Going into the teacher’s office always makes me nervous. I’m especially jittery today.

I’m always getting called in.

But this time I came in on my own.

I make a beeline for my teacher’s desk but …… it’s empty.

“Ah! That’s right. I’ve got a different teacher now.”

Today’s my first day of fifth grade. I am officially in the upper grades!

A new classroom.

A new teacher.

New classmates.

There’s so much to be excited about …… But I’m really down in the dumps today. I’ve heard that more students just stop coming to school right after long vacations than at any other time of the year, and I totally get it. The regrets just keep piling up.

You know, the I wish I’d done my homework sooner kind of thing?

Regret always hits once you run out of time. Then you get called in to get a talking to. The same thing happens over and over.

I thought the cycle would keep going all the way until graduation day.

Well, no. Part of me didn’t think graduation day would ever come.

But, just like the last day of summer vacation, the end always shows up out of nowhere.

My new teacher’s desk is close to the entrance, and she notices me right away.

“Sensei. You see ……”

There’s a news program on the TV set up on the wall in the teacher’s office.

“Excuse me.”

Bowing from the waist exactly how I was taught, I close the door behind me.

My new teacher is young, but she’s so grown up. She listened to everything I had to say without stopping me once. I was kind of worried about talking to her, but I’m glad I did.

Now then …… There’s someone else I need to talk to today.

“Head home, send out messages to everyone, get packed for the sleepover–––.”

Counting down my to-do list on my fingers, the tip of my foot hits something.

“Hm?”

Something on the floor outside of the teacher’s office. Something I’ve seen many, many times before.

But …… Huuuh?

“………… Why? What’s this doing here?”

I pick up the trinket at my feet.

Back from her school’s opening ceremony, my apprentice comes in with her trademark white beret and trailing cherry blossom petals as she bursts into my room speaking too fast for me to understand her.

I’m sprawled out on my bed reading the latest issue of a Shogi magazine, but I drop it in surprise.

“Th-There’s no rush …… There’s a practice session today, which means you’ll be playing through the night anyway, right?”

“Butbutbut! There won’t be much time at all for you to teach me one-on-one once the others get here, Master!”

Ai Hinatsuru jumps on top of me with her bright red backpack still strapped around her shoulders.

Reason being–––.

“The last Women’s Legend qualifier match is coming up real soon! If I win one more time, I can join the league! I absolutely can’t lose this match!! I want to spend every second of every minute playing Shogi right now!!”

“A-All right! Okay, okay, just stop straddling your Master’s back!”

“I want to study more, more and more so I can get a title before Ten-chan does! Because if I don’t …… If I don’t ……!”

“And I’m glad you’re so motivated, really. But, you know? This looks like cowgi- …… Like you’re riding a horse, yeah?”

I can’t have a grade school girl on top of me shouting more! It crosses too many lines.

Her younger sister apprentice Ai Yashajin made it to a title match first. That must’ve been the spark she needed to get the competitive juices flowing.

What’s more, Ai Yashajin losing so early in the Women’s Legend qualifier must have fanned the flames. This is her first opportunity to overtake her younger sister apprentice in the standings.

Her mumbling so quietly that I can’t tell what she’s saying pretty much proves it.

“…… How could Ten-chan be that bold ……? She declared war on me …… A war of love …… That’s a battle I absolutely can’t lose …………!”

…… Maybe she’s a little too revved up?

“Calm down, Ai. You won’t be able to pick the pieces of the board like this. Would you tell me about school first? How was your first day as a fifth grader?”

“Well …… It was lots of fun!”

She has to think about it for a moment, but then she smiles from ear to ear.

“Mio is in my class again this year, and so is Mihane. We had so much to talk about!!”

“Really? I’m glad to hear that!”

For Ai, who transferred in all the way from the north coast, the friends she makes at school are irreplaceable treasures. They are the only way for her to relieve homesickness and to help her relax.

Having transferred to Osaka on my own in the past, I understand exactly how she feels.

On the other hand, I had the Kiyotaki household to come home to with a very kind older sister in Keika and, even though she’s younger, an extremely overbearing and harsh Big Sis waiting for me. I never felt lonely at all. Pain and suffering are a different story though …… shiver ……

“Master? What’s the matter? You’re shaking.”

“N-Nothing …… I’m fine. Just fine ……”

Right now, I live together with my cute apprentice. I’ll protect this oasis no matter what ……!

“W-Would you tell me more about your classmates? What’s this Mihane like?”

“Mihane? She’s fashionable, really smart and lets me borrow her books. Her boyfriend is in college, but boys ask her out all the time …… Why do you want to know?”

“Oh. I’m just interested to know who your classmates are, Ai.”

“…… Are you after them?”

“After them… how?!”

My apprentice’s low, suspicious tone lets me know I need to set the record straight.

“Yeesh …… What do you take me for? I’m interested because I need to know if this new class is a good fit for you. That changes how and what I can teach you.”

“Teach? You’re …… talking about Shogi, right?”

“Of course, I am. Your classmates at school have a direct effect on your standings… which is why I want to check before you start playing.”

“Uwhee?! My class at school matters for Shogi?!”

“Yes. Very much so.”

It’s no problem when you’re winning.

But, having a place to relax when you’re hurting after a loss and questioning yourself is a must. Since students spend half the day at school, the other students in their class and the atmosphere are very important.

“Ai, you’re living with me as my apprentice, yes? That means, if you’re struggling with Shogi, life here with me won’t be easy either. If school is stressing you out too, there’s nowhere for you to escape and you’ll burn out …… So, what do you think? Has anything changed?”

“…………”

She’s very quiet all of a sudden. What could it be?

“………… Master, um ………………… Mi …………”

“Mi?”

“N-No, um! Well ……………… M-My homeroom teacher changed!”

“Oh?”

The homeroom teacher is a parent’s or, in my case, guardian’s only way to know what’s going on at school.

A new person in that position could have a big impact.

“Yes. My teacher from last year had to retire.”

“Oh, I see …… He was such a nice old man, understood Shogi as well. I’m going to miss him.”

He looked out for my apprentice after she transferred to Osaka for Shogi training. Seriously, he was the perfect teacher for a young Shogi player to have.

Ai had to miss time at school to join me during the Ryuo Title Match and to participate in the Mynavi Finals, and he let her.

That teacher even played Shogi himself, so he knew lots of little things that helped him support Ai in many other ways as well, but ……

“Most matches are on weekdays, you see …… Now that you’re a Women’s League player, you’ll have to do match records as well, which means you need to take more days off school. The more you win, the busier you’ll get.”

“Thinking about so many things is too complicated! (>-<)”

Ai loves her friends at school, so I’m sure she doesn’t want to miss class or school events.

She loves school, but she also loves Shogi. She doesn’t want to give either of them up.

If you’re going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place, it’s better to be between the things you love, but still ……

“I had a hard time balancing school and Shogi, and I ended up having to give up life at school altogether. I think the reason why Big Sis didn’t go to my junior high is because of what I went through.”

“Is that why?!”

“Grade school wasn’t that big of a deal …… But junior high was really, really rough ……”

I feel like I could shed some weight just thinking about those days.

I went to an average, run-of-the-mill public junior high school. They didn’t understand the first thing about Shogi. I guess they thought it was a club or something.

They wouldn’t let me miss school to be a match recorder or do what I needed to for the Sub League, so I had to fake sick to get out of it.

I had good classmates, so it wasn’t all bad …… It’s just I probably would’ve turned pro six months earlier if my school had been a little more understanding.

“Big Sis saw what I was going through and went back to her parent’s house to attend school in that neighborhood instead. Then again, she was already famous and had a title at that point, so they treated her more like a celebrity ……”

Ai is famous in the Shogi world, but the outside world knows next to nothing about her, so explaining it would be pretty much impossible.

On top of that … she’s my live-in apprentice ……

Most people wouldn’t just accept that an underage boy and grade school girl are bound by a Master/apprentice relationship and therefore living together right off the bat… no way ……

“Your homeroom teacher last year was also one of the head teachers at the school, so having his support was huge. What’s your new teacher like?”

“Very young. Oh, and she’s a woman.”

“Oh?”

“Ah! That reminds me.”

It’s like a lightbulb turned on in her eyes as Ai holds out a piece of paper.

“Since my teacher changed, she’s going to do a home visit.”

“A home visit?”

I know that it’s normal for teachers to see what kind of situation each of their students lives in at the beginning of the year, but a cold chill runs up my spine as I take the paper from her.

“Hm? Hold up. Your teacher, a young woman, will be coming here? When?”

“Today.”

“Huh?”

Ding dong.

The woman standing in the doorway has an aura that just screams teacher. Even her suit looks smart. One glance is enough to know she’s extremely intelligent and straight as an arrow.

Age-wise …… early twenties, maybe?

“N-Nice to meet you! Thank you for coming today!”

Stuttering a little bit from the shock of this sudden change of events, I give a proper bow to make sure I don’t bring shame to my position as Ai’s guardian. She cannot, under any circumstances, find out that Ai was bouncing on top of me like riding a horse only a few minutes ago. It’ll all be over if she does.

Scanning my body from head to toe, Kanegasaka-sensei says, “While I hate to cut the pleasantries short, I wish to speak with Ai’s guardian, Yaichi Kuzuryu. Is he here?”

“He’s me.”

“………………… Huh?”

She tilts her head, but I say my name loud and clear to hide how nervous I really am.

“I …… My name is Yaichi Kuzuryu, Ai Hinatsuru’s guardian while she lives in Osaka!”

“Guardian? You are her guardian? Not his son but actually him?”

“Yes.”

“Pardon my rudeness but …… How old are you?”

“I turn 18 this year.”

“So you’re 17 right now? Which would mean you’re still a high school student, yeah?”

Her formal tone as good as gone, she is staring at me with so much suspicion it’s not even funny.

Though it’s really getting on my nerves.

“I may be on the young side, but I have a job and a steady income. I pay rent for this apartment myself and am financially capable of supporting Ai!”

“Yes! I’m being provided for very well! I’m very happy here!”

Ai, standing right beside me, backs me up with a few salvos of her own. My chest is suddenly getting hot.

I still have a lot of growing to do as a Shogi Master.

Honestly, Ai does all the chores around here.

Despite knowing that I’m not providing enough for her, I absolutely can’t back down now.

Ai living with me in this environment is the best thing for her growth as a player. I’ve raised her as a live-in apprentice over the past year believing that with all my heart. What’s more, now is an extremely important time in her career because she just entered the Women’s League.

Ai’s environment … it’s up to me to protect it!!

“Oh …… So, that’s how it is. I see, I see.” Our determination must’ve come across because Kanegasaka-sensei goes back into formal mode and says, “It is true that Miss Hinatsuru’s grades and living conditions are well within acceptable parameters. It seems I have no choice but to acknowledge that fact.”

“See? What did I tell you?”

“I thought it unusual that a girl her age living away from her parents would conduct herself as maturely as she does. Therefore, I was looking forward to meeting the person responsible for her well-being on today’s home visit. Your age caught me off guard ……”

“That’s all right. I’m used to people making assumptions when they find out how young I am.”

“So? What is your relationship to Miss Hinatsuru, Mr. Kuzuryu? Her cousin perhaps?”

“I’m her Shogi Master.”

“Let’s see, I’m sure I have the number for Fukushima Ward’s Children’s Welfare Services in here somewhere–––.”

“Wait, would you please! Don’t call them without understanding the situation first!”

About to take out her smartphone, I desperately push Kanegasaka-sensei’s hand back into her purse and start explaining.

“Yes, I’m young, but I have the ability to take an apprentice! I’m a pro!!”

“What exactly would a professional handler of elementary school students do?”

“That’s what I’d like to know!!”

Who said a word about that?! What kind of pro even is that?!

“P-Pardon me …… I got caught up in the moment there.”

I got so angry at being called a professional loli-con that I yelled at my apprentice’s homeroom teacher.

Relax, relax. Get angry and I’ll lose. I must explain everything as calmly and clearly as possible ……

“Why don’t you come inside rather than standing here in the doorway? It would be easier to show you what I’m talking about rather than just say it out loud.”

“………… Lead the way.”

It took her a few seconds to make up her mind, but Kanegasaka-sensei puts her bag down on the floor and starts taking off her shoes.

I use this window of opportunity to whisper into my apprentice’s ear.

“…… Ai. Listen ……”

She stretches up on her tiptoes to lean in close. I bend down a little bit and issue orders.

“…… Find an excuse to get away and call Keika. I don’t think I can handle this by myself ……”

Ai makes a sharp bow before saying, “Oh, I need to go make tea!” much louder than she needed to before disappearing into the kitchen.

I take Kanegasaka-sensei into the tatami room.

“! …… Oh? And this is ……?”

Stepping inside, she sounds thoroughly impressed.

Since I’d already prepared for tonight’s practice group session, beautiful, legged Shogi boards are lined up around the room. Talk about good timing.

“This is where Ai and I work. The most important part of our job is the league matches that take place at the nearby Kansai Shogi Association, but we host practice sessions and do research here with our colleagues on a regular basis in order to win those matches.”

“For …… Shogi?”

She sounds confused.

“Miss Hinatsuru mentioned it before, but …… Shogi is just a game, right? That clicky board game that senior citizens do on porches to pass the time, that Shogi?”

“Yes, that Shogi. And yes, it is a game. The same way that baseball and soccer are games.”

“……”

“And just like them, Shogi has an organized professional system as well. I moved to Osaka at the age of six to live with my Master in order to join the professional Shogi world.”

“S-Six?!”

“Yes. I was born out in Fukui, you see. From there, I spent 10 years living in this neighborhood as Kousuke Kiyotaki 9-dan’s live-in apprentice.”

“From that young of an age ……?”

“Plenty of professional athletes start their career as teenagers, yes? It’s just like that. To be more specific, Shogi players ranked from 4-dan to 9-dan are professionals. Our records and standings determine our income.”

“…… All right. I understand what you’re implying.”

It sure seems like she gets it. Bringing her to this room was the right decision.

“And? What is your dan ranking, Mr. Kuzuryu?”

“I’m the Dragon King Ryuo.”

“Are you trying to be funny?”

She’s seriously ticked off. Why ……?

“In what world does someone introduce himself as the Dragon King? Perhaps you’ve read too many comic books? Or are you still in a rebellious phase? I really should call the Child Welfare–––.”

“I-It’s not a joke! The Shogi world has several titles that rank above dan …… I mean, you must’ve heard of the Meijin, right?! Right?!”

“Of course, I have. He is mentioned in textbooks.”

Seriously? That guy is amazing ……

“I’ve beaten that Meijin before!! Here’s the proof!”

I start taking Shogi magazines off the shelf one by one and show her articles covering my Ryuo Title Defense and Ai’s Women’s League debut.

“Interesting …… It seems that you being famous in this Shogi world and Miss Hinatsuru being active at the age of 10 were true after all ……”

“So, you understand?!”

“Howeeever!!”

She cuts me off, her voice snapping like a whip.

“I couldn’t care less how skilled you are or how many tens of millions of yen you earn each year! To be clear, the problem is that a 10-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy are living together on their own.”

“…… I understand your concern.”

Here comes the moment of truth.

I look Kanegasaka-sensei straight in the eyes and give my answer.

“But, the fact remains that Shogi is both a mental sport and a valuable part of Japanese tradition and history. The relationship between Master and apprentice is the foundation of the system that has been perfected over 1,400 years. It survives to this day because no selfish desires and other impure motives exist whatsoever!”

“Then, there is nothing nefarious going on here?”

“Of course not! We only play Shogi!”

“Can you swear that the Master/apprentice relationship will not transform into a romantic one?”

“Of course!”

“Then you can say with absolute certainty that Miss Hinatsuru has never straddled you in bed like some cheesy adult comic, that she has never invited her elementary school friends over to receive your instruction only for things to get out of hand and you haven’t promised to marry an underage girl, correct?”

“O …… Of course!”

“Was that a stutter just now?”

“Nope, not at all.”

Keikaaaaaaaaa!!! Save meeeeeeeee!!!

Just as my heart called out, I hear.

Ding dong.

“Ah! Coming, coming, coming! I-If you’ll excuse me for a moment!!”

I dash out of the tatami room before Kanegasaka-sensei can say anything and head for the front door.

Ai, who’s been making tea in the kitchen, tries to get my attention as I fly by but there’s no time.

The situation is dire. I’m only a handful of moves away from being checkmated.

–––But, with Keika here …… She’ll find a way out of this ……!!

Praying for a miracle, I reach out and fling open the front door only to see–––.

“Cha’s hwere to pway!”

It’s over ……

Charlette flings off her shoes like coming into her own house and slips past me so naturally it’s like she’s gliding on air. I chase after the golden-haired angel, asking questions as we go.

Since it’s Friday, the Grade Schooler Practice Group members are going to spend the night. That plan had already been made.

I already set out the Shogi boards in the tatami room for that reason.

But they weren’t supposed to be here until later. That’s why I opened the door without checking to see who it was first …… I let an angel of death inside with my own hands.

On a side note, Ai can’t leave the kitchen because she has a kettle sitting over a flame to make tea so all she can do is look on with a mixture of confusion and worry. Seems like she didn’t know about this either.

The angel apparently wants to play Shogi as soon as possible and lands in the tatami room without any hesitation.

Kanegasaka-sensei must be having trouble comprehending the little blonde embodiment of overwhelming cuteness that appeared out of nowhere because her eyes are almost blank as she asks.

“And who …… Are you? An angel ……?”

“Cha is Cha!”

“Miss …… Cha? You aren’t Japanese, are you? May I ask why you are here–––.”

“You know, Cha? Cha’s dowing a pwactice sesson with eveweone today.”

“Practice session? What kind?”

“Uwmm, it’s ………… A sweep oba!”

“A sleepover.”

I’ve never resented Charlette’s bumbling pronunciation more than at this very moment.

Working something out in her head, Kanegasaka-sensei asks, “…… Are you one of Mr. Kuzuryu’s apprentices? As well?”

“Nooope.”

“You’re not? Then what kind of relationship do you have with Mr. Kuzuryu–––?”

“You know, Cha? Cha’s his bwide.”

“...”

Every trace of an expression disappears from Kanegasaka-sensei’s face.

“You know, Cha? And Masta? Cha wants to be Masta’s appwentice! But Masta said he can’t. So, you know? In exchwange? Cha gonna be his bwide!”

“Is that right …… He can’t make you an apprentice, so he’ll marry you instead ……”

Oh, crap …… Crapcrapcrap ……

“But, you know? Cha? Bewing a bwide is okway? But Cha, Cha weelly wants to be Masta’s appwen–––.”

“Mr. Kuzuryu.”

Gaze still squarely locked on Charlette, Kanegasaka-sensei says to me, “I have decided against calling Child Welfare Services.”

“Really?! Thank you so much!!”

“I will be contacting the police.”

Gaaaaaaaaaasp!!

