At first, it’s always one-sided. Either it becomes two-way at some point, or it never changes. Sometimes telling them how you feel takes it to the next step, and sometimes it makes them push you away.

I think what happens most often is …… it goes nowhere because getting shot down is too scary.

But being scared isn’t the only reason not to open up.

Like, you know …… Even if it turns out they have feelings for you too, it’ll be long-distance anyway.

Her whole body pulsed with heat whenever she thought about this.

Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.

These thoughts filled her head each night before she fell asleep. What kind of day had they had? Why did it take them those extra minutes to respond to her messages? Those kinds of thoughts.

There was no room for anything else in her mind. She didn’t know what to do with herself.

This was a first for her …… Without any experience, she had no idea how to handle it.

Mountains of them. Whatever crossed her mind, she got it down on paper.

The letters themselves, however, were never finished. Writing all the way to the end was a challenge she couldn’t overcome. Relatable, is it not? Of course, she couldn’t send any of the letters as they were.

Writing them in secret, she would erase and rewrite line after line before stuffing the paper into her desk drawer. The process would repeat itself night after night.

Thus, the headings of the letters became clearer each time, the content more fluid.

Even if she didn’t understand it all, that’s fine!

The computer would tell her everything she needed to know. Technology these days was so convenient. The olden times must’ve been hard, because everyone had to do every little thing by themselves.

If …… hypothetically?

What if that special someone never noticed her?

What if her feelings for that special someone were always a one-way street?

What if that special someone …… never thought of her as worthy?

They didn’t have to like her back.

She didn’t have to be their first.

But at the very least …… she wanted to be remembered.

Tell me.

Have you ever heard about this?

The opposite of love isn’t hate. It’s …… indifference.

Doesn’t that just pull at your heartstrings?

The girl wanted to be someone special to them.

They didn’t have to like her …… as long as she was special.

Just as long as, in their eyes, she became an unforgettable part of their life.

In which case, being hated was perfectly okay! They didn’t have to like her one bit! She wanted to be special!! So special that they would only think about her forever!!

A way to make them think about her no matter how much distance was between them.

A way that she could remain special, she could always be the only one.

In other words–––

And that is looking up words that I’ve never heard before.

My mom, the owner and manager of The Hinatsuru Inn, told me I should always do that.

“Ai. Working in this business means that we interact with far more people than the average person. Therefore, we can’t afford to be biased or be uninformed about anything.”

It makes sense to me.

So I’ve looked up everything I didn’t understand since then.

I asked people to read difficult characters for me when I was younger, but now I can look up words myself since I can read them on my own.

This habit could be why I discovered Shogi in the first place.

I didn’t know anything about it until my family’s inn hosted a Ryuo Title Match, so I read some of the books my grandpa left behind to learn how pieces moved and the rules.

But there were tons of hard words in the parts about strategy, so I ended up only doing the puzzle sections ……

There were so many new things to look up when I first got to Osaka, it was overwhelming.

For example–––

I ended up learning some dirty things that I never wanted to know in that new world, but …… Knowing about them is part of becoming a grown-up, right?

It’s really easy to look anything up on the spot now that I have a smartphone. I can just open my phone on the train and, poof, there’s the word.

Here’s the last word I looked up.

(Meaning) A place where multiple means of transportation and/or routes converge. For example, terminal station; bus terminal

“Mioooo! Good morning!”

Tennouji is one of South Osaka’s few big stations, so there are platforms everywhere.

It’s a modern area of town. The Abeno Harukas building is right by the station. But, go up a few floors, and you can see Osaka’s old famous spots like Tsutenkaku Tower and Tennouji Zoo.

The subway connects right to Umeda and Shin Osaka stations and the trains go out to Nara and Wakayama, so this is definitely a terminal station! So many people are always passing through that it’s like a big festival every day.

“MIOOO! Heeeey! M-I-OOO!!”

I jump up and down, calling her name and waving my arms. But Mio Mizukoshi is still sitting on her suitcase. She doesn’t even look up.

“…… Umm. I guess I’m too far away ……”

Hehehe! I’ll sneak my way over there and surprise her!

“…………… Sneaky ……”

I work my way over to her platform. Then, careful not to make a sound, I get into her blind spot.

Just like my mom taught me, stalk- …… no, ninja feet.

She made me learn how to not be noticed so that our guests at the inn could relax. To her, it was part of customer service. She’s been teaching me for years, so I’m sure I can sneak up on anyone.

That skill has come in handy since coming to Osaka. It’s true! Like when I check up on Master’s behavior, or when I’m serving tea while working as a match recorder so I don’t disturb the players, oh, and …… when I make sure Master is behaving!

And now, I’m using it to sneak up on Mio. Hehehe …… Piece of cake.

I watch and wait for a moment. There’s a chance she might be trying to surprise me, you know?

