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A special exhibition in Madrid saw Haruka Nogizaka crush Yin of Darker than Black 2766-1328. "It's going to be a thrill for me to take on Hinagiku Katsura," Nogizaka said after the contest. "I even have her uniform and replicas of her clothing-down to her pantsu and spats-in my room. I congratulate Hinagiku-chan on her win, and I want to challenge her next year."
In Round 11 of the ISML Relegation, Mai Kawasumi finished at the top, in spite of losing to Reimu Hakurei 2126-2088 in Cairo. Index Prohibitorum finished her run with a 2185-1958 win over Chii inTokyo, Sayuri Kurata wrapped up her run with a 2184-1836 win over Nayuki Minase in New York City, Yuuhi Katagiri ended her campaign on a high note with a 2526-1633 victory over Evangeline McDowell in Buenos Aires, Hayate Yagami took out Vita 2409-1598 in Moscow, Mikoto Misaka ran down Misuzu Kamio 2244-1978 in London and Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere-who will return next season anyway due to her finish in Japan-wrapped up her run with a 2502-1709 trouncing of Ayu Tsukimiya in Sydney.
The ISML Tiara may have been decided, but the ISML Relegation Tournament is far from over. On Thursday, the season concludes with a series of exhibitions in New York, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Moscow, London and Sydney. And the Relegation Finals in Tokyo will put the 2009 International Saimoe League season to rest.
2009 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE
FINAL TOP 16
1. Hinagiku Katsura (C) (RUB)
2. Shana (SAP)
3. Tomoyo Sakagami (AQ)
4. Yuki Nagato (TOP)
5. Kyou Fujibayashi
6. Fate Testarossa Harlaown
7. Taiga Aisaka
8. Kagami Hiiragi
9. Haruhi Suzumiya
10. Mikuru Asahina
11. Rin Tosaka
12. Suigintou (AM)
13. Horo
14. Nanoha Takamachi
15. Suiseiseki (EM)
16. Shinku (DIA)
C = ISML Champion
AQ = Aquamarine necklace champion
TOP = Topaz necklace champion
AM = Amethyst necklace champion
SAP = Sapphire necklace champion
EM = Emerald necklace champion
RUB = Ruby necklace champion
DIA = Diamond necklace champion