“Teachers say that all the time, don’t they?! Especially elementary school teachers!! Whenever little kids say they love you, you say: Then let’s get married, as a joke, right!?”

“It happens, yes.”

“Then–––.”

“However, bringing said child into your domicile for a sleepover is a crime.”

“I’ve got nothing to say to that!!”

Powerless, I fall to my knees on the tatami mat. “What’s wong, Masta? Want Cha to cast a spwell to make you feel better?”

The spell that Charlette is offering to cast is a kiss on my cheek. If she did that now, I’d feel better, sure, but I’d be in prison by this time tomorrow.

“Why did my predecessor overlook such egregious transgressions?! This isn’t a practice session or anything of the sort! It’s indecent lolitic fraternization!”

Indecent lolitic fraternization?!

Just as I’m getting chewed out by this extremely new side of Kanegasaka-sensei–––.

“Charlette! It’s dangerous, running off alone like that! Try to restrain yourself!”

“Take it easy on her, Ayanon. You’re the one who said we should come over three hours early to ask Kujuryu-sensei to do it as fast as possible!”

“U-Umm …… Yes, b-but this is different–––.”

Two more grade schoolers show up in my apartment.

Kanegasaka-sensei stares at one of them in surprise.

“You’re …… Miss Mizukoshi?”

“Wow! Kanegasaka-sensei! What are you doing here?!”

Ai said that she and Mio are in the same class this year, too.

Which would mean that Kanegasaka-sensei is a new teacher for Mio as well.

So then …… Why is it that Mio still can’t pronounce my name yet but she can say Kanegasaka, which is just as hard, already with no problem ……?

That very same Mio jumps toward me, sliding on her knees like she just scored a soccer goal, and puts her hands down on the floor in front of my feet with her head low. A new technique, knee-sliding prostration.

“Kujuryu-sensei! I have a favor to ask you today!”

“Hm? A favor?”

I look over at the other two girls and say.

“You too, Ayano? Charlette?”

“Yes. Practice League regular activities are not held on that day, so Kuruno-sensei suggested we enter to test our current skills.”

“Yep! Cha too!”

A tournament …… Hm.

The last one I was in was almost 10 years ago, the Elementary Meijin Tournament ……

“If you do enter, Mio and Ayano will both be in the upper grade division and Charlette will be in the lower grade division, right? Boys and girls aren’t separated, so it won’t be easy but …… I think all of you have a chance to place very high.”

“Really?!”

“But you won’t have anywhere near as much waiting time as you do in the Practice League and you’ll have to play a whole bunch of matches in a single day. It’ll be hard to win without training for it.”

Amateur tournaments are difficult in a different way from pro matches.

Which is why ex–Sub League members get steamrolled in amateur tournaments more often than you’d think.

“I understand that! I don’t think I’ll win just because I’m in the Practice League …… I already lost in the prefecture round of this year’s Elementary Meijin Tournament …… But!!” says Mio, still facing the floor, but I can tell she’s biting down on her lip to hold back the pain. “That’s exactly why I want you to train me up, Kujuryu-sensei!”

I’ve never seen Mio this determined before.

She came to me around New Year’s and said that she wanted to be a Women’s League player.

I told her to become the best female amateur Shogi player while in grade school.

She must’ve taken that to heart in her own way and now wants to be in this tournament.

Two things sparked that flame: my Shogi and the two apprentices I’ve raised.

…Which means …… it’s my responsibility to make sure she’s ready.

“…… Well, whatever you decide to do, I will be at the King of Naniwa Tournament to do a match. So I won’t be able to give you advice like a coach on the day of the tournament. If that’s okay with you, of course I’d be happy to help you prepare!”

“That’s a Top Earners Match, isn’t it?! Congratulations on qualifying!”

Top Earners Matches are special matches in which only the 12 highest earning players can participate.

They’re unique league matches that take place at tournaments all over the country where we wear kimono and play in front of a live audience. The whole thing is designed to get more grade school kids interested in Shogi.

By the way, I already know who I’ll be playing. A guy that grade schoolers are going to love is coming to Osaka. If the Grade Schooler Practice Group is there too, I’ll be fired up!

Just as my train of thought reaches that point.

“Mr. Kuzuryu. About what was just under discussion–––,” says Kanegasaka-sensei, poking my shoulder. “Is it similar to tournaments school clubs participate in?”

“In a way. As long as you think of it as a national level event, yes. The King of Naniwa Tournament is western Japan’s largest amateur event designed for children in grade school and more than 1,000 kids will participate.”

“Will Miss Hinatsuru be taking part as well?”

“No. Ai is classified as a pro because she receives money to play. Only amateurs can join this tournament.”

“…………”

I can see the gears turning in Kanegasaka-sensei’s head.

Then, she suddenly makes a suggestion.

“…… Understood. Then, here’s what we will do.”

“Yes?”

“Mr. Kuzuryu. Please instruct Miss Mizukoshi to victory in this tournament. Do that and I will acknowledge your capability to act as Miss Hinatsuru’s guardian.”

Come again?!

I have to …… make Mio win the whole thing?

“B-But, if that’s what it takes, Ai has accomplished even more impressive achievements in bigger tournaments …… That’s how she became a Women’s League player ……”

“It was Miss Hinatsuru’s extraordinary talent that resulted in her transfer from Ishikawa Prefecture, correct? That would make her the equivalent of a student scouted for a sports scholarship.”

Teachers come up with the best analogies.

“Along the same vein, Miss Mizukoshi has always been a local student. Wouldn’t she be a better example of your teaching abilities, Mr. Kuzuryu?”

“G-Good point …….”

“I will ensure full cooperation from the school. Oh yes! Would you come teach my class about Shogi?! That way, I can see your skills first hand. It’s settled!”

“Huuuh?! M-Me …… Teach Ai’s class at school?!”

“Is that a complaint?”

“N-No. Actually, any Shogi player would jump at the opportunity to get kids interested in the sport at an elementary school, but ……”

The kind of class Kanegasaka-sensei has in mind happens quite a bit: the association sends people to elementary schools to teach the kids about Shogi. Some pros are even guest lecturers at the University of Tokyo.

The association’s greatest wish is for Shogi to be part of elementary school curriculum.

If I go to the board of directors, I guarantee they won’t say no to this proposal.

“With the Shogi Association building being so close, a field trip would be nice as well! It would be a great opportunity for students to experience a work environment and perhaps see Miss Hinatsuru during a match as part of class …… Yes! There’s so much potential!”

Her eyes sparkling, Mio then yells, “So then, I can stay overnight so Kujuryu-sensei can train me for the tournament?!”

“Of course not,” answers Kanegasaka-sensei immediately.

Figures.

The issue of Ai being my live-in apprentice seems to be on hold for now.

“Wow, it’s already evening …… Ai, it’s been a long day, so why don’t we have food delivered?”

“Yaaay! Delivery! I want pizza!”

“Pizza, sure. I’ll order it, so go take a bath.”

“Okey-dokey!”

Already flinging clothes off her body, Ai heads straight for the tub.

Exhausted, I trudge into my room and flop down onto my bed.

“…… I just can’t tell if that teacher understands Shogi or not. Her attitude did a 180 as soon as the King of Naniwa tournament came up ……”

“I knew you could do it, Master! So convincing!”

Grimacing as my apprentice’s voice comes through the bathroom wall, I answer, “Either way, I want you to focus on getting into the Women’s Legend League. That’ll make me happier than anything else and it’s necessary for your career, Ai.”

“I will! Just watch, I’ll claim my own Women’s Title!!”

“Please. Seriously, please. Your mother’s been putting a lot of pressure on me recently …… I had a chance to go back to The Hinatsuru Inn for the first time in months during the Queen Title Match, and she’s built a Shogi museum with you as the main exhibit. What’s worse is that there’s already a space set aside for when you have your own title ……”

“Pardon me, Master. I need to rinse my hair.”

“Ah, yeah. Sorry about that. Go ahead ……”

Fssshhhhh ……

Since Ai is getting the shampoo out of her hair, our conversation gets cut off.

“I’d better blow dry it for her before we play Shogi ……”

A full cycle of seasons has passed since we started living together.

I made a promise to her parents when I took her as my apprentice: she’ll have a Women’s Title before she graduates junior high.

Ai is a prodigy among prodigies and her skills are growing like mad.

Her younger sister apprentice, Ai Yashajin’s recent accomplishments seem to have hit home and she’s more motivated now than ever. This is the perfect time to get her to the next level!!

It is, but….

“The current Women’s League isn’t so soft that just anyone can claim a title ……,” I mumble to myself as I pick up the magazine I started reading earlier.

There is an interview with the Thorn Princess Azami Hanadachi women’s 5-dan and the Practice Session Crusher Tamayo Rokuroba women’s 2-dan inside.

“They very gently pointed out that there’s a hole in Ai’s Shogi, the early game. It is true she’s struggled with it ever since her debut, but ……”

There are six Women’s Titles right now.

Two of them, Queen and Women’s Throne, are held by Big Sis. Therefore, no one else is getting those.

Then, would Empress be the one to go for?

Worldly Thunder Ika Sainokami has it right now. When it comes to talent, she’s a monster with even more than Big Sis. Ika also has a winning record against pros.

“Ai has beaten Ika before …… But there was next to no waiting time and a live audience watching. Ika was way too overconfident as well. Ai will need a lot more experience to beat her in a series with plenty of waiting time.”

Then, what about Women’s King?

Ryou Tsukiyomizaka’s title is decided by a series of three matches and they’re all short on waiting time.

If she can make it to the late game, Ai stands a chance.

“Then again …… She doesn’t look like it, but Ryou spends a lot of time researching. Then there’s the fact that she can pull off so many different aerial strategies like Side Pawn Capture and Double Wing Attack ……”

…Which is why she’s been nicknamed the Aggressive Archangel. Ai’s strongest strategy is the Double Wing, but Ryou flattened her so easily it was like taking candy from a baby.

“That was the match that showed the whole world Ai is weak in the early game …… If I make her study up on the early game like Ms. Hanadachi and Ms. Rokuroba are suggesting, she might get somewhat of an advantage, but….”

But, there’s a reason I don’t want to do that.

“Because if I did …… Ai would never claim a title.”

Then what about Yamashiro Ouka? Machi the Tormentor is also registered with the Kansai Shogi Association, making her a wall that Ai will have to break through at some point in order to thrive.

“That also means Machi is making a plan of her own. Since she also works as a Shogi journalist under the name Mato, there’s no doubt she has more information on Ai than any of the other titleholders ……”

Apparently, Machi drilled so much into her head when Ai was writing an article for Ai Yashajin’s match that now she’s started calling her Master Mato. She’s already built up quite a lot of trust with her.

“The strange thing is, it’s hard to win against someone like that in Shogi.”

That sly fox …… The battle hasn’t even started yet, but she’s already in the lead.

“At this rate, her younger sister apprentice Ayano is starting to look suspicious. Was it really a stroke of luck that the Grade Schooler Practice Group was formed? Machi didn’t have a hand in it, right ……?”

If she’s been using the practice group to get information on Ai, then its very existence is going to hold her back …… Am I just overthinking things?

Experience, early game know-how and the mental strength required for off-the-board tactics….

Ai is severely lacking in each of them. What’s worse, there’s no time to build them up.

“Which means, the last title is–––.”

Women’s Legend.

Ms. Shakando is strong enough to wipe the floor with Big Sis during practice sessions, but her Shogi is outdated.

More than that …… her skills have regressed to the point that she lost to Keika.

“I’m sure she’s busy with being the Women’s League Chairman, running her own Shogi classroom and keeping track of how her apprentice is performing.”

With all her accomplishments and experience dwarfing every other Women’s League player, she’s built up so much trust that everyone believes she should be strong… when the truth is that she’s lost a step.

“…… She’s done next to nothing in the other leagues for years. That proves it: she’s not as strong as she used to be.”

That’s especially true for her late game. There’s no way to hide it.

And there’s no one stronger in the late game than Ai Hinatsuru.

Among all five Women’s Title Holders, Ms. Shakando is the best matchup for Ai.

Even better is the fact that, despite being in the same block, Ai Yashajin lost so early in the qualifier. This is a golden opportunity.

“…… I don’t know if I should be happy about that are not.”

My first apprentice has never won against Ai Yashajin. There’s a very clear gap between their skills. Ai Yashajin has shown that she’s strong enough to hold her ground against other title holders right now.

Only one of the two Ai’s can be in position to challenge for a title.

So long as my second apprentice is around, Ai Hinatsuru will have an extremely difficult time making it to a title match.

But Ai Yashajin lost in the first round of the qualifier. She must’ve been too distracted by the Queen Title Match happening at the same time.

“Ai Yashajin still has a bit of naiveté left. It won’t last long, though.”

What’s important for Ai Hinatsuru right now is that she has a chance to get into the Women’s Legend League.

“As long as she can make it through the qualifier, she can play nine matches in the Women’s Legend Challenger League. Building up quality experience against strong opponents like that is the best thing for her ……”

Only starting Shogi two years ago, experience is the thing that Ai desperately needs.

“As long as the gears start turning …… she’ll get stronger. Should, anyway.”

She will sharpen her skills by gaining experience in the high-stakes environment known as league matches.

Then, she’ll need to win three out of the five matches in a series against Ms. Shakando as she is now.

It’s a risky plan, but ……

“…… This could very well be her best and last chance… which is why she absolutely has to win her next match in the Women’s Legend qualifier ……”

Though she was overconfident, Ai Hinatsuru’s next opponent beat the early game prodigy Ai Yashajin. She must be a strong early game player herself …… According to what Ms. Hanadachi said in the magazine, she must also have a great deal of talent.

“An Elementary Meijin? Undying Wings, huh …… I’ve never heard of her. I wonder what she’s like.”

Just as I was about to look her up on my smartphone….

Ding dong.

“Coooming!”

I say through the intercom. Who could it be at this hour?

Ding dong. D-D-D-D-D-Ding dong!

“I said I’m on my way! Stop pressing the button already!”

I always get a bad feeling when the doorbell rings and Ai is in the tub, but Big Sis is already in Tokyo for the start of the 3-dan division. I know for a fact that she’s already checked into her hotel, so the same kind of incident like last time is physically impossible. What a relief!

“But …… Seriously, who is it? Keika maybe? Or did Kanegasaka-sensei forget something and come back to pick it up? It’s too early for the pizza to be here–––.”

I open the front door with all these thoughts running through my head.

“Yes, yes. Who is it?”

Seriously ………………… who in the world could it be?

“You have some nerve, Drakin. Making one such as I wait outside is akin to asking to be put to death.”

This young girl standing in front of me has a tongue far too sharp for her age, she has the tongue of a stage actor.

Just who is she? Seems kind of familiar ……

“Kha-ha-ha. Taken aback by the sudden appearance of one such as I? Kansai players are as daft as the rumors suggest.”

Daft ……?

Little girl ……?

Cat ears ………… Grade school girl ………?

“Attention, Drakin! Why have you yet to say a word?! You are seeing one such as I, yes?!”

“Oh! Sorry. Just, got a bit distracted.”

“Humph …… Common weed.”

W-Weed?

She certainly has a unique way of speaking. Is it trending in grade schools right now?

“Umm …… Are you one of Ai’s friends? Maybe? Sorry, she’s taking a bath right now, so if you could wait for just a few minutes, she’ll–––.”

“A friend? Laughable! No one could stand alongside one such as I!”

“Huh?”

“The one true king throughout heaven and earth, Elementary Meijin, is I and I alone! The rest of the rabble and riffraff are no more than weeds at my feet!”

With that, the cat-eared princess loli puffs out her tiny chest with pride.

Most of what’s coming out of her mouth makes no sense to me whatsoever, but there is one part I cannot overlook.

“The …… Elementary Meijin?!”

The Elementary Meijin Shogi Tournament.

Held in Tokyo once each year, it’s a national Shogi competition held for grade school students.

In terms of history, formalities and the sheer number of participants, every other children’s tournament in the country doesn’t even come close. It’s been that way for over 40 years now.

The King of Naniwa Tournament is a big one, but …… Compared to the three months of preliminaries that take place all over Japan to set up the finals to determine the one and only Elementary Meijin, it’s nothing special.

I mean, the semifinals and finals are broadcast on TV, so the participants have time in the spotlight.

But above all else …… the Elementary Meijin has a role to fulfill that goes beyond the scope of a simple Shogi tournament.

They become idolized by every young boy and girl who picks up a Shogi piece.

And that’s–––.

“………… One such as you?”

“Your rudeness is appalling!!”

Now the cat-eared princess is angry with me. What the heck is going on?

Then again, she wouldn’t have access to my address without being involved in the Shogi world in some way, and that just leaves more unanswered questions.

“Which reminds me …… The Elementary Meijin finals usually take place around this time of year. The results are always announced on TV, so I’ve been avoiding the news a lot recently because I didn’t want to know until I had a chance to sit down and watch it ……”

But the results should be posted on the association homepage and in newspapers by now.

I take out my smartphone and start searching. This year’s Elementary Meijin’s name is–––

“Ayumu’s little sisterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr––––––!!”

I yell beside myself.

“Holy cow! You look just like him!!”

Picking up Maria, I lean in for a closer look. This oddball aura she has reminds me of what Ayumu was like way back when. It feels like I’ve known her for years. I could just squeeze her cheeks right here. So adorably cute.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

“A-ha-ha! Your brother’s quirks must have rubbed off on you after living with him for so long … same goes for your Shogi, too!”

“Cease this at once! One such as I shall not be treated as a child!”

We go back and forth, me teasing her when suddenly.

“Master?! What’s the matter?! I heard you yell …… ing …………”

Rushing to the front door in a panic is Ai, completely in the buff.

And …… Despite just getting out of a warm bath, her voice and gaze are chilly and getting colder by the second.

“…… Master? Would you explain why you are holding a girl with kitty ears ……? After everything Kanegasaka-sensei said, you start fraternizing with lolitas ……?”

I’m pale as a ghost and Maria looks pretty shocked, too.

“A n-nude girl?! You Loli-King! Just the kind of trash I came to expect from the word-of-mouth! Is it your intention to do the same to one such as I? Disrobe me for this vile harem of yours?!”

“Just what do your brother and the rest of the people over in Kanto think I am?!”

What the hell did they tell this girl?!

“She’s my live-in apprentice, Ai Hinatsuru! She’s a Woman’s League player, so surely you’ve heard of her!? Ai, kitty ears here is Ayumu’s little sister, Maria Kannabe!”

“God-sensei’s?!”

“Attention, weed.”

Still in my arms, Maria strikes a cool pose that she no doubt came up with at home.

“You are in the presence of the Silver Chevalier, Ayumu God Cauldron’s younger sister and the one worthy of becoming the next apprentice to Her Highness, Eternal Queen Rina Shakando–Women’s Legend! One such as I am far different from the weeds!!”

Maria introduces herself just as boldly as her brother would.