…… Nope. She has no idea I’m here. That backpack she has on is stuffed so full, I don’t think she can see anything behind her. What in the world does she have in there?

Plus, she’s looking up at the ceiling and–––.

“…… Achin’ …… thrix …… pond …… book …… three ………”

Uwh ……?

Mio’s mumbling something. But it doesn’t …… make sense.

I don’t get it …… But now’s my chance!

Sneak, sneak …… ––––––Gotcha!

“Miiiooo!”

“EEEEP?!”

I tap her shoulders and she’s so surprised that she falls right off her suitcase.

That worked perfectly!

I end up falling over on top of her, too, but I help her up off the floor and ask, “Ahaha! Did I get you?”

“A- …… Ai?!”

“Good morning, Mio. What were you mumbling about just now?”

“N-N-N- …… Nothing!! What are you doing … scaring me in a train station? It’s dangerous! What if I fell onto the tracks?!”

I was expecting something like I’ll get you back! ha-ha, but she’s actually mad at me. Awe.

“I-I’m sorry ………… You’re right. It’s not safe … goofing off here ……”

“Ah! ……… I-I’m not mad at you or anything …… I’m sorry, too. I wanted today to be fun the whole time ……”

“! Mio ………… I’m so sorry!”

I bow my head and give her an apology from the bottom of my heart. She’s right. I wasn’t thinking.

I mean, today is–––.

“Arrrrgggghhhh––––––!!!”

“Wh-What’s wrong, Mio?!”

“The train! Our train!! It’s already here!!”

“Uwhee?!”

I was so desperate to apologize that I completely forgot about that!

A completely white train pulled up to the platform and I didn’t even notice. Almost everyone in line has already gotten on.

Oh no!

“Ayano and Charlette are on that train! We’ll never get to meet up with them if we don’t get on!”

“Y-You’re right! Hurry, Ai! Ummm, where’s my reserved seat again? …… Wh-Which car?!”

That’s when we hear Ayano and Charlette calling out to us.

“Ai! Mio! It’s this one!”

“Mowning!”

They step outside the car and wave their arms over their heads.

Mio pulls her huge suitcase from the front as I push from behind. We zoom across the platform!

“Please, do not rush onto the train,” the stationmaster yells at us.

“Sooorry!”

We make it onto the train just as the door closes! Ayano takes Mio’s suitcase and heaves it onto the luggage shelf with a soft mngh. Charlette’s cheering her on. Okay, that’s cute.

“S-So heavy ……! What did you put in there?!”

“Ahaha …… Thanks, Ayano. You really got us out of a jam.”

What a relief that there was an open spot for her suitcase on the shelf.

“Da twain is leabing! Choo-choo!”

“Wheeew …… I thought we’d missed it for a second there ……”

I breathe a deep sigh of relief now that we’re moving. Missing a train normally wouldn’t be a big deal, but …… I would’ve hated myself for missing this one for the rest of my life.

“Our seats are …… ah! Found ’em! Ai, let me flip this one around before you sit down.”

“Sure, Mio! Spin ……!”

Now we have a four-seat box all to ourselves!

Mio slides down over to the window and puts her overstuffed backpack on her lap.

“This is an express train …… Haruka, right? I thought reserving seats was a little much, but now we can talk all the way there! Thanks for suggesting this, Ayano!”

“And, getting to put your suitcase on that luggage rack is so nice! Look at all this legroom ……!”

I’m in the aisle seat, so I’ve got even more space.

And the window: it’s so big! I can see everything outside! Even the seats are comfy and colorful!

“They chose a good nickname for the train, don’t you think? Haruka! It sounds like it goes to faraway places all over the world. I get excited just hearing it!”

“Look!” I answer Mio, pointing. “That’s a power outlet and they have free Wi-Fi! My battery is running low, too!”

“Huh? What are you so excited for? All the bullet trains have those. Aren’t they pretty much standard now?”

The very moment Mio criticizes me.

“………… No, they’re not ‘standard.’”

Ayano hasn’t said a word since we sat down, but she starts rattling off facts in a surprisingly low voice.

“Out of all the existing trains in West Japan Railway’s fleet, this one, Haruka, was the first to offer outlets and Wi-Fi!”

“Oh, um …… r-really?”

Mio looks and sounds like she just took a punch she never saw coming. But Ayano’s rush is just getting started!

“What’s more, this Haruka isn’t just any Haruka! This particular model only started operating this past spring! Not only did they add more cars to the existing model, the new design includes large monitors at both ends of each car. The ceiling was raised 70 mm to accommodate them. They also widened the luggage rack to fit bigger suitcases while changing the design and coloring of each car so customers wouldn’t confuse it with the Kuroshio model. Then they got rid of the old design altogether! Every possible detail has been taken into account to help foreign tourists and sightseers get where they need to go! This Haruka is JR’s–––No, Japan’s gift to the world! It’s an overwhelming marvel of modern technology!”