It’s impressive that she made it through all that without stuttering once, but–––.

“Huh? Ms. Shakando’s apprentice? Not Ayumu’s?”

“Her Highness deserves to be addressed as more than Ms., ’o Harem Lord Drakin!”

H-Harem Lord Drakin ……

“Ayumu …… Unable to claim the Elementary Meijin crown, the likes of a failure like him is unworthy to instruct one such as I. Only Her Highness, a success through and through, is worthy of becoming Master to one such as I! Yet Master …… Grumble ……”

What could it be? There seems to be more going on here ……

Meanwhile, Ai is on full alert as she asks.

“Are you going to join the Women’s League, too, Maria?”

“Do not consider me to be a novice like yourself, Ai Hinatsuru! One such as I, the Elementary Meijin, have only one true goal, the professional echelons! The Women’s League was never in my sights from the beginning!!”

“……!! Meaning you’re going to the Sub League ……!”

I forgot to mention it, but the Elementary Meijin Tournament also has another function.

It serves as a gateway to the Sub League.

That Meijin, Big Sis and I all went into the Sub League after becoming the Elementary Meijin.

Because the Elementary Meijin …… can skip the Sub League entrance exam.

Just winning that title alone proves that we already have the skill and talent.

“Now it makes sense …… You really are Ayumu’s sister. Not just because of those weird clothes, either. Do your best, Li’l Maria!”

“You shall not address me as Li’l!!”

I ticked her off. But I know her brother, so I can’t help but treat her like a kid.

“One such as I am the strongest of the computer-native generation! It is my destiny to become the god of destruction, annihilating old Shogi to make room for the new, Super God Cauldron!! The next Meijin is neither my sibling nor Ginko Sora! Shogi world history is about to be rewritten and the new world order shall be dictated by one such as I!!”

Only the strongest grade schooler could throw that many things together at once like a Super Saiyan God straight out of Dragon Ball. Adorable.

“…………… Master?”

Sensing something, Ai digs her fingernails into my thighs and, ow-ow-ouch! She’s going to draw blood!!

I put Maria back down on the floor and quickly put some distance between us. Then I pick up on the vibe in the room and match it by yelling, “Y-You’re one scary girl! Why in the world have you set foot in my home?!”

“Keh-keh-keh. One such as I have braved the confines of your harem for two reasons, Drakin ……” Maria sticks up two tiny, squishy-looking fingers as she declares, “First and foremost, I have come to spread the name of my clan throughout the Kansai region!”

…… What’s that supposed to mean?

“With the crown of Elementary Meijin upon my head, one such as I have come to be bestowed King of Naniwa! Today was my scouting run!”

“You’ll be in the King of Naniwa Tournament …… Say what?!”

“Ginko Sora, Ai Yashajin, Ai Hinatsuru and you, Drakin …… Your wretched clan has many in the Shogi world stating that Kansai is coming into power over Kanto. One such as I have taken it upon myself to conquer the King of Naniwa and for my clan to claim victory against you in the simultaneous Top Earners Match to conquer Osaka once and for all!!”

“!! …… Okay. Now I see what’s going on ……!”

“What is she talking about, Master?!”

“It hasn’t been officially announced yet, but …… my opponent for the Top Earners Match that will take place during the King of Naniwa tournament is Maria’s older brother, Ayumu Kannabe 6-dan!!”

“Huuh?! G-God-sensei and …… Master are …?!”

Making fun of the surprised look on Ai’s face, Maria asks, “Ai Hinatsuru. Word has reached me that you are quite skilled with Shogi puzzles, are you not?”

“Uwhee? Y-Yes. I completed the Shogi Zukou and Shogi Musou. Have you finished them, Maria?”

“Shogi Zukou, you say?! …… Hmph! S-Shogi puzzles are merely an outdated training method! Such a meaningless practice is a waste of time!! How unfortunate for you, imbecile!!” says Maria as she tries to mask her own loss by changing the subject. “And, the second reason for my presence here–––!!”

“Your second reason?!”

“…………”

She clams her lips shut tight and her eyes fill with tears before she finally squeezes out the words.

“……………… My wallet is lost ………… I have no money ……”

The world sure is a tough place ……

After that, I had Satoru Hatomachi 5-dan, the director for Kanto’s Sub League who helped both Ayumu and I out when we were there and who happened to be at the Kansai Association for a match, take her back to Tokyo with him.

She’s foolish. The princess look is cute, but so foolish.

Then again …… Mio and Ayano are going to have to beat her.

A prodigy their age who was already strong enough to claim the title of Elementary Meijin.

Mom, watching TV, is stunned to see me walk in.

“Mio? Weren’t you going to spend the night at Kuzuryu-sensei’s to play Shogi?”

“That was the plan, but ……”

I fling my backpack onto the sofa. Flomp.

I plop myself right down next to it and take out my tablet and tell Mom, “I’m starving! Anything for dinner?”

“I didn’t think you would be here tonight, so I can’t make much. There’s some frozen rice in the freezer …… How about a tuna pilaf?”

“Yaaay! A pilaf~!”

Mom’s pilafs are the best!

I’m kinda sad that I didn’t get to have whatever Ai was gonna cook tonight, but I guess it’s okay because I get to have Mom’s pilaf.

“Where’s Papa?”

“He’s still at the office. He said tonight will be another late night.”

It’s been a week since I’ve seen him.

I love Papa so much, so it’s really lonely not getting to talk to him. I thought that because today’s Friday and I’d get to spend the night with my friends at Kujuryu-sensei’s apartment, I wouldn’t have time to feel lonely ……

But, what can you do? After all, Papa works for–––.

“Mio,” Mom calls as she ties up her hair and turns on the stove in the kitchen.

“Have you told the school about it?”

“………… I talked with my homeroom teacher.”

“I see. She’ll be coming for a home visit on Monday, so we can talk to her together then. You had better be there.”

“Mm-hm.”

“Mio? Are you listening?”

Not really. My mind has already switched from pilaf into Shogi mode.

Booting up the Shogi app on my tablet, I find an opponent online and start a 3-minute timed match!

“Haha! I woooon!!”

I’ve already made up my mind I’m in King of Naniwa to win it, so I can’t let any time go to waste.

If there’s time to play even one more match, I’m playing it. If I can raise my score by just one point, I’m raising it.

I was still playing when my pilaf was ready, and Mom yelled at me to eat before it gets cold.

On that day, when I would be forced out of the Sub League if I didn’t win three matches in a row, I lowered my head in defeat on the third and final match.

I barely squeaked by with a win in the first.

The second was a near-perfect victory.

But in the third, I was utterly destroyed.

Winning twice in a row went to my head. It was the first time in I don’t know how long I decided to be aggressive in the early game because I had the first move. Except I overstepped and tripped over my own feet.

“……… Well, this is how it is ……”

A rather dull way for the last Sub League session of my life, but moreso than the pain and feeling downright pathetic, it’s the I knew it feeling that wins out. 2-kyu at 21. I obviously don’t have the talent and don’t put in enough effort.

Another member of the Sub League that I’m particularly close to, a 2-dan, is also forced into retirement that same day.

He’s in my Shogi family tree, my older brother apprentice, and he’s been there for me during my time in Tokyo for everything: from Shogi practice sessions to making sure I’m eating right. He’s like a real older brother to me.

I never thought we would both be forced out of the Sub League on the same day as well, but …… It’s slightly comforting to know I don’t have to go through this all by myself.

“…… Thank you for all your fine efforts.”

The two of us are at the Sub League Directors’ office to say our goodbyes.

There are actually two Senseis working as directors. One is a seasoned veteran and the other is quite young.

The veteran seems indifferent, as he has surely seen countless Sub League members come and go in his time …… The younger one, Hatomachi-sensei, is very concerned about how the rest of our lives will unfold.

My older brother apprentice and I, neither of us graduated high school. We’ve never had a part-time job that didn’t involve Shogi either.

Those things are especially damaging to him because he’s already 26 years old.

I’m still 21. On the other hand, even if I did return to my hometown in Oita, there is nothing specifically for me there. I can’t think of anything I’d like to do, so I don’t know what I would do after going home. I lost contact with my old friends a long time ago.

My mind drifts from one thought to another when a sudden burst of chatter overtakes the director’s office.

“They seem rather excited …… Did something happen?” I asked without giving it much thought, and Hatomachi-sensei responds as if he’d rather not say out of respect.

“This? Oh, a Sub League Entrance Exam just took place in Kansai.”

“Mr. Karako …… was it? The ex-3-dan?”

He got into the Sub League at the age of 14 but was forced out due to the age limit.

After that, he went on to take the amateur Shogi scene by storm. Shoji Karako making another attempt at the 3-dan division has sparked many discussions among current league members. Most here in Kanto were staunchly against it, if only for the fact that the process was taking place in Kansai. My older brother apprentice and I were among them. The man just didn’t know when to give up.

“It seems that Mr. Karako won just a few moments ago. Everyone had been waiting for the results.”

“That’s what they’re so excited about ……?”

Silent as the grave on expulsion, jubilant on entrance …… That’s the Sub League. Even back when I entered ……

“No, that’s not the whole story.”

“What else could there be?”

“Next in line is his examiner, Naniwa’s Snow White. You know, because she can be promoted to 3-dan with one more win? It’ll be one of those all-or-nothing matches with futures on the line, so of course TV stations are all over it.”

“I …… Um, I see ……”

Naniwa’s Snow White–––Ginko Sora-Dual Title. Sub League 2-dan.

She’s Kansai, so I never played against her, but I’ve seen her face-to-face. I worked as a match recorder for one of her Women’s Title Matches.

That was at least four years ago, and she was only a Sub League 4-kyu at that time.

And she …… breezed right by me.

“3-dan ………… 15, 3-dan ……”

Nothing is fair. That girl is as beautiful as a delicate fairy, young and extremely good at Shogi as well.

But …… I’ve already given up.

People who don’t glow like her can’t become good at Shogi …… I never had a chance to begin with …… A dry, empty smile grows on my lips.

Hatomachi-sensei gives my older brother apprentice an encouraging talk.

“It may be hard to consider right now, but please contact me once you’ve had some time for yourself. You committed to your studies and worked very hard. You have what it takes to succeed traveling down other paths outside of Shogi. I know of several companies that would love to have you ……”

My older brother apprentice silently nods.

Just as Sensei said, my older brother apprentice is a people person who can roll with the punches.

I’d always been jealous of him for that. Even outside of the Shogi world, I just know he’ll become something special.

But …… I ……

Then, Hatomachi-sensei turns to me like the judge about to issue an execution.

“Miss Gakumeki.”

“Yes.”

“You have the option to join the Women’s League. What do you say?”

“You haven’t heard? The new system was implemented at the last Player’s Meeting. Any woman who reaches 2-kyu in the Sub League can join the Women’s League with the same rank.”

Twist. The world warps around me.

“Huh ………? Wh …………… what?”

“Well, personally I think it’s only natural. After all, a Sub League 2-kyu is stronger than most Women’s League players already. With skills like yours, you have a good chance to claim your own title.”

Women’s League player?

Title?

Wasn’t today …… The last day I’d ever play Shogi ……?

“If you’re going to join, time is of the essence. Registration for the Women’s Legend League Qualifier ends today. If you do the paperwork right now, it should go through just in time.”

I collapse to the floor in a heap. I have absolutely no idea what to say.

“That a yes? Then we’ll go ahead and draft the paperwork.”

I …… I–––.

“Ye …… s,” I said, nodding.

For the rest of my life, I will never forget the look on my older brother apprentice’s face in that moment.

…… But, what was I supposed to do?

I’m not like him …… Shogi is all I have ……

“Am I allowed …… to say congratulations?”

I’m sure my older brother apprentice being there made things more complicated, but Hatomachi-sensei celebrates the birth of the new Women’s League player as best he could.

Before I know it, an association staff member is behind me with a pen and paper in hand.

“Gakumeki-sensei. I know this is all sudden, but may I ask you to sign on the dotted line?”

I, who should be dead, …… am now in a position to be called Sensei.

My older brother apprentice, who I thought was still beside me, disappeared from the office without making a sound.

He was being thrust into the outside world on his own, and I abandoned him to his fate.

“Sensei, your signature.”

“………………”

Following instructions, I sign my name.

“………… Three hours. More than I thought I’d get ……”

I spent the night in Tokyo at a hotel. The unfamiliar pillow isn’t why I couldn’t sleep. It’s always this way the night before Sub League matches.

A quick shower to wake myself up and I turn on the TV.

“This is a live view of the Shogi Association! Naniwa’s Snow White still hasn’t arrived!”

“…… Probably because I’m here.”

I couldn’t help but take a dig at the TV reporter.

Still getting dressed, I stop for a moment to change the channel.

“Osaka’s Princess of Shogi has come to Tokyo in an attempt to make history!”

“The 3-dan division gets underway later this morning and we have all the details! What’s more, we have Ginko’s daily life in check!”

“Our top story today is, of course, Snow White!”

It’s the same on every channel. My daily life is in check ……?

“…… Isn’t there anything more important going on?”

Giving up, I go back to getting ready.

“Ginko’s first opponent will be Sumito Sakanashi 3-dan! At 25, he is one of the Sub League’s longest tenured veterans.”

“Ginko is only 15, right? In that case, she’s the talented one.”

“Don’t forget that Sakanashi 3-dan came within a single point of advancing last season! Unfortunately, his ranking wasn’t high enough for him to turn professional …… thirteen wins and five losses, the same amount of victory stars as the person who promoted last season! This time, however, he ranks at the very top of the 3-dan division!”

“She got matched up against someone like that on her first day?! Will Ginko be all right?”

“That’s not all! Sakanashi 3-dan actually has a very interesting connection to–––.”

I turn off the TV.

I’m starving for information about my opponent. It’s impossible to get match records from the Tokyo Sub League.

I have a few match records from the Newcomers Tournament thanks to Sub League members being able to participate but …… just a handful. Nowhere near enough to be useful.

“Spotty tidbits of information will just get in the way. Rather than chase leads that go who knows where, I should be focusing on playing my best ……”

But, strangely.

“…… Sakanashi 3-dan. I know him ……”

Just, I don’t know how or why …… I’ve thought about it for hours and still can’t figure it out.

An association staff member joins me for the taxi ride to Sendagaya, where a throng of media people are camped outside the Shogi Association. Not one step out of the taxi and we’re surrounded.

“Statements will be issued after today’s matches! Please wait until then!!”

Cameras descend upon me like a tsunami.

Thanks to the staff member shielding me with his body, I manage to slip inside the building.

The biggest difference between here and the Kansai Association is that all the part-timers in the shops, security people and staff are staring at me like an exotic animal in the zoo.

I head up to the arena on the fourth floor to avoid their gazes.

–––…… I want to be somewhere I can focus on Shogi as soon as possible ……

In the arena, I won’t be bothered by prying eyes–––Thinking so was naïve of me.

“……!!”

What I see as soon as I open that door is overwhelming …… Words fail me.

Sub League members, many times more than are in the Kansai Sub League.

Ranking from 6-kyu all the way up to 3-dan, all of them are packed into the room like sardines and looking right at me ……

“………… Pardon me.”

With that, I find a spot to sit in the corner of the room. The few people who made the journey from Kansai are also on their own in the corners like me.

Kansai players are outsiders. That vibe is so strong in here I can feel it.

9:00 a.m. The opening meeting starts.

The two directors are doing a joint presentation, one veteran Sensei and one younger. The younger professional player oversees the flow.

Very much a fish out of water, I sit down on my ankles in my little corner and wait for the meeting to end. In Kansai, we just do a roll call and start playing right away, but they are doing things like signing up for match recording slots and whatnot, so this is taking forever.

–––When will this end? It’s irritating ……

All this irritation is going to make it impossible to keep a cool head. So many different emotions are coursing through my veins that they’ll tear my heart apart at this rate.

“Now then, would all 3-dan members please adjourn to the exclusive arena.”

The 3-dan division’s exclusive arena, the 3-dan EA.”

Among all the different arenas in the Shogi world, this is the most sacred ground.

“I’ve won the right to challenge for titles many times, fought in A-ranking placement matches and, of course, played in title matches themselves. All of that is under my belt.”

I forget when exactly, but I distinctly remember Oishi-sensei telling me that.

“But you see, Ginko, the 3-dan EA …… Even as a title holder, I can’t just waltz in there whenever I like, especially not on the final day of matches.”

A holy site.

And, being the first female to ever set foot in here, I scan the room to find the person I am set to fight.

–––There. Toward the back ……

I’ve never played against him, naturally.

I highly doubt he ever worked as the match recorder for any of my Women’s Title Matches.

In other words, I’ve never seen his face before.

But for some reason I know exactly who’s sitting there.

“Mr. Sakanashi?”

“Sit.”

I just knew I was right. Making a small bow, I sit down.

Sakanashi 3-dan looks around this holy land …… the 3-dan EA and offhandedly says, “This is a holding tank.”

“……?”

“The 3-dan division is filled with sharks and minnows. That’s how it’s always been, and that’s how I’ve sorted my opponents.”

Sort …… ed?

“Still not clear? Those who eat and those who get eaten.”

“……!!”

“I start counting the victory stars I should get the moment the schedule is announced. That guy is a shark, that one’s a minnow …… Strangely enough, I don’t even need to talk to the guy to know what he is. It comes naturally to me … this status thing.”

Mr. Sakanashi isn’t looking for affirmation as he carries out the upper player’s privilege, opening the piece box.

Since he is the highest-ranking member this season, that’s his right.

“It’s tragic for the minnows. Upsets never happen in those matches, so the minnows get targeted relentlessly because the sharks should never fail to feast. Only natural, don’t you think? Losing to a minnow means you are as good as dead because your blood in the water attracts the other sharks.”

“…………”

First year high school student, first day in the Sub League and a girl.

I don’t have to ask …… to know how the other 3-dans see me.

Lining up the pieces on the board, Mr. Sakanashi makes a declaration.

“I am a shark.”

Then, snapping his king into position, he continues.

“Ginko Sora. Which are you?”

I couldn’t answer him.

Just being here …… still doesn’t feel real to me.

“Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. We’ll both know what you are by the end of the match.”

A beep signaling the time to start the matches echoes through the arena as countless chess clocks click to life in unison.

“Shall we?”

“…… When you’re ready!”

I switch on the chess clock beside our board and Mr. Sakanashi slides his Rook to the center.

Formations taking shape, we both use the early game to build up our defenses.

Flashy strategies don’t exist for dan-ranking members of the Sub League.

There’s no need for ambushes or the latest magnificent sequences.

Once the King is locked in nice and tight, we focus entirely on crushing whatever our opponent tries to do.

And, the most important thing is …… to let the first window of opportunity pass by.

Rather than venture out, even with an advantage, it’s vital to wait for an even better chance to present itself.

Avoid confrontations even when in position to win, just keep drawing out the match until the opponent’s fighting spirit shatters.

It’s a style that destroys friendships.

Completely different from stubborn, gritty Kansai players.

Darker …… Using Shogi to maliciously plunge your opponent into despair. It’s that kind of battle.

It’s a style only those who have already killed the part of their heart that wants to play Shogi for fun can use to push their opponents into the grip of death.

It’s that grip that we’re tightening around each other’s throats with each passing move.

Taking the lead after a long and grueling mid-game–––is Mr. Sakanashi.

“Kh ……!”

–––Solid! This is 3-dan division Shogi ……

If we collide now, I would be powerless to stop his advance.

–––Should I beat him to it? Or should I try to hold out long enough for him to make a mistake ……?

I clench my molars together and think it over.

Second after second of my valuable waiting time passes by.

Whether it’s my nerves or my opponent’s aura getting the better of me, I’m not sure, but …… I feel like I’m trapped in a dream where I can’t make up my mind ……!

Just then.

“…… I’ve had two chances to promote during my time here.”

Mr. Sakanashi just starts talking.

“One of which was last season. The other …… was three years ago, in the 57th 3-dan division.”

“……?”

“Win on the final day, and I would be promoted. Lose, and my opponent would promote. A high-stakes battle …… I was in the perfect position to win only to misstep at the very, very end. That one loss prevented me from becoming the runner-up that season. Because I lost to an opponent clearly far weaker than I …… Because of that 15-year-old kid.”

Could he be ……?!

“Yaichi Kuzuryu 3-dan.”

“……!!”

Mr. Sakanashi saying that name makes me look up from the board and gulp down the air in my throat.

“That’s right. Kuzuryu …… I was the final stepping stone that little brother apprentice of yours used to become a professional. Defeating me made him the fourth junior-high-school-aged professional Shogi player in history.”

That’s the final piece of the puzzle.

–––Now I understand why I know him ……

Because I’ve seen him countless times in newspapers and Shogi magazines.

But they weren’t pictures of him per se.

He was the man staring at his feet with his back to the camera off to the side while Yaichi was being interviewed.

“If I had won that day ………… Right now, I ………… I ……!!”

The victor gets engraved into memories forever.

However, memories of the loser are hazy. One single match sent two lives in different directions …… and changed the landscape of the Shogi world.

It must sting whenever Mr. Sakanashi hears about Yaichi’s accomplishments.

Being able to see himself in that position, he must feel a twinge every time he picks up a Shogi piece. Knowing ……. There was a chance he could have been the Ryuo right now.

If that’s true–––.

“I’m defeating you to advance. Don’t hold it against me.”

Don’t hold it against him ……

A different thought comes to me in the middle of our battle.

–––If Yaichi was still here in the 3-dan division …… What if we fought against each other here?

What if Mr. Sakanashi had won that high-stakes battle?

Everything I could visualize felt so wonderful.

–––…… That might’ve been enough to satisfy me. Us sitting across the same board.

However, the reality is different.

I’m here in the 3-dan division, fighting all by myself, and Yaichi is standing at the apex of the professional world.

In order to play a league match against him ………… I have many, many stairs to climb.

“………… You’re not the only one ……”

“Hm?”

“I’m here so I can advance, too!”

Skill, experience and talent.

Maybe I can’t compare to Mr. Sakanashi. I may be beneath everyone else here.

But my determination to reach Yaichi at the apex is–––.

“I! Will!! Win!!!”

More determined than ever, I launch a strong assault.

Advancing every Pawn I have and deploying everything from my piece stand, I exchange them all to force my Rook into his territory and promote it into a Dragon.

My King is safely behind the solid walls of my anaguma, so I hold nothing back to frighten his King out into the open with consecutive advances!

However.

“Don’t get cocky just because you have an anaguma! Do you seriously think you can survive in the 3-dan division like that?!”

Almost as if he were waiting for it, Mr. Sakanashi systematically blocks every one of my attacks.

“You’re a minnow, just as I thought. An unusually sparkly one, but still a weakling born to be eaten,” categorizing me, Mr. Sakanashi says with an upward glance. His eyes, savage like a shark.

“…………!”

Even so, I deploy the last piece on my stand, a Gold, to chase his King.

“What did I just tell you? This kind of straightforward Shogi won’t work here!”

There are two ways for Mr. Sakanashi to block my Gold.

Deploy a Silver.

Or use a Pawn.

“…… A minnow’s attack isn’t worth wasting a Silver. A Pawn will do.”

With that, he takes a Pawn off his piece stand and, pinching it between two fingers, snaps it down onto the board with a high-pitched click.

–––He took the bait!!

But that bait was on my hook.

Once he saw me give up my precious Gold, Mr. Sakanashi decided that his Silver was too valuable to deploy.

I can counter with my Silver to win!

Convinced, Mr. Sakanashi jumps at his first opportunity.

A move that goes against Sub League philosophy.

Not wasting a moment, I press my Gold forward and put him in check.

“Well, this minnow sure doesn’t know when to give up!! Your attack is already cut off!!” he yells as I stay on the offensive.

But the color drains from his face as soon as I make my next move. Only now does he realize he’s made a grave mistake.

“Drew back the Dragon? ……………… Argh?!”

Looking back, I may have been more determined to promote than he was.

His years of battling in the 3-dan division, his golden opportunity ranking number one and me being Yaichi Kuzuryu’s older sister apprentice prevented him from staying calm when he had to make a crucial decision.

–––Sorry, but I’m using it.

Everything was riding on that move. If he’d played the Silver instead, our positions would be reversed.

All that’s left now is to wear down the hooked shark until I can finish it off–––.

“Enough!! Do you actually think a minnow could eat a shark like me?!”

Now backed into a corner, Mr. Sakanashi dissolves his own defenses to launch a counter with his King leading the charge!

–––Using that tactic now?! So, this is the 3-dan division ……!!

Containing a King in the middle of the board is excruciatingly difficult, and Mr. Sakanashi is on a rampage.

The hooked shark is thrashing around to snap the line. Afraid of getting devoured if I get too close, I keep up the pressure from a distance. As time robs us both of strength and concentration, it’s time to see who can outlast the other!

We’re already in one-minute Shogi.

Maintaining the space between me and those sharp teeth, I give the line some slack but ramp up the power.

Then.

–––One more advance! One more slice and I can beat him!!

Seeing that shark pinned against the rocky outcropping with nowhere to go, my victory is assured–––.

“Ah!”

I’ve made a fatal mistake.

The hook fell out.

Just like a shark spinning to get free, Mr. Sakanashi uses what little space he has between pieces to shift his King back and forth.

So, in other words.

“R ………… Repetition … Draw …………?”

Here?

After all it took to corner him …… I have to start all over again?

–––But off-the-board tactics won’t work twice ……

Physically, I’m exhausted.

And I have to play another match today after this one.

What should I do?! What’s the right thing to do?! Close in and finish this now?! But I’ll get eaten if I don’t finish him off?! I …… I …………!!

–––A Repetition Draw is fine! I’ll get the first move, so I’ll have the advantage!!

“Repetition Draw?! In the late-late game?!”

“She’s going to let him? No way!!”

My not shutting down the Repetition Draw catches a few people standing around us by surprise, but–––my sheer will allows me to look at the whole board without rushing.

I have such a big advantage it’s hard for them to understand why I’d go along with the Repetition Draw.

–––He’s checkmated. And …… it’s not a difficult sequence at all.

My whole body had been burning up, but it cools in a flash …… There I am, tranquil as if awakening from a dream.

The exclusive arena I’d considered to be a holy site now looks like nothing more than an old, worn-out room.

The man who looked like a monster before the match now looks more like a mouse sitting in front of me.

Did Mr. Sakanashi get weaker? Or did I get stronger?

–––………… Checkmated.

His King completely in my grasp, I look up and tell him.

“Don’t hold it against me, okay?”

“Guh ……!!”

I break the Repetition Draw and checkmate his King in a single move.

140 moves.

Out of all the matches that just took place, it’s by far the longest. Looking up from the board, only then did I notice every 3-dan that had finished their own match had gathered around to watch ours.

“…… Sakanashi lost ……”

“…… She’s stronger than I thought ……”

“…… She’s Kuzuryu’s …… the, um …… Ryuo’s woman, right? She can get him to teach her whatever she wants whenever she wants, so yeah ……”

I hear them talking.

We don’t do a review session because the match ran so late and Mr. Sakanashi clears the board clean like destroying a reality he doesn’t want to see.

Fingers trembling as he puts the last piece in the box, he tells me with a groan, “So …… You were a shark after all ……”

“I’m not a shark or a minnow.”

“……?”

Bracing my knees so they don’t buckle, I stand up as gracefully as I can.

Then, with all the 3-dan players looking up at me in awe, I quietly state my name.

“I am Naniwa’s Snow White, the world’s strongest female Shogi player.”

That composure lasts only 10 minutes.

“…………. Agh ………… Haa, haaa ………… cough ……!”

After telling the director that I won, I stumble my way into the women’s restroom.

Into a stall, lock the door …… and finally I can breathe again.

The veneer wall is the only thing keeping me upright.

–––An old, narrow toilet stall is my only haven …… Fine by me.

This is the domain given to Naniwa’s Snow White. My castle.

It’s miserable, but such is life for Sub League members.

–––I don’t have a single ally …… But I’m alone in front of the board either way ……

My first 3-dan division match.

My first time in the EA.

The match running long could be part of it, but this whole experience is far more draining than I ever imagined.

–––And …… And now I have to play another match ……?

But I can’t just run away. I can’t change how I play either.

Thinking I can try to just find a place to relax, somewhere to clear my head, I step outside of the women’s restroom …… To find a red-haired woman standing there.

“Yo.”

Almost posing with her back against the wall, her tone of voice makes it obvious she’s been waiting for me.

“A lavatory lunch, eh? Kind of fits you actually, losing all your friends ’cause you can’t be bothered to say hello.”

“…………”

A cheap taunt. Did she come all the way here on a day without a match to be a pain?

I start walking past her without a word–––.

“There’s a Women’s League Player’s Room in a corner of the fifth floor,” the red-haired woman …… Ryou Tsukiyomizaka-Women’s King tells me.

I freeze in place, my back to her, as she continues.

“It ain’t much more than a closet, but it’s got to be better than chowing down in a stall, and I don’t think anyone’d complain if you dropped in. You are Lady Dual Title, yeah?”

“……”

“I doubt anyone is there now, and there’s pretty much zero chance anyone’ll show up before your second match.”

“…………”

The Women’s League Player’s Room really does look like a small, dirty closet. But it’s empty and quiet. And, just as the Women’s King said, no one came before my match started.

So I had a chance to recover physically and mentally.

I hate to admit it, but …… I needed that.

I won my second match. Even more stubborn and grittier than the first.

It’s the victor’s responsibility to stamp the loser’s record as well. My being here again means that I won the match.

Today–––I get to stamp two ○○ victory stars next to my name.

Seeing that, joy spreads through my heart for the first time.

“Including yourself, Miss Sora, four 3-dan players in Kanto went undefeated today. Keep up the good work.”

“…… Thank you.”

I look calm on the outside, but I’m so happy I may as well be floating. My legs were heavier than lead from exhaustion just minutes ago, but now they’re so light I could skip down the hallway.

Consecutive victories.

It’s only temporary, but being at the top of the 3-dan division gives me a gigantic confidence boost.

I look at the rows next to my name on the paper.

–––Mr. Karako and Sota are playing in Kansai today, so their results still haven’t come in ……

Away from home in Kanto for the season’s opening day and against the top-ranking member of the division. I was mentally prepared to lose both matches. But, honestly, it feels anticlimactic now, like I thought there would be more to the 3-dan division.

“Um …… Am I allowed to go home now?”

“Of course.”

The young director nods, confused.

“Now that I think about it, the Kansai Sub League conducts their meetings after their matches rather than in the morning so they can announce the results, yes? Isn’t that awkward?”

“I always thought that’s the way it was done ……”

Yes, it gets awkward when someone is forced to retire.

It downright hurts when someone gets promoted because they defeated you.

Especially in Kansai where critical matches often happen against your biggest rivals. It’s practically tradition.

That also means that, in most cases, those matches are against people you know very well.

“How does Kanto handle forced retirements? Do they have to come back next time just to say goodbye?”

“That happened from time to time when I was in the Sub League, but not so much anymore. Almost no one wants to say anything on their way out anyway. Everyone quietly slips out the door.”

“……”

“There was a kyu-ranking young woman who dropped out not too long ago. She still comes by the Shogi Association because she became a Women’s League player and I made that announcement to the Sub League for her, but ……”

The young director makes a painful sigh.

“The thing is, I almost never see her at the association anymore. I guess coming here is just too uncomfortable for her.”

I understand exactly how she feels.

If I don’t make it to 4-dan, what then?

Become a Women’s player?

Quit playing Shogi?

Or ………… Quit living altogether?

“She had a lot of expectations on her shoulders …… As a director, I feel partially responsible that she didn’t live up to them. I don’t want to make excuses, but that may have played a part in my Double Pawn violation and missing my chance to promote in the last Placement Match last season ……”

“……!”

Just then, I finally remember who this Sensei is and what role he had in my own life.

Satoru Hatomachi 5-dan.

He fought with Yaichi in last year’s C-2 Division Placement Matches to promote to C-1 …… It was thanks to him breaking the rules that Yaichi was able to grab a victory from the jaws of defeat and advance.

That was the day that Yaichi buried his face in my knees and cried, wasn’t it ……?

“…… I’m sorry.”

“Ah! No, no, no! I don’t have any bad feelings toward you or Mr. Kuzuryu at all!! Actually, I’m grateful.”

“Huh?”

“That loss made me realize that I could have been doing so much more as a Sub League Director …… A part of me had been regretting it this whole time.”

Which is why, Hatomachi-sensei tells me, he wanted to do whatever he could to help that girl …… After saying so, he goes back to what we were talking about.

“Years ago, people would forfeit the remaining matches once their retirement was set in stone, but many come back to finish out the season these days. The curious thing is they usually either win out or lose every single match they play after that.”

Losing because all the tension is gone from the match or winning because there’s no pressure anymore.

Physical endurance is necessary to play Shogi, but I think a strong fighting spirit is just as important.

–––Speaking of which ……

Just out of curiosity, I look at how my first opponent today, Sakanashi 3-dan did.

Looking at the top-ranking slot at the top of the sheet–––●●. Two black stars.

“What?”

The word comes out before I could stop it.

–––Consecutive losses?! The person who won 13 matches last year ……?

“Miss Sora.”

One of the association’s PR staff members calls my name and I look up.

“A taxi will be arriving for you in 10 minutes. Can I get a comment from you before then?”

“Ah ………… S-Sure.”

Forcing myself to forget about Mr. Sakanashi for the moment, I start thinking about what I want to say to the media.

Passing by Hatomori Shrine, I catch a glimpse of the Tokyo City Gymnasium as we come to a stop at a red light just outside Sendagaya Station. A woman working for the association riding in the front seat of the taxi asks me.

“Would you like to go straight to Shinagawa Station to catch the bullet train? Or is there somewhere you would like to go first?”

“Please take me to the station. I can buy souvenirs there.”

“Souvenirs? For your family?”

“No, for my Master. Our Shogi family tree is having a get-together. I can tell them about today–––.”

One glance out the window and words fail me.

Right in the middle of the throng of people crisscrossing the crosswalk, I see someone.

Someone I know.

“Ah ……”

Sakanashi 3-dan.

Is he walking to Sendagaya Station?

But, compared to the savage, shark-eyed man I played against earlier today, this person looks like someone else entirely.

Hunched over, staring at his feet …… He looks many, many times smaller than before.

However, I can see something much more horrifying.

What a bizarre sight.

A man in his mid-twenties standing in the middle of the walkway with tears of anguish rolling down his cheeks.

The pedestrian walk sign is green, but he hasn’t budged.

How long has he been standing there?

How many times has the signal changed?

Passersby are pretending not to see him as they scuttle on by.

As if abandoning the fish that got tired of swimming, left at school and now waiting to be eaten ……

Then, it hits me.

The 3-dan division is 18 matches over six months.

The bare minimum necessary to promote is 14 wins.

In other words, you can only lose four times …… Lose consecutively and half the matches you can afford to lose are gone.

Undefeated and on top.

However, all that means is that my heart is still beating.

–––…… If I’d lost that first match ………… Right now, I’d be …………

My light-as-a-feather body suddenly feels much heavier.

Something has a hold of my ankles.

Looking down, souls of the dead are grabbing at my feet.

And the one looking up at me ……………… has Mr. Sakanashi’s face.

“Eeek ……!!”

I kick my legs as hard as I can to shake off the phantoms.

Shocked by my sudden outburst, the association employee in the front seat turns around to face me.

“Miss Sora?! What’s the matter?!”

My heart is pounding so hard I can’t breathe. My chest hurts. The pain ……

“Miss Sora? Are you all right? We can turn back if you need to rest.”

“…………… It’s nothing. Please keep going.”

The light changes and we leave the minnow crying in the same spot where he was when we arrived.

Hell has begun.

Ai Hinatsuru and I got called over to Master Kiyotaki’s place and treated to dinner. Keika made her okonomiyaki pancakes. Ai loves those things.

On a side note, I invited Ai Yashajin but she’s absent.

Big Sis being in the same Shogi family doesn’t make it any less awkward to see her so soon after getting swept in a title match. I can’t blame her.

…… I sent her invitation first, but she never responded. Keika is the one who got an answer out of her. The thing is that I can see she’s read my messages, but recently most of them get ignored …… I’m sure that has nothing to do with her absence today.

No connection at all …… right?

She’s … not avoiding me …… is she?

“We had an in-family bout over a title, Ai’s been on a roll in the Women’s League and is now one win away from enterin’ the Women’s Legend League …… Sayin’ it’s the year of the Kiyotaki ain’t stretchin’ the truth! Which means–––,” skin still glowing from his bath, Master takes a big swig of beer and says, “someone in our line’s gotta participate this year.”

“In the Player’s Meeting, right?”

“Yea.”

Master nods at me before dropping his voice really low.

“’Specially ’cause rumor has it …… somethin’ big’s comin’ up this year. I can feel it.”

That’s not exactly promising ……

The Shogi Association’s day-to-day management all happens in Tokyo, far away from us here in Kansai. It feels that far away too.

Which is why Kansai players don’t really care what happens at the yearly Player’s Meeting …… Honestly, going all the way there is a pain. We just sign away our vote to whoever’s actually going while we hold down the fort here. It’s our standard at this point.

“’At’s why I’ve called all ’o ya here. We’re gonna figure out who’s gonna go represent us tonight.”

“Which is true, but the only ones who can vote are Master and I. It’ll be one of the two of us ……”

“Uwhee? I’m not allowed to go? Even though I’m a Women’s League player?”

Ai sounds surprised to hear that and Big Sis, sitting off on her own in the corner, answers.