Actually …… Ayano’s description is a lot more overwhelming than the train.

Wow …… I don’t really understand most of that, but wow ……

Meanwhile, Charlette looks about as bored as can be.

“Ayanyo twook pictuwes all da way fwom Kyoto to Tennougi.”

Pictures? Of the inside of the train?

I can understand taking pictures out the window, but …… there’s only chairs and trays in here.

Why ……?

“B-But … chances to ride a Haruka don’t come every day! Let alone the newest one ……! Now that I have these pictures, I can compare the new model to the old 281 series on the way home! Doesn’t everyone do that?!”

No, everyone doesn’t.

“Cha, Cha was bowed.”

Charlette is sitting in her seat, dangling her legs. She was bored, for sure.

Mio leans over to whisper in my ear.

“…… Ayano’s always been a bit of a train buff.”

“…… I-I never knew that ……”

She has a lot of hobbies, but I didn’t know that trains were one of them. So that’s why she was so insistent on reserving tickets for us.

“Do me a favor and make sure she doesn’t go too wild the next time you’re on a train with her, okay Ai?”

“Ah ………… Sure.”

Oh.

I never realized it because Mio was always there to keep her under control this whole time.

“…… I will, Mio. It’s a p–––.”

Just as the word “promise” was coming out of my mouth …

“?!”

*B-Beep!*

A news alert pops up on all our phones. We take a look and see what it is.

Other phones in the train start going off like the whole car is singing a round. The announcement must be making its way all across Japan right now.

“Ginko Sora …… She’s Naniwa’s Snow White, yeah? That idol-lookin’ girl.”

“Going pro in Shogi is really really hard to do. But she did it in high school! That’s crazy!”

“Cute and a Shogi wiz. Pretty much a pro at life if you ask me.”

“Word is she’s in the hospital. Seriously, how do you hurt yourself playing Shogi?”

“Rumor has it she was a sickly kid. One site I found online said she’ll never fully recover–––.”

People around us start talking. All four of us lean in close to whisper so they won’t hear.

Mio starts, “………… Sora-sensei has really gotten popular.”

“………… All the morning news shows have been talking about her since yesterday. It seems like the general public is more excited to hear about her than Shogi fans,” Ayano adds.

“Tons of Senseis have been on TV a whole bunch, too! Like Rokuroba-sensei! She was on almost every channel last night. Does she ever sleep?”

“Cha, Cha’s fwiend in Fwance, she says dey’re tawking abwout Sowa-sensei, too!”

“She made the news in France?! That’s amazing ……”

“So, does that mean I can brag about playing against her when I get over there?!”

Mio’s eyes light up and she turns to me.

“Hey, hey, Ai. Did Kuzuryu-sensei or Sora-sensei tell you about what the final match in the 3-dan division was like yesterday?”

“Uwhee? Um …… It was at the Tokyo Association, so I don’t know much. I messaged Master a few times after he won the first Crown Title Match, but that’s it. He wasn’t allowed to have his phone during the match.”

“It’s over, so he can use it now, right?”

“Yes, but Master went straight to see Sora-sensei in the hospital. Keika and I only reached him because he was in the taxi on his way there …… I don’t think he’s left since.”

“Oh, I see why you’re worried, then ……”

“…… Uh-huh.”

There were two huge matches in the Shogi world yesterday.

The first was Sora-sensei’s chance to become a professional player on the final day of the Sub League.

The other was Master in the challenge for the Crown title, the first match in the series.

Both of them happened in Tokyo, so Master left me at Kousuke Kiyotaki 9-dan’s house like he always does when he has to travel overnight.

“I got a call from Keika last night,” says Mio. “She was gonna come with us today, but she went up to Tokyo to look after Sora-sensei instead, right? She apologized, I don’t know, 10, 20 times over the phone.”

Yes. Four grade school students traveling by themselves is a little dangerous, so Keika was supposed to come with us today.

I explain how it all happened.

“The original plan was for Grandpa-sensei to go to Tokyo. But Master said Sora-sensei might need to stay in the hospital for more than a few days. So she’d need some extra clothes and some things from home. That’s why Keika had to go.”

“Why couldn’t Sora-sensei’s mom go?”

“Because there are things only Shogi players would understand. Books on standard strategies, tablets with software installed …… It sounded like she needed things to study while she’s there. Keika’s the only person who could do everything.”

“If that’s the case, aren’t you and Kiyotaki-sensei worried about her? You wanted to go to Tokyo too, didn’t you ……? Sorry for making you come out here–––.”

“Don’t worry about it! I wanted to come with you and I’d just get in the way if I went to Tokyo.”

My heart twinges.

The truth is, I …… told Master flat-out that I wanted to go to Tokyo with him.