“Only players registered as full members of the Shogi Association are allowed to attend. So, basically, professionals, Women’s League players with 4-dan and higher or current and ex-title holders. You didn’t know that?”

“O-Of course, I did! Everyone knows that!”

That’s the reaction of someone who just found out.

“But …… Grandpa-sensei? If all of us can’t go, why are we all here?”

“’Cause just two ain’t enough.”

Big Sis and I perk up right then and there.

“……!! Are you saying we’re going to use that to decide who goes?”

“Yea. That.”

Master’s lips curl into a bold grin as he nods.

Ai, the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on, looks back and forth between Master and I before yelling.

“Master?! What’s this that you’re talking about?! What are you going to do?!”

“It’s going to be a long battle …… Ai, get to bed.”

“Uwhee?!”

Already wearing pajamas, Ai points at Big Sis and makes her case.

“This isn’t fair! Aun- …… Sora-sensei isn’t allowed to go to the Player’s Meeting either, right?! So why am I the only one being left out–––.”

“I can’t register as a full member only because I’m in the Sub League. If I became a Women’s League player instead, I’d have been registered years ago. If it hurts that bad, why don’t you go claim a Women’s Title?”

“I’m going to!! I’m going to join the Women’s Legend League and claim that title!”

“Really? A pipsqueak like you taking Shakando-sensei’s title? Give me a break. Save those jokes for after you’ve lost all your baby teeth.”

“…… Says the one smooth down there.”

“If you want to go that bad, I’ll take you there myself …… As part of your funeral!!”

Another peaceful day in the Kiyotaki Shogi family (grin).

It seems like the problem at school isn’t bothering Ai at all. Forcing a smile at the fact that she’s still a kid despite how strong she’s gotten at Shogi, I put my hand on my apprentice’s head and say, “It’s already past nine o’clock, which means it’s past your bedtime, Ai. Come on, I’ll take you upstairs.”

“………… Okaaay ……”

Tucking my apprentice into bed in the kid’s room on the second floor (she must’ve been really sleepy because she was out like a light as soon as her head hit the pillow), I come back downstairs …… and see everything is getting set up.

We have a rule in the Kiyotaki Shogi family, all important debates are settled by wins and losses in a certain game.

A game based on real estate that’s loved all over the world–––Monopoly.

“Monopoly teaches ya every skill a Shogi player’s gonna need.”

Master goes into the same spiel I’ve heard hundreds of times before.

“The one who brought Monopoly into the Shogi world was none other than the undisputed best-ever, the Meijin. Back when he was the new guy on the scene, he brought Monopoly to a match after-party an’ invited his opponent to join him sayin’: Sides are gone after the match is over. Now ’at’s what I call sportsmanship …… Though some people think he was just wantin’ to play Monopoly.”

“He wanted to play, for sure.”

“He definitely wanted to play.”

He’s the kind of person who has to be the best at any game he plays ……

“He brought the game to Kansai back when he was facin’ Mr. Tsukimitsu for the title, and Monopoly’s been loved by players all over Kansai ever since.”

“Using dice adds an element of luck, which is a breath of fresh air.”

“It also takes your mind off everything else! Oh, and I love using negotiation to move the game along. Shogi is always one-on-one, but you have to read what several players are trying to do at the same time in Monopoly. It’s just like training to take on one of the leagues … probably.”

Of course, it’s not all fun and games.

Only one person can win a game of Monopoly. Everyone else goes bankrupt …… In Shogi terms, they lose all their pieces. Without any chance to set the scene for a loss, you have to be stubborn, gritty and strong in the late game. You could say that Monopoly was made for Kansai players.

Taking boxes out of the cabinet, Keika asks, “Standard? Or should we do the Osaka Edition?”

“’Course the Osaka one.”

The Osaka Edition has the Kanjo Line, as well as the Kansai Shogi Association. That’s why it’s on sale at the association gift shop!

The four of us have been playing this game for 11 years now, so we know each other’s styles inside and out. The early game is slow because we keep a close eye on what everyone is doing.

I like to use negotiation to get ahead when I play Monopoly. It’s fun to get in everyone’s heads and sort through the chaos to find victory.

The first thing I have to do is strike up the conversation …… Create an open to negotiation vibe!

“I’ve been wondering, Big Sis. Isn’t it hard doing the 3-dan division and high school at the same time?”

“Not really. Both are going just fine,” says Big Sis as she starts consolidating her properties. “Everyone at school is so nice. They even surprised me with a card the day before the 3-dan division started.”

“One that everyone signed?”

Man, you sure are popular.

“I heard the school was considering changing their uniform just for Naniwa’s Snow White. They’re behind you 110% ……”

The school’s original colors are black and white, but they were going to get rid of the black. That’s what the news said.

“Of course …… I refused the offer.”

“But it must be so nice to have a school that’s so understanding! It sounds like they get what Sub League and Women’s League players go through.”

“If they didn’t, I would’ve gone somewhere else.”

“It’s a feeder school, right? You don’t have to test into college! Ahhh, campus life!”

“I have no intention of going to college. If I turn professional, I won’t bother graduating. …… Now pay me the 100-million-yen rental fee you owe.”

Like hell I can actually pay that.

Once I negotiate purchasing the Osaka Airport for 3 million yen from Keika, I shift my attention to someone else.

“You knew, didn’t you, Master? About Big Sis going to high school.”

“’Cause she asked me for advice,” says Master bluntly as he rolls the dice. Normally he gives details no one asked for about anything and everything, but he only says what is absolutely necessary when he plays Monopoly.

“What did you tell her?”

“Have Ms. Oga draw up two schedules, one with high school and one without, an’ compare ’em.”

“Ah ……!”

“Since Ginko’s been in junior high as well as the Sub League up till now, the association’s been lettin’ a lot of her title holder PR duties slide. They only made her do the bare minimum of match recordin’ and big board commentatin’ ’round Osaka.”

Going with his usual strategy of monopolizing everything, Master continues.

“But now that her legally required schoolin’ is done, the afternoons are wide open. Popular as she is, Ginko’d get called out to do events all the time.”

“City halls would ask her to be a tourism ambassador or make her an honorary citizen …… And it’s payday!♪”

Keika collects even more money.

“That means that Big Sis would actually have more free time by going to high school, right? That makes sense ……”

I’m amazed at how convincing Master can be. It’s because he built up that skill in Monopoly. Shogi and Monopoly teach us everything we need to know in life ……

“Hm? Wait a minute, Master. You didn’t give me much advice at all when I became a junior high school pro. All I remember you saying is: Quit goin’ ta school.”

“Ya were shootin’ up the rankings in the Ryuo League, but ya couldn’t make an event just by showin’ up like Ginko can.”

To be frank, I wasn’t as popular as Big Sis is now. Thank goodness for that!!

“Oh, and Yaichi. Why are ya only usin’ yar left arm?”

“Sorry. I think I pulled a muscle when I was carrying Ai upstairs ……”

“Ya did? Then I suppose there’s no helpin’ it, just keep playin’ fast, ya hear?”

“Yes, Master. I won’t fall behind.”

Master is even stricter during a game of Monopoly than teaching Shogi.

I apologized, but the actual reason is completely different.

Big Sis ……………… has ahold of my right hand.

It’s under the table where Keika and Master can’t see it, but I doubt she’ll be letting go anytime soon. That means I’m stuck playing the game with only my left hand ……

–––Why? What’s …… the meaning behind it?

Is she trying to get me to secretly slip her money or properties? That’s not negotiation at all. It’s extortion.

And ……

–––She’s shaking?

Does holding my hand make her so angry that it makes her tremble?

If that were the case, she’d just let go …… So, what could it be? Is she punishing herself for fun?

As I try to work all this out in my head, I go bankrupt. Game over.

I couldn’t focus because Big Sis was holding my hand …… is the excuse I’ll go with.

It came down to an all-out battle between Master and Big Sis. After some furious dice rolls, it was Master who emerged victorious once the dust settled.

You’d think that would be the end of it, wouldn’t you?

It’s not. For pro Shogi players, that’s when the main event gets underway.

The review session.

Just like in Shogi, players look back to the very start of the game saying things like: Ya built a house here and I should’ve negotiated then.

Tonight’s review session wouldn’t end …… It was three in the morning by the time we put it away. Seriously, that review session took a lot longer than the game itself.

This is how Kansai Shogi players play Monopoly. Bizarre.

“Three million yen was too much to buy the Osaka Airport …… I should have got it down to two million! My money senses are all out of whack ……”

It’s because of Big Sis’s interference. That has to explain it!

Speaking of Big Sis, she’s sleeping in Keika’s room tonight and I’m sleeping by myself in this makeshift guest room that is actually the living room.

I would’ve been fine with sleeping in the kid’s room where Ai is, but I didn’t want to wake her up and Big Sis and Keika laid out the futon for me in the living room before I could say a word. Basically, I wasn’t allowed to have an opinion.

“Big Sis threatened to kill me if I take one step out of this room. Yeesh, does she think I’m going to sneak into her room after dark? What if I have to use the bathroom? What then, huh? She’s a monster, I swear.”

Anyway ……

“The Player’s Meeting. I went two years ago when I promoted to 4-dan so I could introduce myself, but …… Man, it was boring. A little guy like me didn’t even have a chance to speak.”

Then again, most players in Kanto show up, so it’s a viable opportunity to talk to people I normally don’t have a chance to see.

Since I’m going, maybe it would be a good idea to make some more plans? Practice session perhaps?

“Perfect! I need to ask Ayumu about his little sister. And …… yeah. I should look into Ai Hinatsuru’s next opponent ……”

My apprentice will be facing a Kanto Women’s League player in the last match of the Women’s Legend Qualifier. A new one at that. Kanto is the only place to find information on her.

“Ms. Rokuroba seemed to know her. I wonder if she’ll show up at the Player’s Meeting. Her Master is on the board of directors, so she’ll probably be around ……”

I roll over in the pitch-black living room with my mind still following that train of thought when….

Sliiiiiiide––––––……

I hear the fusuma sliding door open.

–––Did someone come inside ……?

But I don’t hear any footsteps. That rules out my heavy-footed Master.

And everyone who was playing Monopoly should be too sleepy to think straight.

Which would mean ……

“Ai …… is that you?”

“It’s me.”

Hooooooooooooooooooooot!!!

“Say what?! Umm …… What are you doing here?! Why would you sneak in here wearing that after dark?! What are you going to do to me?!”

“Shhh! Quiet, Yaichi ……!”

“Mgh?!”

Press♡ I’m suddenly sandwiched between Keika’s glorious boobs. I didn’t know I could be forced to keep my mouth shut in such a pleasant way …… Gh, they’re so big and soft I can’t breathe?!

“Mgff! Mghhh ghhh!!”

“Sorry, Yaichi. That can’t be too comfortable. But …… I can’t have Ai or Ginko hearing us …… So please, be quiet.”

“Mgg ……… Ngh ……”

“There, there♪ That’s a good boy♡.”

She pats my head a few times as I finally calm down. I feel like a little kid again.

“…… I used to hold you just like this, patting you on the head when you were too scared to go to the bathroom alone at night or you were getting homesick. Ah, those were the days♡.”

“I …… I remember ……”

“And now you’ve gotten so big.”

That’s my line!!

Keika was a high school girl back then and, well, she was many times bigger in that department than Big Sis is (zero times any number is still zero) but …… That was nothing compared to the mature, filled-out mid-twenties body she has now. She’s sexy as hell.

“W-Well, look at you, Keika …… A filled …… full-fledged member of the Melon’s League.”

“I lose quite a bit though. ……Hm? Did you say something strange just now?”

“You’re hearing things.”

That was too close …… I was so focused on those glorious twins of hers that I said Melon’s League instead of Women’s League …… Thankfully they’re similar words ……

“S-So, um, what’s up? Coming in here so late at night. If there’s something you wanted to tell me, you could’ve just told me while setting up the futon.”

“…… It’s about Ginko.”

“Big Sis ……?”

Well, it doesn’t seem like she’s here to confess her love for me or an event like that. I’m suddenly very sleepy.

“I don’t know what I’d be able to do. I haven’t talked to Big Sis much at all lately. Heck, she didn’t even tell me she was going to go to high school and bringing up the Sub League is off limits–––.”

“You say that after holding hands for hours?”

“You knew?!”

“It was obvious. The only one in the world who wouldn’t have picked up on it is my father.”

Keika forces a smile before her face turns extremely serious.

“Yaichi, I’m sure you’ve noticed, haven’t you? Ginko won her first two 3-dan division matches, but …… She’s extremely anxious.”

…… So that’s what it was after all?

Big Sis’s hand was cold the entire time.

Except she gets angry at me anytime I try to bring up the Sub League. So long as she doesn’t ask for advice, I can’t say a word.

Also ……

“Of course, I’m worried about Big Sis, but I’m also responsible for my apprentices. The Queen Title Match made it clear …… They may be in the Women’s League, but those girls still have a lot of growing to do. So they’re the ones who take priority–––.”

“I will look after Ai, no matter what she needs. Ten-chan is a strong girl who’s used to being alone, but she also has Akira and her grandfather for support,” Keika says flatly. “But Ginko only has you…. Which is why I want you to prioritize her until the end of this 3-dan division season, at least.”

She …… only has … me?

But–––.

“Big Sis’s family is in Osaka. She’s living with them now so she can go to that high school, right? It’s not like they’re on bad terms or anything.”

“True. Her parents trusted us enough to leave her completely in our care since she was very young. That’s because they don’t understand anything about Shogi.”

“Then ……”

“That’s exactly why.”

Keika pulls me into her body and whispers into my ear, “Promise me, Yaichi …… If Ginko ever comes to you for help, promise me you will prioritize her. Promise me you’ll only focus on her ……”

I lived with Keika for over ten years …… Not once have I seen her this desperate.

The seriousness in her voice is so overwhelming that I nod out of reflex.

“…… All right. I promise.”

Not once did I think about the meaning this conversation would come to have in the not-too-distant future.

“Uhhh ……… Thank ya kindly ……”

My first job as a Women’s League member is a New Year’s Shogi festival being held in a department store.

The woman working as the master of ceremonies peers at me with curiosity.

“Ohh? I’ve never heard that intonation before. Gakumeki-sensei, are you originally from the Kansai area?”

“No …… I’m, erm, from ‘round Oita. But, I’ve been a’live’en in Tokyo for so long, my words’ve gotten all mixed up.”

“Hahaha. A sweet country girl, how nice! The fans will love you!”

All round of applause comes from the crowd.

–––Why? All I did was talk ……

I hated my country accent.

I had a long losing streak back when I entered the Kanto Sub League, and I knew exactly what other members were saying about me.

“She plays backwater Shogi.”

From then on, I forced myself to stop speaking with an accent and never played the way I always had again.

My older brother apprentice set up practice sessions for me and worked with me day and night to absorb all the latest strategies developed by Kanto Sub League members. I rebuilt myself from the ground up.

But, I suppose my high-strung determination ran out after leaving the Sub League …… And now my original accent is starting to come back.

“Gakumeki-sensei will be doing instructional matches in the booth over there. Feel free to stop by and say hello!”

–––Me? Doing instructional matches? No one would want that.

My Shogi couldn’t even make it to dan in the Sub League. It’s worthless.

I’ll be fired from the Women’s League once that fact is discovered. I’m sure of it.

But, there’s a surprising amount of people already lined up at the booth waiting for me.

People, happy to play Shogi with me …….

“………… I never knew …… A world like this existed.”

I have four boards going simultaneously, but it’s still not enough. So many fans keep lining up all to see my Shogi, to play with me.

–––…… Maybe I have a place in this world after all ……

Enveloped by a warmth that I never felt during my time as a Sub League member, I’m starting to feel like I could be accepted as a Women’s League Player. When suddenly.

I see.

“! ………… B-B ………… Big ……………”

Behind all the fans ………… is my newly retired …… Older brother apprentice ……

Unable to continue playing, the instructional matches get called off.

About 150 Pro Players listen to an extremely nervous newly promoted 4-dan introduce himself to the group and started judging him on the spot.

The Player’s Meeting.

It always gets held around this time of year. It’s become standard for the meeting to start with the new “full members” saying a few words to introduce themselves.

By new full members I mean the new 4-dans and Women’s League Players who meet the requirements to attend.

There are four new Pros this year and their intros are pretty much just their name, Player number, their Shogi family, and whatever they’re hoping to achieve.

–––The bi-yearly Board elections aren’t happening this year, which makes things easy.

Swallowing a yawn, I listen to what my juniors have to say.

Attendance this year went beyond what the Association expected with almost all Kanto Players present and accounted for.

On the other hand, Kansai attendance is almost nil.

Once word got out that I was going, Master and a bunch of other Pros sent me their voting rights one after another. Seriously, it just snowballed.

Their faith in me …… or should I say in Chairman Tsukimitsu, is absolute. They’ll approve any and all of the Board’s resolutions. Basically, I’m just a delivery boy for their voting paperwork.

Mr. Oishi called me yesterday.

“Take care of my line too, would you?”

That added two more papers to the pile and brought my total voter authorizations up to 20.

–––Well, I can’t really blame Mr. Oishi. He just lost his title after all.

I glance over at the scholarly-looking man with an aura to match sitting not too far away.

The new King, Yo Okito––––––Dual Title.

This room wasn’t designed to handle all the people crammed in here, so most of us are sitting three to a table …… But there’s an icy barrier surrounding Mr. Okito in the corner so no one’s venturing too close.

Mr. Okito has been so devoted to every part of being a Professional Shogi Player that he’s attended every Player’s Meeting without fail going way back.

Therefore, Mr. Oishi would see him for sure if he came here and the awkwardness would leave a bad taste.

–––There was so much fire and intensity in that title match, too. Everyone would’ve treaded lightly around him ……

So, yeah. All that goes through my head as I shake hands with the newly promoted 4-dans when–––.

“These newly inducted 4-dan members, every single one in their mid-20s. Seems you hold the crown of youth again this year, young Ryuo.”

The woman sitting next to me whispers.

“Someone even younger will be promoted next season.”

“As I hope as well. It was such a relief to see Ginko begin with consecutive victories.”

I was talking about the grade schooler 3-dan Sota Kunugi rather than Big Sis …… But it seems that Woman’s Legend Rina Shakando, a Kanto Player, assumes that a grade schooler reaching 4-dan would be impossible.

–––Well, I suppose I can’t blame her for thinking that way.

3-dan Division matches always end with split-second decision making because the waiting time is so short.

Since everyone plays “not to lose” and each loss carries so much weight, the real battle begins once every second counts.

Sota’s talent stands head and shoulders above most, but he’s been raised in a way to make sure that talent keeps growing. The downside of that is he can’t take full advantage of his talent when it all comes down to speed. He started off with two wins, but he’s certainly a long shot to make it through in one season.

Then again, once he makes it to the Pros where there’s plenty of waiting time …… He’ll send waves all across Japan.

“At this time, we would like to request that all members of the media please exit the room.”

The cameramen lined up along the walls start filing out when the moderator asked them to go.

I turn to face Ms. Shakando and the guy sitting next to her, Ayumu Kannabe, to ask.

“Aren’t there more of them here than usual? I don’t remember the Shogi world getting this much media attention.”

“…… The matter at hand is what it is.”

Says Ayumu matter-of-factly. Ms. Shakando just grins ever so slightly.

“Now that you mention it, my master said something big was going to happen. Any idea what–––.”

“Chairman.”

Just as I was asking, Chairman Tsukimitsu gets called on and makes a suggestion concerning our schedule for the day.

“Normally, now would be the time to discuss financial matters but there is something of great importance that requires our attention. I move to begin deliberations as soon as possible.”

“I have no objection. Please explain the situation.”

“Thank you. Ms. Oga …… If you please.”

“One acknowledges she is overstepping her position, but one shall provide details.”

Stepping out from behind the Chairman, his secretary Sasari Oga takes hold of the microphone.

“Due to the considerable advances in Shogi software achieved last year, there has been an increasing number of people inside and outside of the Shogi world voicing concerns pertaining to the way electronic devices are handled during league matches.”

Shogi software? Electronic devices?

Don’t tell me ……

“The Board of Directors has taken these concerns to heart and therefore proposed the following changes. Please refer to the handouts as I provide further explanation.”

I take a small stack of papers from an association employee passing them out. It’s much thicker than usual.

“Specifically, Players must remain on-site during matches, including break time, and are forbidden from carrying any device capable of broadcasting or receiving outside signals including cell phones. All Players must submit to a metal detector screening before and during matches. Punishments for violation of this rule include–––.”

There’s no end in sight to these new regulations.

Surprise and disbelief spread throughout the room like a shockwave.

“These new policies will of course apply to title matches as well. Specifically, Players must always remain on the premises during two-day matches, may not carry any electronic devices, and must submit their luggage for inspection–––.”

Now, the mass of Players who’d been quietly listening start making objections.

“W-Wait a second here! Two-day matches as well?!”

“In effect, these regulations were drafted specifically for two-day matches.”

Says Chairman Tsukimitsu.

“In the event the arena and lodging are located separately, Players must always be accompanied by an Association employee when in transit. Also, all communication devices and personal computers will be left in that employee’s care, including overnight while the match is in session. Please inform your families to contact the Association in case of emergencies.”

“S-So …… We’re going to be prisoners at a hotel for three days including the arena inspection?!”

These new strict regulations have the attending Players up in arms about the reason they had to be made rather than the rules themselves.

“…… Who’s fault is it that we suddenly have to follow these rules?”

“…… If you ask me, the guy that just took a title seems suspicious.”

“…… You’ve got a point there. It’s one of the two-day match ones ……”

“…… Doing all this won’t make a lick of difference. The man’s pretty much got a machine built into his head.”

That kind of conversation is happening all over the place, but they’re not really trying to keep their voices down.

Everyone’s eyes are focused onto the corner of the room.

“…………”

But if Yo Okito-Dual Title heard them, it sure doesn’t look like it. He’s reading through the handouts like there’s no tomorrow.

Mr. Okito has two titles: King and Crown. Both use the two-day format.

And, the Crown Challenger match is right around the corner.

One person playing in it is–––.

“…… Should you become Crown Challenger, young Ryuo, you will be the first to experience these new two-day regulations, yes?”

“Well, I’d have to deal with them anyway during the next Ryuo Title Match. Besides, most Kansai Players have voluntarily put their smart phones in the Player’s Room lockers for years now.”

These rules are obvious for younger Players like me who have always been inundated with Shogi software.

Actually, it’s surprising that it took this long to make them.

Quite a few people are speaking up against the new rules, though.

Retired Players and veterans are being particularly harsh …… It’s almost like they’re blaming Chairman Tsukimitsu and Ms. Oga for the whole situation.

“…… We understand that there are many opinions on this matter, however the issue is not exclusive to Professional Shogi.”

Taking hold of the mic, Chairman Tsukimitsu explains in a stiff tone.

“It is imperative that Professionals set a precedence to be followed to help prevent rule violations at amateur tournaments. As adults with responsibilities to ourselves and society as a whole, self-regulation is possible. However, the same cannot be said for children.”

Kids …… huh.

I immediately think of Ai and the other girls in the Grade Schooler Practice Group.

Them, cheating? I wouldn’t even consider it.

Which is why even though I know the regulations are necessary as I cast the approval votes …… I still feel like I’m betraying them somehow.

Almost as if he read my mind, the Chairman makes one last remark.

“I understand that this isn’t easy, but I believe it is our duty as Professionals. Moderator, the vote please.”

The new regulations pass …… By a hair.

Normally, this would be the time everyone would be deciding where to go for drinks.

But, it seems like the shock from the first topic up for discussion is still too strong. Everyone’s keeping their voices down and their eyes on who’s listening …… I guess they’re being careful about choosing their drinking buddies tonight.

Amid all that, I hear someone address me–––.

“Well, now …… Young Ryuo.”

Borrowing her apprentice’s arm to climb out of her chair, the Eternal Queen speaks with such elegant conviction that the idea of turning her down doesn’t occur to me.

“Dine with us. I know of a splendid place.”

Soup glistening with white, fatty streaks. Thick, curly noodles.

Yes …… It’s ramen.

Hope-ken.

A pioneer in pork/soy sauce-based ramen in Tokyo, it’s a chain restaurant that is all over the country. Many Players come here after matches because it’s so close to the Kanto Shogi Association in Sendagaya.

I’ve been wanting to come here at least once.

Though, I never dreamed the timing would work out like this and I’d be lined up at the counter with these people …… It’s so surreal I can’t pick up my chopsticks ……

“I’m just really surprised that you eat ramen, Ms. Shakando …… And even if you did, I was sure you’d go upstairs to sit at one of the tables ……”

“Going up stairwells is rather strenuous for me. It’s far easier to stand at the counter like this. Besides, this is hardly my first time here.”

She sure looks comfortable standing there. The cane she always has in her left hand is propped up against the wall.

“I have even summoned a taxi to venture here from my castle in Harajuku upon feeling peckish.”

“I-I just can’t wrap my head around it ……”

Standing next to Ms. Shakando is Ayumu, constantly making sure that his beloved master doesn’t lose her balance while slurping down ramen like a brazen vacuum cleaner.

I know it’s none of my business, but that white cape of his being so close to a stray drop of flying broth has me so on edge that I can’t focus on my own food ……

“Hey, Ayumu …… Could you tone down the slurping or at least use your handkerchief like a napkin ……?”

“Enough babbling nonsense! Hurry up and dine, why don’t you?!”

Ayumu jabs the spring onion tongs in my direction and says.

“Refusing to indulge in the articulate flavors that my royal master herself recommends is a crime in and of itself!! Though …… The ignorant citizenry of Osaka, their tongues poisoned by ‘sauce,’ could never comprehend articulate flavor in the first place!! Ha–––ha ha ha ha!!”

“Speaking of Osaka, your sister paid me a visit.”

“I apologize for the trouble my obtuse sibling has caused you.”

A genuine apology and bow from Ayumu. I can’t hate this part of his personality.

The reason that Ms. Shakando invited me out tonight had nothing to do with the Player’s Meeting–––.

“I wish to discuss Maria.”

Making surprisingly cute slurping sounds as she makes steady progress through her noodles, Ms. Shakando explains.

“I had been chosen as the lead judge for this year’s King of Naniwa Tournament. The Association’s desire to interest the female youth in Shogi apparently led them to select me, the Women’s League Chairman, to fill that role. As God Cauldon was already slated to take part in the accompanying Top Earners Match, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity–––.”

“Until my obtuse sibling goes and announces she wants to partake in the tournament as well! She seems to believe that seizing victory in Master’s presence would result in her being taken as an apprentice. The utter thoughtlessness ……!”

“Really? I was impressed with her drive, to be honest. It’s normal for kids in Osaka to travel to Tokyo for a tournament, but a kid from Tokyo coming all the way to Osaka almost never happens.”

Let alone coming down for a preview before the tournament like she did. That’s just how confident she is that she’s going to win.

Sure, she talks like an arrogant brat, but she’s actually cautious and sensitive.

That’s enough to know just how much of a competitor she is.

“And, she took the Elementary Meijin crown her brother couldn’t, yeah?”

“………………….”

Ayumu says nothing, slurping down more noodles instead. That must sting.

Maria sure seemed to look down on her older brother, so maybe these two are on bad terms?

“But, you still haven’t taken Maria as your apprentice, have you Ms. Shakando? You’ll need to do that soon if you want her to apply for the Sub League this year.”

Grade school students placing in the top four of national tournaments can apply to enter the Sub League without having a master.

Yet, the fact that Maria still wants to become Ms. Shakando’s apprentice shows how much respect she has for her.

“…………. That girl, you see ……”

Her chopsticks still, Ms. Shakando stares into the murky donburi broth.

“I would have liked for Maria to have walked a different path ……”

“You call her by her real name, don’t you? Why haven’t you come up with some cool title for her?”

“Because she has yet to become my apprentice.”

So, that’s the criteria ……

“I have thought on what would be best for her until my head throbbed with pain. There have been days when I regretted teaching her Shogi altogether.”

“But, Ms. Shakando, haven’t you always said your biggest desire is to see a woman join the Professional Leagues? That’s why you’ve been so supportive of Big Sis all this time.”

“Claiming the Elementary Meijin crown does not in itself guarantee a professional debut, yes?”

“True, but looking at it objectively, winning Elementary Meijin as a 5th grader makes me think she’d have a pretty good shot ……”

“That’s precisely the problem.”

“Huh?”

“I …… cannot appraise Maria from a distance. As God Cauldron’s …… My apprentice’s younger sister, I see her as my own child. What parent would ever knowingly send their child into hellfire?”

“…….!”

I had no idea Ms. Shakando …… cared for Maria that much ……

“How could her pure adoration for me be anything but adorable? I find myself thinking absurd thoughts like, ‘if I had a daughter of my own, perhaps she would be like this’ without realizing it …… Heh. You are allowed to chuckle.”

“How could I laugh at that?! I think of my apprentices as family, too!”

If Ai Yashajin heard that, she’d probably say, “gross” and glare at me.

Even so, that’s how I truly feel. To me, Ai Hinatsuru and Ai Yashajin mean so much more than just “apprentices.”

“It’s not that I do not see Maria’s potential. However, even if she should enter the Sub League, I would prefer her Shogi to be slightly more complete than it is now ……”

“I was worried about that very same thing when my apprentices made their Women’s League debut ……”

“Because you are much bolder than I, young Ryuo. Kobe’s Cinderella is one thing, but wasn’t Ai Hinatsuru’s debut much too early? With that early game?”

“That’s what everyone says ……”

Even I can tell that Ai’s weakness is the early game.

Of course everyone’s going to point it out–––.

“The problem is …… whether or not their Shogi changes during their early struggles, right?”

“Precisely. Losing spurs growth like weeds strengthening after being trampled underfoot, but the light of victory can lead the young buds astray. The most magnificent flowers will never bloom under those conditions …… One worrying thought leads to the next in a never-ending cycle.”

“Even you have trouble making decisions sometimes, huh, Ms. Shakando?”

“But of course, I waiver. That’s why I have missed my chances to marry.”

Ms. Shakando mocks herself while staring into her bowl. Seeing his master like this–––.

“…………………”

Ayumu looks like he wants to say something.

Whether she can feel the gaze of her beloved apprentice or not, Ms. Shakando picks up the bowl and drinks down the last of the broth before continuing.

“It seems inviting you along, Ryuo, was the correct decision. I’m glad I was able to discuss this with someone who also has young students in their care. I was not intent on allowing Maria to enter the Sub League at first …… But if students under your tutelage are entering the King of Naniwa Tournament, perhaps the results could change my mind.”

“Hold up! The two Ai’s, sure, but the others are nowhere near ready for the national stage!! They could never beat an Elementary Meijin ……”

“Fufufu. My Maria is quite strong.”

The Women’s Legends smiles with pride. Is she bragging?!

“…… I have observed many promising children through the years. Many of whom that possessed enough talent to become Professional Players went astray due to misplaced guidance. Those memories …… seem to have brought out the coward in me.”

“…………”

“Quite recently, one promising talent fell into ruin …… And perished.”

Recent? A talent that …… died?

I must look really confused because Ms. Shakando gives me a name.

“Tsubasa Gakumeki.”

“Gaku …… meki?! I-Isn’t she–––?!!”

Her bowl now completely empty, the Eternal Queen uses her apprentice’s outstretched hand for balance as she reclaims her cane before saying to me with a deep grin.

“The same. She is the one your apprentice will battle next, young Ryuo.”

My Lady, Ai Yashajin, says as I opened the car door for her. This is the sixth time she has gone back inside to change her wardrobe.

“My Lady. We are short on time ……”

My name is Akira Ikeda. I’m under the employ of the Yashajin family.

More specifically, I am charged with looking after Ai Yashajin as well as being her bodyguard.

On a side note, I run my own smart phone app development company while My Lady is attending elementary school, so I am an entrepreneur as well. Though I suffered a major setback, I have learned from my mistakes and now run a profitable business.

However, while life appears to be on the up and up, I do have a situation to contend with.

“I don’t have any good shoes, so I’m not going.”

“My Lady.”

Without setting one foot outside the property, this same conversation has repeated itself in some capacity for the past five hours. To be more precise, she has been on edge since yesterday.

The reason is plainly obvious. Though she believes she is keeping it well hidden, it is out in the open for all to see.

Which is also adorable.

Of course, I feel a twinge of loneliness at the possibility My Lady may be taken away. I’ve even considered eliminating the man responsible. It would be easy. I already have a hole prepared it to bury the body.

However, My Lady’s happiness is far more important than my opinion.

My emotions do not factor into it. It’s My Lady’s that takes precedent, and her happiness is therefore my greatest reward.

And, since I absolutely love taking pictures of cute young girls, getting to see My Lady dressed in colors other than black is absurdly adorable and very much a welcome sight!

As Kuzuryu-sensei also prefers the young, it should be a win-win relationship as well.

“It’s too windy outside today so I don’t want to go.”

“My Lady.”

That may be so, but there is a limit to which he can be forced to wait.

If he returns home and she is unable to see him …… My Lady will surely be disappointed.

“The bread I had with breakfast this morning was dry, so I’m not going.”

“My Lady. Please, calm yourself. That is not a valid reason.”

“Calm, I am calm! Can’t you see how calm I am?! Why would I eber feel angious about seeing that biece of trash?!”

“My Lady.”

You’re forgetting to enunciate. And that is oh so adorable.

This brand-new emotion starting to bloom within you …… Thinking about it only makes the ache grow stronger. I fully understand. However, I will ask anyway.

“Your outfit is perfectly coordinated, My Lady. Normally we would have departed posthaste, so why are you so conflicted today?”

“……………………”

My Lady lowers her gaze in an attempt to hide her reddening cheeks.

“…………………………… But, it would be embarrassing …… to be seen in weird clothes …………”

Oh, so adorable!!

“Oh, so adorable!!!!”

“Wahhh?! Wh-What’s the matter, Akira ……? Raising your voice like that ……”

“Pardon me. My inner thoughts managed to come out.”

Wiping up the stream of blood that came out of my nose along with my scream, I collect myself and calmly tell her.

“My Lady. The time of our appointment has long since passed. I believe that tardiness and breaking promises would not reflect well on the Yashajin family name or its heiress.”

“Ngh …………”

Conflicting emotions pass across My Lady’s face before turning bright red and she yells.

“F-Fine! My hands are tied! I’ll go just because I hate breaking promises! Don’t you dare get the wrong idea!!”

“But, of course not, My Lady. You are an upstanding young woman.”

At long last, she takes a seat in the back of the car.

Going through final preparations to depart, I breathe a sigh of relief and look to adjust the rearview mirror.

The moment I meet My Lady’s gaze in the mirror …… I realize that our entire exchange had been for not.

“I don’t like my bangs so I’m not going.”

“My Lady.”

A 10-minute walk away from Kobe Station. The girl who arrives at the commerce center right on the ocean known as “Kobe Harbor Land” waaaaaay past the time she said she would be here strides up to me without a hint of an apology.

Ai Yashajin.

My second apprentice is only 10 years old but already ranks 2-dan in the Women’s League. She’s a prodigy who’s already challenged for a title.

“I’d say I just got here but …… It’s a bit hard to say that now.”

It would’ve been usable five hours ago. I’d really like to ask what took her so long, but–––.

“Still, I’m glad you came.”

I give her an honest thank you.

Ai may be my apprentice, but she is already claimed a lofty place in the Women’s League. I’m the one who asked for time out of her busy schedule, so I can’t complain about waiting.

Though, I’d been planning on doing this during lunch and it’s almost dinnertime. I’m starving.

“You’re alone? Where’s Akira?”

“You can find her over at the Anpanman Museum making bread.”

Anpanman is a children’s cartoon, so it would be mostly kids over there, but …… Meh, no big deal. I mean, she’s basically a six-year-old trapped in an adult body.

In addition to the Anpanman Museum, Harbor Land has a huge complex with a small amusement park, souvenir shops, and tons of places to eat. Since Ai said we should meet here when I messaged her saying “I’d like to ask you something face-to-face,” I figure she wanted to go to one of the shops.

“Where would you like to go? That place has an all-you-can-eat seafood bar. They’ve got crab, too.”

“That.”

“Come again ……?”

Ai isn’t pointing at a shop or restaurant …… but above them.

Looking up, I see–––.

“…… A Ferris wheel?”

“I don’t want anyone to overhear us talking about Shogi. That’s impossible on a Ferris wheel, isn’t it?”

“Ohhh …… Great idea!”

Ai wanted to keep our discussion a secret from the start, which is why she suggested this place with a Ferris wheel …… I don’t mean to brag about my own apprentice, but she’s pretty sharp.

So, the two of us set out for the Ferris wheel.

I walk up next to her and she snaps, “Back off!” and puts a little distance between us. Is it just me, or is she staying further away than she used to?

I don’t remember doing anything to upset her. She must be at a difficult age ……

“By the way, Ai. Why have you been looking down at your phone since you got here?”

“I’m searching through a match record database. This match is particularly long.”

“Ahh …… I see ……”

Hm? That’s strange.

The screen I caught a glimpse of earlier was more like–––.

“The Most Romantic Spots in Kobe! 7 Stops for the Perfect Date!”

Or something like that …… But, Ai would never look at that kind of page, so I must’ve been seeing things.

Buying tickets at the entrance, a staff member guides us onto the wheel.

“Whoa! It just keeps going up!”

“Of course, it does …… Spare me the commentary.”

Says the cool Lady Ai Yashajin as she crosses her legs across from me.