Of course, my plan was to come back to Osaka in time to join this trip, but …… I don’t think I could have made it back with everything that happened. Worse, I would’ve just been holding Master back.

That’s why I’m glad I stayed in Osaka. Now I am, anyway.

“She needs study material ……? It sounds like Sora-sensei is planning to be in the hospital for a long time. Is she that sick ……?” askes Ayano.

“Sorry, but I don’t know how much of it is true. Even if I did, I’m not allowed to say anything ……”

“Ah! …… I’m sorry I asked!”

She hurriedly covers her mouth with her hands and sounds sad as she says, “I should have known that, considering your position, Ai. I won’t be bringing up this topic again …… I should have been more thoughtful.”

“…… I’m sorry, too.”

Just as the air starts getting heavy, Charlette chimes in.

“Cha, Cha hates stwudying!”

“Me too, Charlette! If I hafta be in the hospital, lemme be a couch potato!”

Mio backs Charlette right away, sliding down in her chair just like her.

Ayano, on the other hand, asks Mio harshly, “Mio, you need to study now more than ever. Have you made any progress?”

“Please, don’t ask ……”

He-he-he. But, I’ve seen it myself.

On the platform back at the station, Mio was trying her hardest to memorize something.

That had to be ……

“Kujyuru-sensei doesn’t need to be there, but Sora-sensei will be fine as long as Keika is looking after her! But, enough about that. I’ve got a big announcement to make! News that’ll make you forget all about Sora-sensei!”

“Nushu?”

Charlette, still trying to get comfortable in a chair way too big for her, sits up with a start.

Mio’s big news. It’s–––.

“Time for presents!”

“Presents?”

Mio tries, but fails, to keep down a giggle at our surprise and pats the overstuffed backpack on her lap.

Then she reaches inside and pulls something out.

“Here, this is for you, Ayano.”

“Huuh?! This …… Mio, it’s the autographed red lacquer fan you received after winning the King of Naniwa Tournament, is it not?! That’s Chairman Tsukimitsu’s handwriting, attention to detail, right there–––.”

“Yep, yep. You like writing a lot, Ayano, so I thought the attention to detail fits you better!”

“Th- ………… Thank you! I’ll treasure it, you have my word ……!!”

Ayano is so touched, she’s shaking.

Mio rustles around in her backpack for a moment and pulls out the next one.

“For you, Charlette! My Shogi water bottle!”

“Waoooooh ……!”

Charlette, giddy, takes the Shogi piece–shaped bottle that Mio always brought to our practice sessions from her with both hands.

I don’t think it’s …… all that easy to use, but it’s the cutest thing ever! Charlette always bit her fingers with envy whenever she saw Mio with it. I guess Mio must have noticed.

“B-But … are you sure? This is really valuable ……,” asks Ayano. She hasn’t budged since Mio gave her the fan.

“I want you to have it! Besides–––,” answers Mio with a grin.

This Haruka train’s last stop …… is Kansai International Airport.

From there she’ll get on a plane and Mio …… Mio will go overseas all by herself.

We’re coming along to see her off.

This trip is to say goodbye.

That’s why we didn’t say anything until she brought it up herself, almost like she wouldn’t have to go if we didn’t talk about it ……

Ayano was so happy when Mio gave her that fan, but now she looks completely serious.

“…… Even without this, I will never forget about you. How could I ever forget?!”

“I know, I know. But I’d still like you to have it.”

Ayano isn’t sure how to feel, but Charlette couldn’t be happier with her present. Does she know that today is Mio’s last day in Japan? I’m a bit worried ……

“Alrighty.”

Mio sits up straight, puts her knees together, and turns to face me.

“!!”

It’s my turn ……!

My imagination runs wild, excited to find out what my present is. But Mio just opens her arms and says, “Ai ……………… I don’t have a thing for you!”

“Uwhee?!”

“I mean, you’re a Women’s League sensei and you live with the Ryuo! Everyone’s talking about the Kiyotaki Shogi family, and you’re in it! All of my Shogi stuff would be junk to you! Junk!”

“It’s true that any boards or pieces that Kuzuryu-sensei has used are worth a considerable amount of money, and now Sora-sensei’s are so valuable they’re priceless.”

“Uwheee …… But ……”

Sure, I sometimes take one of Master’s handkerchiefs to my matches without telling him, but …… O-Of course, I wash them and return them!! Just …… without telling him ……

But! That’s not the same as one from a friend!

“…………”

And also? If she wants to give me a present …… there’s one thing I’ve been wanting for a long time.

Mio said she doesn’t have a thing for me.

If …… I asked for something that wasn’t a thing, would she make it come true?

“………… Um, Mio? In that case–––.”

I can feel the tears building as I try to find the right words. Mio, on the other hand, is biting her lip to keep from laughing as she reaches into the front pocket of her backpack.

“So–––I wrote this for you!”