“So? What did you want to ask?”

“About the Player you faced in the Women’s Legend qualifier–––please tell me about Tsubasa Gakumeki.”

“…… Because she’s Ai Hinatsuru’s next opponent?”

“Everything you say here stays between us. I’m not that overprotective.”

“………….”

Her gaze is starting to get a bit icy, but I don’t let it get to me and keep going.

“I saw your parents’ Shogi come out from within you, so I decided against making you play my way. That’s just like how Ai Hinatsuru has a talent that’s all her own. I’ve been doing my best to help it grow, but …… I don’t know if my methods are really the right way to go.”

………. Like bringing up another woman in the middle of a date ……”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

“I’m saying that remembering a loss makes me angry. Now, take responsibility and jump out the window.”

I’d die.

“And just when I’d finally gotten it out of my mind …… Fine. I can learn from these experiences. I just have to win in the end.”

“Yes, yes! That’s the spirit.”

“Die, would you?”

“Why?!”

She’s really rough today …… But, our conversation steadily picks up.

Ai wouldn’t be Ai any other way!

“So …… How was it?”

“…… Did you see the match record?”

“Of course. I go through all of your matches for your parents. But ……”

“You don’t have to say it. I know I was overconfident.”

She says flatly, waving me off as if she hated talking about it.

“From what I can tell, she’s in her 20s and someone I’ve never heard of with a 2-kyu ranking. I’d only fought title holders and people in the same class up to that point, so I didn’t think anything of her.”

“You captured the lead perfectly in the early game, too.”

“I applied pressure in the mid-game and was in position to win by the 60th move. Normally, people give up at that point.”

“But, Ms. Gakumeki hunkered down and held out for nearly 300 moves …… Sure, you might’ve underestimated her, but that kind of will to live isn’t normal.”

“I know. I had her down to only her King. She kept dodging my attacks by the slimmest of margins and I told her that I’d ‘strangle and kill that King if it’s the last thing I do!’ What do you think her answer was?”

“You’re saying these things in the middle of a match ……?”

“I’m already dead. …… That’s what she said.”

“……………!!”

Already …… Dead?

“I didn’t get it when she said that to me, but the woman looks like a zombie. She isn’t so ‘solid’ that you hurt yourself by punching her like Ginko Sora. More like …… There’s no response at all.”

Says Ai as she looks down at her own clenched fists.

“It was like hitting a corpse. Looks so easy to knock down …… Then again, it would never get up to attack in the first place so there’d be no reason to take it down.”

“I get it. It’s not to defend so much as ‘wait.’”

“Yes. Which is why her defenses melted whenever I moved into attack. It was almost like she took them apart herself–––.”

“Nyugyoku, eh?”

The King crossing deep into enemy territory is called nyugyoku.

Since most Shogi pieces are designed to move forward, cornering an enemy that has gotten behind your formation is extremely difficult. The match will never end.

The “stalemate” rule was introduced for just that reason.

Simply put, the pieces in each of the Player’s possession have a certain point value attached to them. They’re used to determine who won or if it’s a tie.

That’s why nyugyoku Shogi is called “completely different game.”

“She turned the match into a battle of points …… And I surrendered before it came to that. There wasn’t any time and the pressure was getting to me …… My normal Shogi senses weren’t working anymore ……”

“Unless they change the rules, you’ll need a whole different set of senses to play that kind of Shogi. I’m not sure training would be very useful though ……”

“Exactly! Nyugyoku shows up in one out of every hundred Professional matches, if that! And I don’t want to get used to playing that way! I was in the middle of adjusting my play style to face Ginko Sora at the time, too!”

“Which was why you drove the memories out, huh?”

Being able to switch back and forth while important matches are going on is a very important technique.

This could have had a hand in Ai Yashajin making a mistake in the Queen Title Match early game …… Not that someone with as much pride as she has would ever admit it.

“I didn’t find out until later, but this Gakumeki woman …… She was in the Sub League, wasn’t she?”

“She was. Even though she grew up in Oita, Kyushu, she registered with the Kanto Sub League.”

Ms. Shakando told me so.

The dark course of the century, in the same class as title holders …… No, even higher.

“She was forced out due to the age limit and apparently joined the Women’s League at the very end of last year.”

“If only I’d known she was ex-Sub League …… Grr!! I won’t be letting my guard down next time!!”

Frustrated and angry at herself, Ai stomps on the carriage floor with all her might.

The shock makes the whole thing swing much harder than she thought.

“Eeek ……!”

Losing her balance, Ai makes an adorable little squeal before falling right into my chest.

W-W-Wow! S-So light ……

My apprentice that I caught out of reflex–––is about as heavy as a stuffed animal filled with down feathers, so not at all.

So soft, she fits perfectly in my arms.

Not to mention …… She smells really, really good ……

The smell of my fan calms me down in the middle of matches, but …… For a very brief second, I thought about bringing Ai with me to matches so her smell would keep me calm before realizing how stupid that is. What am I, a pervert?

“L-Let go of me …… Idiot ……”

“S- …… Sorry ……”

I pick her up as gently as I can and place her on the seat across from me.

Once again …… I’m reminded just how insanely cute Ai Yashajin is.

Especially today because her outfit and hairstyle are right in the middle of my strike zone ……

–––…… Dating a girl like her would be a dream come true.

Hold it! A-Ai acts all grown up, but she still 10!! And my apprentice!!

Careful not to let her know how rattled I am, I will my face not to budge and get back to our conversation.

“So, how would you fight her next time?”

“…………”

Ai takes a long moment to think before slowly laying her out her thoughts.

“Sub League members have a special kind of st …… Obnoxiousness.”

She was about to say “strength,” but instead changed it to “obnoxiousness.” …… A sore loser, I see. But, as a master, I sure don’t hate that about her.

“Even taking the lead in the early game doesn’t help because taking the win is difficult either way. The late game turns into a race down a street filled with potholes, someone’s going to go flying. Turn the wheel ever so slightly in the wrong direction and you’ll end up in a ditch in the blink of an eye.”

Shogi is a lot like Jenga.

Both players make mistakes that pile up, but it’s the person who makes the last mistake who loses.

“Get stuck in a pattern that favors the opponent, and there’s no way to win. So ……”

“So?”

“Obviously, take the lead in the early game …… After that, save as much time as possible for the late game and play …… more accurately than she does.”

“…………”

Even Ai Yashajin can’t figure out a more specific strategy than “take an early game lead.”

Then …… Logically, Ai Hinatsuru, who is leagues behind Ai Yashajin in early game strategy, doesn’t stand a chance.

“Now, I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“Can Ginko Sora become a Professional?”

That question catches me so off guard that I have to catch my breath.

“Even if she gets forced out by the age limit, that’s still 10 years away. But, if there’s a chance she may someday be in the Women’s League …… I need to be ready for her.”

Well, I can tell she’s not asking just out of curiosity.

Quite the opposite, she’s ……

“Fighting her made it very clear. There’s a difference between Sub League members’ …… Ginko Sora’s Shogi and my own. If there is a chance that she and I will share the same arena, I must be prepared to change my Shogi on a fundamental level.”

Preparation and determination.

As to what that means …… Ai is just too darn smart, so the whole thing goes over my head.

“………… I don’t know.”

For now, I’ll answer the question she asked.

“From an age standpoint, getting to 3-dan at 15 makes going Pro look very promising.”

“Will she?”

“I honestly don’t know. Her chances are pretty high, but there are plenty of reasons she won’t make it. Big Sis has trouble staying healthy, so …… I think she’ll have a hard time just playing in all of the Division’s matches over the next six months.”

You can see how fragile she is in summer, especially, because she loses color by the day.

I wonder how she plans to get through the 3-dan Division, because that place physically and mentally drives you into a corner ……

“I met all sorts of people while I was in the Sub League, but in the end, I turned Pro before I knew exactly how scary the 3-dan Division is. Maybe I became Pro because I didn’t know would be a better way to put it.”

“…… Okay. You really don’t know.”

Ai sighs ever so slightly.

“Either way …… There’s no mistaking I’ll be facing her again at some point. I’ll begin my preparations today so that I can become the best 10 years from now.”

“You’re going to fight ……?”

“I am. You see, I’ve decided I’m not running away anymore.”

Ai Yashajin flips her long hair over her shoulder like a black wing as she stares me right in the eyes in front of the orangish early evening light …… and declares war.

“So, you had better be ready, Yaichi.”

That’s the first time this girl has ever called me by my name.

The sunlight casts her impish face in a red hue.

–––What is it that I have to be ready for ……?

But, our Ferris wheel carriage reaches the ground before I have a chance to ask.

“Thank you for today. You’ve been a great help.”

We only did one revolution around the Ferris wheel, but I got so much useful information from Ai.

“I’m also relieved to see that you’re doing so well. You didn’t come to our Shogi family meeting after all.”

“…… I don’t like to socialize.”

“Do you have plans for the rest the day? We could get something to eat before you go.”

“Thanks but no thanks. I have that to deal with.”

She points to a woman in a black suit wearing sunglasses walking this way.

Akira has a small mountain of freshly baked bread in her arms as she weaves her way through the crowd of kids around her. Any one of those loaves could fall out of the paper bag and any second …… and all have Anpanman’s face stamped on them.

Oh yeah! Speaking of kids–––.

“Mio and the other girls are going to be in a tournament.”

“A tournament?”

“King of Naniwa. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.”

Since it’s been forever since we’ve talked like this, I excitedly extend an invitation.

“Ai Hinatsuru and I have to be there for work, but why not come with us? You can cheer for the Grade Schooler Practice Group, too!”

“Not interested.”

Figures.

The one I want to see just happens to be playing a practice match, in the middle of a review session by the looks of it.

“Ryou, you have a minute?”

“Agh? Got a death wish?”

Ryou Tsukiyomizaka-Women’s King turns to face me. She’s scary as hell, like the girls who hang around with the rough crowd ……

But, I don’t let her eyes frighten me. Staring straight into them, I hit her with a name.

“Tsubasa Gakumeki. You know her, right?”

As soon as I say it–––.

““…………””

Not just Ryou, but her opponent Machi Kugui-Yamashiro Ouka goes suspiciously quiet.

So, they do know something …… Once I know my guts are right on the money, I try to figure out the meaning behind their silence.

“I’m already dead.”

What Ai Yashajin said really sticks out. A former Sub League member and …… death. The fastest way to figure out what it all means is to ask someone with the same experience.

But, asking her to talk about it has to hurt so much worse than reviewing a lost match …… I bet she’s going back and forth wondering if she should dig up those buried memories or not right now. Ryou takes a minute to think it over before simply saying.

“Fugu.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll tell you for fugu. Feed me some puffer fish, got it? Fugu.”

I was wrong. Seems she was only figuring out her negotiation terms: what she wanted to eat.

“F-Fugu?! I’m sorry to say it, but that’s not something you can just ask for out of nowhere ……”

“O-Ryou, that is heartless. Can you not see that Ryuo-san is under duress?”

Machi throws me a lifeline. As wealthy as she is, eating fugu isn’t anything special for her and she isn’t so shallow as to prey on other people’s weaknesses.

“Fugu is a winter fish. Even cats wouldn’t eat it out of season.”

“Tsk! Fine …… I’ll settle for udon noodles.”

“Oh, in that case.”

I put my hand to my chest in relief. They can help themselves to as many bowls of udon as they like.

“However …… I get to choose the place, got it?”

She says while flashing rows of sharp teeth. Meanwhile, Machi’s already making reservations on her phone next to her ……

““And here we are♡””

I realized I’d made a terrible mistake the moment our taxi pulls up in front of the restaurant.

“C’mon, Trash. Get inside.”

“Udon is udon, but …… This is an ‘udonsuki’ place, isn’t it?!!”

Think they sound the same? Well, they’re not! They’re totally different!!

Udonsuki is an Osakan creation. A lot like sukiyaki, you take all the ingredients you want, put them in a pot, and cook them all up at once. Udon noodles just happened to be one of the ingredients.

Especially this restaurant out on the wharf because, aside from being the one that came up with udonsuki in the first place, the flavor and prices are through the roof. Master even brought me here once when he was in a good mood, but ……

Ryou and Machi leave me behind to pay the taxi driver, waltz right into the restaurant and order the most expensive course meal like it’s nothing at all. Our “party” starts in a small tatami room that we have all to ourselves.

““Gooood stuff!””

They must be hungry from playing practice matches. Go ahead, stuff your faces. Eat all you like, just do it with your own money!

“Another black oolong tea! Scratch that, let’s just get the unlimited refills!”

“Has the summer special ‘boiled conger eel’ begun? Not yet? What a shame!”

You were going to add conger ON TOP OF ALL THIS?!

So, the rich noblewoman whose sense of money is all out of whack has come here to show all of us simpletons just how great she is. Seriously, her ordering something that expensive like buying a piece of candy nearly gave me a heart attack ……

“…… I’m buying all of this, so would you please tell me already? You’ve got good info, right? About Ms. Gakumeki ……!”

“Cool your jets, Trash. How about enjoying the flavor? Here, have a shrimp. It’s the head.”

“Because you already ate the body, so I’ll pass!!”

Ryou must’ve thought it was funny because she’s laughing up a storm. Gulping down the last of her black oolong tea, she orders another one before she starts talking very quietly.

“…… Tsubasa, she’s a hero to my generation.”

“A hero?”

“Undying Wings …… Gakumeki-san is two grades above myself.”

I must’ve looked pretty confused because now Machi is chiming in.

“She contested with boys all across the nation, claiming victory in Shogi tournaments until finally becoming the first ever female Elementary Meijin in the sixth grade. She entered the Sub League from there. The first girl in history to do that was Gakumeki-san. Her exploits earned her the nickname ‘Undying’ at that time, and ‘Wings’ taken from her given name, Tsubasa.”

“She proved to all of us that ‘even girls can make it that far.’”

“Her Shogi goes without saying, but even her mannerisms were what we all admired and strived to attain …… We held her in the highest respect.”

“Sure do! ‘Respect’ hits it right on the nose.”

Back when Ryou, Machi, and Ayumu were fourth-graders, Ms. Gakumeki was in sixth.

No wonder they saw her as a hero. I quietly whisper to myself.

“Surprising ……”

“Tsubasa’s achievements?”

“No, that I would hear the word ‘respect’ from both of you like that ……”

“Want to get boiled up along with the udon, do you?”

Ryou unleashes her menacing aura as Machi turns the gas burner up to maximum, flames enveloping the pot. What terrifying teamwork. Cut it out.

“Just out of curiosity, I’m the one who won Elementary Meijin in third grade when both of you and Ayumu were in fifth …… Do you have any respect for me?”

“You winning just pissed me off. That’s why I slugged you.”

“I experienced a great variety of emotions, but respect was not among them.”

Wow, they’re cruel.

“What about you, Ryuo-san? Gakumeki-san won the title before yourself, so why have you never heard her name?”

“You could say I never thought about what happened before I won …… The only reason I entered was because my master pretty much forced me to. Win or not, I was going to be joining the Sub League either way, so yeah.”

“Geh! You freakin’ Shogi martians ……”

Ryou spits out the words.

But ……

“I don’t want to say this about someone that you two respect so much, but …… Ms. Gakumeki’s Shogi is a bit ……”

“………… It wasn’t always like that. Not until she joined the Sub League, anyway.”

Say Ryou, sounding almost angry.

“The first thing I did after taking extended leave from the Women’s League to join the Sub League was go straight to see Tsubasa play. The Kanto Sub League doesn’t hang onto match records, so was the first time I’d seen her play in years …… But, it was shocking. She’d never played that style before.”

“It seemed like she was playing with a different set of rules,” I tell her. “I thought her unique sense for the game was her strength, but …… That wasn’t originally her style?”

“She is hard-core Static Rook, at least until she joined the Sub League she was. I like to be on offence, but even I could tell she had a real talent for taking the fight across the board. She was leagues better than anyone.”

Says the person called the “Aggressive Archangel” under her breath as she stares at her lap.

“I …… I wanted to be just like her. But then she …… damn it!”

“There is not a single one in our generation who does not share O-Ryou’s sentiments.”

Machi ads as if consoling her best friend.

“Most have forgotten about her because Ginko broke all her ‘unbreakable’ records, however …… Ginko was too strong from the beginning. Comparing the two is downright bizarre. Ascending to 2-kyu as a female on the Sub League is a grand achievement in its own, is it not?”

“But, you know. I might sound like a sore loser for saying this, but from where I’m standing, Tsubasa’s talent is right up there with Ginko’s.”

Says Ryou, her eyes flashing.

“I’ll admit it, Ginko’s strong. Haven’t won against her yet. But the way Tsubasa played before she joined the Sub League had a flare to it that Ginko doesn’t have. Talent shone through.”

Talent …… Huh.

Glancing down at the noodles getting whipped around in the boiling water, I mumble.

“…… Sounds like the Sub League churned her in the wrong direction.”

“The wrong direction?”

Machi sounds confused. She’s the only one here who hasn’t experienced the Sub League for herself, so it probably doesn’t click.

“The Sub League is made up of prodigies that were unbeatable in their hometowns. They always won if they played whatever felt was right. Basically, if they attacked, they’d win.”

Ryou chimes in with, “But, they’d hit a wall for the first time in their lives when they get to the Sub League. Only when prodigies face off do they realize they need to know how to win without just charging straight ahead. There’s some real once-in-a-generation prodigies in the Sub League. Ordinary prodigies’ strats are a joke …… So, they start studying up on the early game or whatever.”

Her explanation pretty much sums up the Sub League in a nutshell.

Only a handful of players can make it straight through.

The other prodigies have to change their style to some extent.

“Some people switch to a hyper defensive playing style. That’s not a big deal for ones who were defensive in the first place, but that’s a major transformation for the ones who weren’t …… and it destroys their Shogi.”

I still remember what a defensive Player said to me after I beat him.

“I chisel away at my own life only to lose …… This hurts too much ……”

Master Kiyotaki also plays defensively, and he’s gritted his teeth so hard over the years that his molars have been worn down to nothing.

Nobody wants to win by stopping an opponent’s attack.

Play defensively, and you’ll end up pushing yourself too hard.

“Big Sis always played a balance style, so she didn’t have to adjust all that much. Her Shogi sense never wavered. But ……”

“Gakumeki-san broke, is what you’re saying ……?”

“She developed an extremely passive playing style where her goal was to force a repetition draw on offense or defense. Then, once her opponent was frustrated enough to do an all or nothing attack, she’d simply hang back and crush it. If her opponent was onto her plan and took the same passive stance, she’d wait for an opening and try to nyugyoku …… In a way, it’s a complete style of Shogi.”

Rather than corner the opponent’s King and checkmate, she tries to amass as many points as possible for a stalemate. It’s muddy, gritty Shogi taken to the extreme.

Sort of like a deep-sea fish.

“Ms. Gakumeki survived of the turbulent waters of the Sub League by sinking down into the dark, painful depths where nothing else could breathe.”