“Huh? What is ……?”

“A letter.”

She holds out a folded piece of cute pink paper.

There’s even a golden Shogi piece sticker sealing it shut.

To Miss Ai Hinatsuru is written in her handwriting on the top.

“You already have everything that I have when it comes to Shogi goods and stuff like that. That’s why I thought I’d write down how I feel and give that to you instead.”

Mio has her own style of handwriting, clear but full of energy. Those are her characters.

Just seeing them spell out my name warms my heart …… The corners of my eyes are heating up, too.

“Ah! Don’t open it yet, okay? I’ll get embarrassed if you read it in front of me,” Mio says as she fidgets. “Buuuut … I still want to see the look on your face, so promise me you’ll read it before I get on the plane!”

“Then, which is it?”

“Dat’s shewfish, Miow!” Ayano and Charlette say as they look at my letter with envy.

“I want you to read it when I say read it. Then …… you know what? I’ll hang onto it! I’ll give it back to you at the airport!”

“Okay! It’s a promise, but don’t forget, alright?”

I nod and give the letter back to her. Mio slips it back into her backpack’s front pocket.

What does it say?

Is it gonna make me cry? I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop it …… But I have to send Mio off with a smile!

“Speaking of letters, what about the ones we gave you at the going away party at school? Did you read everyone’s yet, Mio?”

“Yep, sure did! I thought everybody was just going to sign a big card, but everyone made one just for me. We were only fifth grade classmates for one semester, but I’m going to miss you……”

Mio and I go to the same school. We’ve been in the same class since fourth grade.

Her transfer arrangements were made before the school year began, but she stayed for the second semester opening ceremony. Our class had a party for her that afternoon.

“You were all smiles all time, Mio, but everyone else cried. Mihane was beside herself ……”

At first, she was saying things like, “If you’re transferring, then don’t bother showing up to the opening ceremony! You should’ve just taken off after last semester ended!” and being kind of mean, but–––.

“Seeing you here …… I’m going to miss you so much! A semester without you is too long!!”

Once she started bawling, the rest of the class cried along with her.

“Talk about a surprise! I thought she hated me.”

“I don’t think anyone at school hates you, Mio. I mean, you don’t hate anyone either, do you?”

“That’s true. I was always careful to stay on everyone’s good side,” Mio answered without missing a beat. “…… It’s my way of getting stronger.”

Her way? Having lots of friends?

No, wait …… She gets stronger that way?

I’m trying to figure out what she meant by that, but it looks like she said it so quietly that only I heard her.

“But I’m glad your departure date was set for September,” says Ayano. “I was certain you would leave as soon as the first semester finished ……”

She’s clutching the fan that Mio gave her to her chest like a precious treasure.

“I am, of course, sad to see you go, but we had a wonderful summer together. That local festival in the shopping arcade …… I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

“Aha-ha! It got rained out halfway through, but that just made it even more fun! We got to play Shogi with everyone at school during the storm!”

“Your parents have already moved, right? Didn’t you want to go with them?”

“Papa gets so caught up in his work that Mama has to be there to take care of him. She’s never been outside Japan before, so it’d be really hard to look after both me and him at the same time, don’t you think? That’s why they decided to get a head start and have me fly over later.”

Mio’s father is a researcher for a big international pharmaceutical company.

Back when I was having a tough time after Master took Ten-chan as an apprentice, I asked Mio about some drugs. What kind of drugs? Truth serums, of course!

“And I wanted to hang out with you guys as much as I could. It’s our last chance, you know! There was some paperwork since I’m leaving the Practice League, so everything worked out great.”

“So, that’s why you’ve been staying at your grandpa’s house!”

“Yep, he only lives a few blocks away. The only problem is he keeps telling me to stay and live with him every single day. It’s not like we’re never going to see each other again!”

…… But, he misses you. We all do.

The words almost come out, but I stop them just in time.

It’s Mio who’s going to be the loneliest. So long as she can put on a happy face, it’s up to us to smile and laugh along with her!

“School over there doesn’t start until October. Can’t you stay in Japan a little longer?”

Smile, smile ……

It seems the harder I try not to say anything, the easier it is for Mio’s leaving to come up. Sigh ……

Even still, Mio answers with a smile.

“First, I’ve gotta go to some language school, I think? I can’t do anything if I can’t talk to anyone.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to go to a Japanese school the way Charlette goes to a school for French students?”

“I guess I could, but I wanna make friends as long as I’m over there, you know? I wanna teach everyone at school how to play Shogi!”

““Ohhh!””

Mio going to make friends to play Shogi with because there isn’t anyone who already knows. That’s just like her!

“I asked my Master, Kuresaka-sensei, and she gave me a whole bunch of boards and pieces! And I’m taking them all with me. That’s what’s in my suitcase!”

“Are you saying I lifted all those heavy things onto the luggage rack ……?” Ayano mumbles in shock after hearing that Mio’s suitcase was full of armrests and thick, high-quality boards.

“By the way …… I don’t think I ever asked you. What country are you moving to, Mio?”

“Hm? What was it again? Something –land …… I’d never heard of it before.”

“I’m very worried about you ……”

Knowing that her friend is about to get on a plane to a country she can’t even remember makes Ayano turn pale.

Uh-huh. I’m worried, too ……

“It doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s not like the whole country is surrounded by water like Japan. Anyone that’s in a country that’s part of the EU can go anywhere they want. If Shogi gets popular somewhere else, I can just go there and play!”

“I’ve heard that Shogi is gaining popularity in places with a high Japanese population like Hawaii and Brazil.”

Just like Ayano said, Shogi is starting to make waves in Hawaii.

I’m pretty sure that Ryuo Title matches have been held in France and Germany before, so there are probably people who can play over there somewhere.

“Charlette. What’s Shogi like in Europe? Do kids play at school?”

“Wha?”

Charlette has been watching out the window but gives Mio a confused look.

“Cha, Cha neber pwayed Shogi in Fwance.”

“…… That means I can be a pioneer!”

What a positive angle. That’s just like Mio.

Just then, Charlette looks back out the window and squeals with delight.

“Woooah! Da oshen!”

“The ocean?!”

Suddenly it’s all blue outside …… Even the light coming in sparkles with the waves.

It’s like the train is following a track through nothing but air on its way to the man-made island in the distance.

Looking out the window, it’s just the sea, the sky, and that little island on the horizon.

The view is bringing back lots of memories.

That’s our destination–––Kansai International Airport.

It’s in sight, but Mio stands up with a start.

“Ngh …… Where’s the toilet ……?”

“Oh! Haruka’s restrooms have been fitted to accommodate wheelchairs! Please, take a picture for–––!”

“Are you trying to make me have an accident?!”

She runs off, clutching her tummy. Ayano sits with her camera out as we watch her go.

“I’ve never seen her so nervous,” she says.

Nervous?

Oh, because she’s about to get on a plane?

“That’s a first. I didn’t think Mio ever got nervous.”

“…… From what I can tell, Mio is always nervous when you’re around, Ai.”

“Huh?”

Wait …… What is she talking about? I started to ask, but Ayano and Charlette are happily looking out the window. I missed my chance.

One more thing.

The word terminal has another meaning besides a place where people gather …… Something completely different.

That’s–––the end, a conclusion.

That artificial island in the distance is now really close. The train is speeding the whole Grade Schooler Practice Group to the airport.

It’s the last stop we’ll ever have as a group.

We’ve arrived at Terminal 1 in Kansai International Airport, and the decorations in here are astounding.

The building doesn’t look like much from outside getting off the train.

But one step inside and it’s amazing!

Especially the fourth floor, where all the international counters are crowded together and people from all over the world are coming and going. The ceiling is hypnotic!

Mio looks up at it while rolling her suitcase behind her and starts talking to me.

“You’ve been here before, right?”

“I have! Master and I left from here when we went to Hawaii for his title match.”

“Hawaii ……!! I’m so jealous! Why couldn’t Papa have been transferred there instead?!”

It was the first match of the Ryuo Title Match last year.

I went there with other players from Kansai like Chairman Tsukimitsu, his secretary Miss Oga and other members of the Kiyotaki Shogi family. We all met here in this lobby before getting on the plane.

The Meijin and his group left from Narita Airport in Tokyo, so we didn’t see them until we landed in Honolulu. From there, we got in a limousine …… So many memories.

I have some fun memories from Hawaii, and some not so fun.

Bittersweet, like dark chocolate.

Just thinking about it made my heart sting until not too long ago.

But …… now I think of what happened with Master back then as what helped him get stronger. Sure, I hate being away from him, but ……

I try to sound upbeat and start explaining.

“You’ll need to go to the international gate area after going through security, okay? There’s a driverless train that will take you out to where your plane is!”

“There’s a train inside the airport?! WHOA!! I wanna ride it!”

“Hmmm …… Its official name is the Wing Shuttle. This pamphlet says it can travel at 30 km an hour.”

Ayano hasn’t said anything since she picked up a pamphlet inside the front door. Adjusting her glasses, she starts recounting things written on it one by one. It’s different from a real train, but I guess it’s close enough to get her attention. She is a fanatic ……

By the way, Ayano loves reading about anything and everything.

Books, pamphlets, whatever: Ayano reads and understands it right away.

I’ve heard she always gets good grades in school. That must be nice …… I’m good at a few subjects, but I’m horrible at the rest. I like books about Shogi, but the ones that explain strategy are hard to understand and make me sleepy …… Sigh.

Charlette comes up to Ayano and tugs at her shirt.