Thinking of what spending 10 years that far down would do ……

“…… Ryou, did you ever play against Ms. Gakumeki when you were in the Sub League?”

“I was only in the Kanto Sub League for a single year. Tsubasa was already up at 2-kyu back then. All I did was fall from 6-kyu to 7-kyu. Never had a shot ……”

Wounded hearts can heal, but they reopen so easily. I feel sorry for her, making her talk about all this.

“O-Ryou, your time in the Sub League was years ago now, yes? For how many years was Gakumeki-san stagnant at 2-kyu ……?”

“No one can advance in the Sub League with the 50-50 record. Do that in the Pros, and you won’t be forced into retirement. But, you have to string wins together in the Sub League to advance. Stay at one rank too long and the age limit kicks in.”

Thanks to her unique transformation, Ms. Gakumeki was able to just survive in the league.

But, the Sub League does three matches each day. Play for a stalemate every time and your body will give out sooner or later.

In order to reach the dan rankings, in order to take flight into the open sky, you have to stick your face out of the water first.

But for deep-sea fish …… They can’t breathe if they try to do that.

“I’m already dead.”

Surely, what she meant was ……

“Anyway.”

Ryou says after downing the last of the broth in her bowl.

“Learning nyugyoku Shogi ain’t something you can do at the drop of a hat. Playing nyugyoku against the computer makes the software flimsy as hell so the match records are worthless. Can’t even practice with it. That apprentice of yours makes a beeline right for the enemy King, so this matchup is beyond horrible for her. What’re you gonna do?”

“Good question ……”

It’s just as Ryou said, this is a terrible match for Ai Hinatsuru.

There is no strategy I can give, or even a way to teach her how to deal with this style.

If she’s going against a deep-sea fish, then–––.

“I guess I’ll have her take flight.”

““Huuh?””

40 grade schoolers get to their feet.

“Bow!”

40 grade schoolers lower their heads in unison.

Then–––.

““Good morning, Kuzuryu-sensei!!””

40 grade schoolers call my name.

Whoa ……

They’re all over the place ……

“Th-Thank you …… for having me?”

Willing myself to smile from behind the teacher’s podium, I bow right back.

–––So, this is the classroom Ai goes to every day ……

This is my first time setting foot in Kita Fukushima Elementary’s fifth grade class four classroom, and I have to say …… There are tons of little kids in here. Well, obviously, but ……

Ai looks nervous but Mio couldn’t be more excited as the two of them look up at me from their desks.

“As you all know, today’s careers lesson will be taught by Professional Shogi Player Yaichi Kuzuryu-sensei.”

Their homeroom teacher Misao Kanegasaka explains.

“One of only two Shogi Association buildings in Japan is located right here in Fukushima Ward, where all of you live. Your classmate Ai Hinatsuru already works as a Women’s Shogi Player and another one of your classmates, Mio Mizukoshi, is hard at work studying Shogi to achieve the same goal.”

Kanegasaka-sensei must have studied up because there is no faulter in her voice whatsoever.

“Kuzuryu-sensei holds the title of ‘Dragon King Ryuo,’ which is the Shogi world’s most prestigious title. At the same time, he is only seven years older than yourselves. Please ask him questions about Shogi or being a Shogi Player and use them as inspiration to find the path to your own dreams.”

““Okay!!””

Class 5-4’s motto is “strive for your dreams.”

Also, Kanegasaka-sensei knows how to get things done.

She set it up so that I could come teach the class today and even got permission for the group to visit the Kansai Shogi Association on a field trip to watch one of Ai’s matches on a weekday. It just so happens that Mio will be working as the match recorder, too. It’s great that Ai and Mio won’t be marked as “absent” that day, but that meant I had to endure Chairman Tsukimitsu and Ms. Oga saying, “You truly go all out when it comes to elementary school students,” and a whole bunch of other comments. Yeah, yeah, loli-con, loli-con.

“Hmmph? So, this is the ‘Master’ I’ve heard so much about?”

A girl dressed in really flashy clothes sitting next to Ai says in a voice loud enough that everyone in the room could hear.

“Nowhere near as cool as I’ve heard, but also not as easy as I thought. Those clothes and the magazine I gave you bowled him over, right?”

“M-Mihane?!”

Ai’s gone bright red as she awkwardly glances up in my direction.

So, that’s the culprit who gave my apprentice that cursed edition of “Elementary 4 Reader” and the “Loli-con Assassin Gear” …… I better keep a good eye on her ……

Even the kids that aren’t as bold as Mihane are whispering amongst themselves.

“A grown-up ……” “A grown-up boy ……!” “My brother is as old as he is.” “That guy there is Ai’s master?!” “They’re living together but they’re not family, right?!”

It seems like everyone is more interested in my relationship with Ai than Shogi.

“I’ve already taught them how each piece moves. You can take it from here.”

Kanegasaka-sensei heads for the corner.

“…… So long as you stand at the podium, you have to be in charge. Don’t let them eat you alive ……”

She whispers as she passes behind me.

But, I can’t slip up now. So I can continue raising Ai as a live-in apprentice …… And more importantly so I can get the next generation of young people interested in Shogi, I’ll use every technique I know!!

“Well, why don’t we divide into pairs and play a match? Ai, help me out.”

“Y- …… Yes, Master!!”

Ai jumps to her feet with a start as the whole class stares right at her.

In order to keep children under control, it’s necessary to draw their attention.

There’s nothing worse than when they lose interest and decide to entertain themselves.

“…… It’s good that they’re so interested in the two of us. Now we just need to get that interest focused on Shogi.”

“! …… Master, you’re so smart ……!”

Talking amongst ourselves, we pass out the vinyl boards and plastic pieces so the kids can play, but–––.

The word “play” must have registered a bit too well with everyone, because the kids start goofing off and the situation tumbles out of control.

“Hey, everyone! This is serious!!”

Mio tries to get her classmates to concentrate, but the chatter is still going strong.

“M-Master …… What do we do ……?”

“…… It’s alright.”

I encourage my flustered apprentice before saying in a loud voice.

“Everybody! There’s a special secret technique to getting good at Shogi really fast …… Would you like to know?”

““!!””

Suddenly, countless pairs of surprised eyes are locked on to me.

Yes! I got them!

“Honestly, I don’t want to say it and I haven’t even told Ai or Mio what it is. But, I suppose I could make an exception today and let you in on the secret …… Are you interested?”

““…………!!””

I drop my voice down low and the kids lean toward me with bright eyes.

Now that I’ve taken plenty of time for buildup, I tell them the answer.

“The secret to getting good quickly. It’s …………… Manners!””

““Man ………… ners?””

That’s probably the last answer they expected, and it seems to have stirred up even more interest.

“You can’t level up without defeating strong monsters in games, right? That’s just like how you can’t get stronger at Shogi without playing against lots of strong people. Then, what do you think is the best way to do that?”

““……?””

“Make friends with strong people! That’s why your manners are very important. Always saying hello, being friendly and polite, do these things and you’ll make so many friends.”

Little lightbulbs of recognition are going off in their eyes.

“Shogi is a game for two, yes? That means the more friends you have, the stronger you will become. On the other hand, offend people and you only end up hurting yourself.”

So–––I puff up my chest and say.

“If you want to get good, greet everyone with a smile and be friendly. Okay?”

““Okay!!””

Everyone says at once. It’s almost like they’re a completely different group of kids than just a few minutes ago.

Almost on cue, Mio turns to her opponent and says, “When you’re ready!” in a big voice to provide an example. One by one, the kids start copying her before sitting down and starting their matches.

“Ohh ……?”

Kanegasaka-sensei seems to be impressed because she’s nodding away in the corner and jotting down notes. Sweet! I scored some points!

“Aaall right! Tell you what. Just for today, I’ll tell you anything you want to know! Who has a question for me?! Don’t be shy! Ask me anything!”

“U-Um!”

A quiet looking girl works up the courage to raise her hand–––.

“Is it true that …… You’re going to marry Ai?”

That’s one hell of a bomb she just dropped.

““Huuuuuh?! Marry her––––––?!”

The whole class erupts in a frenzy. Of course they would. I’m just as surprised.

Ai jumps to her feet and yells.

“N-No! ‘May,’ got it? ‘May!!’ Like one of those romance games!!”

Not giving a definite “yes” or “no” only adds fuel to the fire. Then someone yells out “I heard Mio has spent the night at Kuzuryu-sensei’s apartment before!” “That also makes them lovers already!” came another. Now this flaming snowball is picking up speed as these grade schoolers’ imaginations run wild.

“I get it! Kuzuryu-sensei is so strong because he has lots of lovers, not friends!”

“Lovers are even better than friends!”

“But, if he’s getting married, wouldn’t that make them wives?!”

“Then, Kuzuryu-sensei is married to a whole bunch of girls!!”

You’re a legend, Kuzuryu-sensei! And a whole bunch of other claims that for whatever reason made me the unexpected idol of this grade school class, but …… The room is even louder than it was before.

Being an elementary school teacher …… is rough ……!!

“P-Please …… Excuse us.”

“Cha, Cha’s neber been to a Jawpanese scwool before!!”

Charlette’s excitedly bouncing around, opening the locker in the back of the room where the cleaning supplies are kept before trying to catch the class’s pet hamster. Free-spirited as ever.

To start things off, I have everyone take a seat and get them up to speed on the situation.

“A-hem …… Thanks to Kanegasaka-sensei’s good will, the Grade Schooler Practice Group can now use this classroom after school!”

I thought it would be a last resort after my apartment became off-limits for practice sessions, but …… Now that I’ve taught a class in here myself, I like it better in here.

Desks, a chalkboard, and everything that we could ever need are all right here. I can do lecture style lessons, which are very difficult at my apartment or even at the Association classroom.

People normally avoid teaching classes, but it’s so easy to focus in a classroom that this just might work!

Ayano and Charlette are going to stay at Mio’s house tonight, so there’s no need to worry about the session running late. Mio lives walking distance away and Kanegasaka-sensei said she could drop them off, too.

This place has so many good things going for it. Wow …… Elementary schools are the best!

“All right, let’s get started!”

““Okay!””

Four grade schoolers respond with gusto. This must be what being the cool teacher feels like.

“Amateur tournaments have very little waiting time, so you have to play fast. Therefore, you’ll place very high if you have a thorough understanding of how to play fast. This …… is the formula for success!”

I write out the formula on the chalkboard.

I thump the chalkboard for extra impact and explain.

“It’s hard to read all the way to checkmate when you only have a few seconds, right? The good news is you don’t have to. You can win as long as your King is safe.”

Figuring out if you can or can’t checkmate your opponent in a few seconds isn’t a skill anyone can learn overnight, and talent has a lot to do with it.

In that case, what can you do to give your skills an immediate boost?

If reading is too hard, memorize.

“So, remember as many ‘invulnerable formations’ as possible! Once you know them by heart, you can keep attacking and get stronger and stronger!”

This method goes against most modern teaching styles, but it’s the most efficient.

Passing out printouts of different types of invulnerable formations to the girls, Mio almost nosedives into the paper with her eyes wide open in shock.

“Gahh! There’s a lot of these things.”

“Well, there aren’t a lot of ‘cannot be put in check formations,’ but there are quite a few ‘can escape check formations’ to learn. There are also ‘invulnerable without a Rook or Gold formations’ and ‘invulnerable without a Knight formations,’ too!”

Yeah, there are lots. With all these details to remember, it can’t be easy for them.

Ayano, on the other hand, is beaming.

“If I can just memorize these ‘invulnerable formations,’ I won’t have to waste seconds on it reading my own King even in the closest of late games! The late game is my weakness, but I have an excellent memory! I’ll do my best!”

“Cha, too! Cha twies hard in the wate game!”

If your own King is safe, you can focus entirely on finishing off your opponent’s.

Having to read half as much as your opponent means you’re only fighting against half of your opponent’s Shogi skill. Meaning, your chances to win go way up.

“I’ve got a treat ready for you if you can memorize all of these perfectly by the end of today!!”

““Yaaay! Treats!!””

Dangle a carrot in front of them and their concentration skyrockets! I can handle grade schoolers, no sweat!!

“Um …… Master?”

As the other girls are getting to work on their own printouts, Ai is the only one left without anything to do. She raises her hand and asks.

“There isn’t a one for me?”

“I’ve got something special prepared for you, Ai. You have a league match coming up.”

I’ve done a lot of research on Ai’s next opponent …… learning as much as I can about Ms. Gakumeki.

Putting it all together–––.

“The next person you’re going to face is probably going to be the strongest you’ve ever played in an even match. Winning won’t be easy. But, with the right preparation, you should be able to find a way.”

“! …… Yes, Master! What should I do?!”

I hand a sheet of paper to my suddenly nervous apprentice.

“Solve these Shogi puzzles.”

“Uwhee? …… Shogi, puzzles?”

“Yeah. I’ve got some puzzles ready for you. I’ll be timing you today, too.”

“U-Umm …… But ………… Maria said that Shogi puzzles are pointless …… Hanadachi-sensei also said so in the magazine ……”

“There is a point. I’m asking you to trust me and just do it.”

“…… Okay. I will.”

She agrees but looks less than convinced.

I suppose she wouldn’t be. After all, I just said “you don’t have to put the opponent’s King in checkmate.”

But, Ai loves doing Shogi puzzles.

“………… Here …… Here …… Here, here, here …………”

And, starts working on it right away.

“Kanegasaka-sensei. Ai is working on something like a test, so please check her answers when she is done. I’ll look after the other girls.”

“I can do that.”

“Here is the answer sheet.”

Glancing over the paper, she looks up at me with suspicion in her eyes.

“………… What exactly is this?”

“The answers to these Shogi puzzles.”

“Preposterous. The book of Shogi puzzles I bought at the bookstore doesn’t have any of this grimoire-esk mumbo-jumbo anywhere to be found. Is it even possible to solve this puzzle?”

“What book did you buy?”

“It has a pink cover. The sign said it is the bestseller.”

“Ah, that one has 3-step and 5-step puzzles. Of course, it’s a great book, but …… If you think of that one as a grade school workbook, Ai is working a prep course to get into graduate school.”

“There’s that much difference?!”

“Yes. These ones were used for the Shogi Puzzle Championship.”

“Shogi Puzzle …… Championship?”

“It’s an extremely competitive tournament that even Pro Shogi Players join. The puzzle makers in charge of the whole thing put all their brainpower into making the puzzles as hard as possible, and sometimes even Pros can’t solve them all.”

The puzzles I gave Ai are from the first round.

They’re easier than the wide array of next-to-impossible puzzles from Round 2, but even these ones are so hard that they blows regular Shogi puzzles out of the water.

There’s a 90-minute time limit, but this year’s champion needed less than half of it, only 40 minutes, to solve every single puzzle correctly.

Ai may be good at them, but even she’d struggle with these.

“Um …… Master?”

“Hm? Is something wrong, Ai? Did you find a mistake in a puzzle?”

“I’m finished.”

Say what?

“I’m finished.”

“Oh …… Okay! I see! B-But, this isn’t a speed contest! It’s …… about accuracy! How’d she do, Kanegasaka-sensei?”

“………………………. 100% correct.”

Come again?

Uhhh …… It’s only been, about 10 minutes …… Since she started ……

“Master? Um …… Did I take too long? I wanted to make sure I didn’t make a mistake, so I went over them many times, so it took me longer to finish ……”

What? …… Whaaat?

I knew she was good at Shogi puzzles, but …… This good ……?

“Th-The next ones are the ones that counts!! Those were just a warm-up!”

“Okay, Master! I’ll do my best!!”

This time, I give her the puzzles from Round 2.

These are so difficult that no one answered perfectly. Even Ai has to be feeling overwhelmed just looking at them.

“Here, here, herehereherehereherehereherehere––––––.”

Brain firing on all cylinders, Ai sets to work.

I take a moment to step back and look at all the Grade Schooler Practice Group members hard at work on their own assignments and Kanegasaka-sensei comes up to me to quietly say.

“…… It’s quite impressive, Shogi.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I was always the top student in my class ever since my elementary school days.”

Far from bragging, she sounds embarrassed.

“Junior high, high school, college …… All I ever did was go to whichever school my parents and teachers said was the best around and then become a teacher myself. However, not one thing I learned in college has been useful as a member of society ……”

“Sensei ……”

“Being entrusted with a class of my own for the first time …… made me realize that I know nothing about the world outside of school walls. That’s why seeing children carve their own path in life outside of school makes me anxious, as though I don’t have the right to teach them anything.”

I’m shocked …… but, at the same time, I know exactly how that feels.

Just how I’ve gone back and forth about how I should raise Ai Hinatsuru, Kanegasaka-sensei has been grappling with her own problems as a teacher.

“…… I’m not sure if it’s right for me to say this as a guy who gave up on studying in junior high school, but–––.”

“?”

“I’m so relieved that someone like you is Ai’s homeroom teacher!”

“Huh ……?”

“There are so many things I can’t teach my apprentice because I never went to high school. Please, teach her for me! Let her know what it’s like outside of the Shogi world. What she can learn and what she can’t.”

“Mr. …… Kuzuryu ……”

“And, this might be asking a little much, but …… I would really appreciate it if you could overlook her absences for league matches. Maybe? Ahaha!”

“…… I can handle that.”

There are many ways it can be done …… She adds with a reassuring tone.

“Really?! Oh, you’re a lifesaver!”

Kanegasaka-sensei is strict, but the Shogi world isn’t over her head at all. That alone makes Ai and Mio very lucky.

“I had a rough time when I had to miss school to play a match or work as a match recorder. The only thing I thought about was what excuse I would make to get out of class next time. But I can’t tell my apprentice to just skip school. With her future in my hands, I feel like that would cross the line …… and be kind of pathetic ……”

“Well, Yaichi, you’re still the same age as a high school student, yes? You don’t have to overexert yourself to fit in with adults.”

“! ………… Sensei ……”

Hearing kind words out of her for the first time, I feel like a student again.

I’ve always had a weakness for older women.

But, more than that …… I like the aura teachers have.

I mean, my first crush was my kindergarten teacher …… And then Keika ……

Kanegasaka-sensei looks a little bit hesitant before–––she leans in to whisper in my ear!

“…………… Yaichi. The truth is–––.”

She starts saying something, when.

“?!”

Zing zing! I turn around and see–––.

“……………………………………………………”

Ai is silently standing there without saying a word. Kinda scary.

“I’m finished.”

“O-Ohhh ………… That was fast ……”

It hasn’t even been 30 minutes. Too fast. Almost peed my pants.

If …… If she got every answer right ……

“Y-You must be tired by now, yes? How about taking a break once we check your answers? I’ve got your favorite strawberry flavor as a treat when you’re done, so–––.”

“Yaaay!”

Ai throws her arms in the air, expressing happiness with her whole body like any little kid would do, before sticking her face up toward mine and saying.