“Cha, Cha wants to see pwanse!”

“I wanna see the plane I’m gonna ride, too! Is there a spot where we can go to see it together?”

“Oh! There’s–––.”

Just as I start explaining,

“The Kansai Airport doesn’t have a typical deck where visitors can watch the planes. You will need to take a complimentary bus over to the Skyview observation area.”

*Thwmp!*

Ayano opens the pamphlet and reads it out loud before I can get in another word. I wanted to say that ……

“So, you won’t be able to watch my plane take off ……?”

“Actually, there’s a trade secret.”

“Trade secret?!”

“Exit the airport from the fourth floor and follow the pedestrian path all the way to the end, and we should be able to see the planes waiting their turn to take off.”

She did that much research?!

Wait …… How in the world did she find out about that?

“But I hear that it’s a very limited view. Most of the planes are blocked by the airport building. And you can’t see the runway.”

“A-Ayano …… Aren’t you a little too in-the-know? This is your first time here, right? How did you get trade secrets?”

“Through the grapevine …… Just like the way some train fans love taking pictures, airplane enthusiasts called spotters have their own network. That’s where I read about it.”

“S-Spot- …… ter? Anything like Harry Potter ……?”

“Not even close. They are people who spot airplanes.”

I still don’t get it.

Ayano goes on to say that people who enjoy taking pictures of individual plane models call themselves spotters. But instead of going sightseeing in other countries, they prefer taking pictures of the inside of the plane and the model number so they can refer back to them later.

I listen to what she’s saying, but I just can’t understand what people find so interesting about coming all the way to the airport just to take pictures of a model number ……

“Is it like the websites that talk for hours about what Shogi players order for lunch, maybe?”

That seems to be a good enough comparison for Mio.

“Still, you can see my plane from that path once it takes off, right? Wave at me and I’ll try to find you on the way up!”

“Sure!”

That’s a promise!

Mio gives us all a huge smile.

“Alrighty! What’s the first thing I have to do now that I’m here? Go to security?”

“First, you have to go to the airline service counter. They’ll give you your boarding pass and take your luggage. It’s a lot easier to walk around when you don’t have a big suitcase.”

I explain the process. This time, I’m faster than Ayano.

“Wow, you Women’s League senseis know your stuff! You guys are used to traveling all over the place! I’m glad I’ve got you here to help, Ai!”

He-he-he. That was nice of her to say!

“We had to wait in line a long time when we went to Hawaii, so we’d better go to the counter right away. Mio, what’s the airline? JAL? ANA?”

“Umm, let me see. It’s ……”

Actually, I can’t even tell how to pronounce it. Trusting some unknown company with my friend’s life is a little scary.

“C-Can we …… trust this company? I’ve never heard the name before, their counter is tucked in a back corner in the middle of nowhere, and no one else in line is Japanese ……”

“According to the website I found, they had an accident two years ago and only recently resumed business operations.”

“I’m dead ………… I’m so dead …………”

Why did you have to say that, Ayano?!

“B-But, look! The person behind the counter is Japanese! Ask her as many questions as you want before you get on! Then you don’t have to worry, right?!”

“I agree. No one will understand Japanese once you’re on the plane, so now is the time to gather information. The correct brace posture, for example ……”

AYANO!!!

Everyone’s worried, but Mio doesn’t have a choice. She has to take their airplane. Just like in Shogi, there are no mulligans with air travel.

Mio starts to get ahold of herself once she understands that.

Shogi really taught her how to hang tough!

But she gets more anxious the closer we get to the front of the line. Fidgeting, she turns to me to say, “I-It feels like I’m waiting for one of those surprise bag inspections at school ……”

“Relax, Mio. You’re allowed to have manga and toys with you here.”

“Agh! I totally forgot to get back from her the manga Kanegasaka-sensei took away from me!”

Misao Kanegasaka-sensei is our class 5-4’s homeroom teacher. She’s good at teaching, but she’s stricter than all the other teachers at school.

She found out that Mio brought a volume of old baseball manga to lend to one of the boys and confiscated it, but–––.

“That manga was yours?! She had the whole series on her desk when I went to talk to her.”

“She bought the rest?!”

It’s our turn at the counter before we know it.

Mio rolls her suitcase up to it, undoes the lock and shows the woman what’s inside her backpack.

“Do you have a mobile smartphone battery with you?”

“Nope! I don’t!”

“Any liquids?”

“Yes! In these little bottles here!”

Big bottles aren’t allowed on planes, so Mio had to pour them all into little bottles from a 100-yen shop. “This one is soy sauce, this is ketchup, that’s my mother’s recipe ……,” she explains one by one. That’s a lot of sauces.

The woman holds one of the bottles up to the light and asks, “What is this here? Lighter fluid is strictly prohibited–––.”

“Oh! That’s camellia oil!”

“Camellia oil ……? Is it a beauty product? Or for aromatherapy?”

“No, no. It’s to clean my Shogi boards.”

“Sh-Shogi boards?”

“Yes. That’s what these wooden boards are here. That one’s eight inches thick, this one is two. The pieces are in these boxes here. Oh, and this is a chess clock, those come together to make a piece stand, that’s a fan …… Ah! It’s signed by the Meijin, so should I have declared it under valuables?!”

“……………”

Mio explains as she takes things out of her suitcase one by one. She’s being very detailed, but the woman doesn’t know about Shogi, so all the extra information is just making her more confused.

Mio must be really nervous because she is talking a lot faster than she usually does.

And, that leads to–––.

“What’s this ……?”

“I’ve never seen it before ……”

“Let the supervisor know ……”

Airline employees are having a meeting behind the counter!

“Ughhh …… This is just like the time I found that endangered lizard and the teachers called me into the office ……”

Mio …… Why would you pick it up ……?

It looks like they can’t make a decision on their own, so one of them leaves to go talk to their manager.

“I apologize, Miss Mizukoshi. Can I ask you to wait for the time being?”

“Oh, yes! I’m fine, but ……”

She looks back at us apologetically, but we smile and nod.

“I can wait with you!”

“I also don’t have any plans today.”

“Cha, Cha’s gonna stay wid Miow!”

So we get out of the line and find a spot close to the counter to wait for them to make up their minds.

Mio anxiously says, “………… This is turning into a big deal ……”

“Aha-ha. You’re probably the first person who’s ever tried to take oil for cleaning Shogi boards onto an airplane.”

It’s a foreign company, too, so they might not even know what Shogi is. It wasn’t in their manual, that’s for sure.

“But Ai? What did you do for the title match if you couldn’t take camellia oil with you? The Ryuo Title Match started in Hawaii, didn’t it?”

“Yes, but that board was used for just that one match. Don’t you think they cleaned it in Japan before they went?”

“Ah, I gotcha.”

“But who knows how many years you’ll be over there. There’s a chance you’ll need to clean the boards, so I think you’ll need that oil, Mio,” I tell her, but Ayano has a question.

“You say so, but simply wiping the board with a cloth is enough in most cases. I can’t think of a situation where the board would get so filthy that you would need something extra ……”

Mio’s answer is lightning quick.

“What if I use one as a table and spill noodles by accident?”

“The problem there isn’t how to clean. You’re not supposed to do that to begin with ……”

Master would kick me out of the Shogi family if I ever ate off one of his boards. The Kiyotaki line is very strict about that.

“And … oh yeah! They’ll get dirty if I play Shogi outside, right?!”

“Outside? Like, on a picnic?”

“There’s the mountains and the beach, too. Foreigners like doing things outside, don’t they? Saltwater and sea breezes would dry out the boards real quick.”

“Playing Shogi on the beach? Who’d ever …… Wait, we did ……”

More accurately, we meant to.

It looks like Mio remembers exactly what I’m talking about and looks off to nowhere in particular with nostalgia in her eyes.

“That’s right. All of us went to Awaji Island.”

“It’s already been over a year. My first summer in Osaka, a big trip to the beach …… but it was actually a Shogi field trip practice session.”

But it’s not the beach or even the Shogi that I remember most about that day ……

It looks like we’ll be here a while.

Now’s a good time to reminisce.

While we’re waiting for an official decision on whether camellia oil can be taken onto an airplane or not, the four of us relive that trip to the beach–––.

First floor of the Kansai Shogi Association building at the restaurant called Twelve.

Since the restaurant is inside the building, they make and deliver food for players to eat during lunch. My Master, Yaichi Kuzuryu-sensei, and his older sister apprentice, my Aun- …… Ginko Sora-sensei, have been regulars here for more than 10 years.

They sat side-by-side at the counter and ordered lunch a little later than usual. Both said what they wanted without looking at the menu.

“Dynamite, C Set.”

“…… You always order that, don’t you, Big Sis?”

“Problem?”

“No, I wouldn’t say that, but ……”

“Then, why are you eating butter rice like a child, Yaichi? It’s about time you started acting like you’re a title holder, don’t you think?” Sora-sensei snapped back at her mumbling little brother apprentice.

So, Master explained his reasoning has clearly and as upbeat as he could.

“Butter rice always looks so good when Ai orders it. She let me have a bite the other day and it was fantastic! Seriously, it’s the kind of flavor you get hooked on. You should try it for yourself, Big Sis. I’ll let you have some of mine.”

“………”

Ai–––bringing up Ai Hinatsuru, the name of the elementary school girl living with him (That’s me! He’s talking about me!), made Sora-sensei’s mood turn sour.

Her already sharp glare turned even sharper, and she puffed her cheeks just a little bit. He-he-he!

“Here you are, one butter rice.”

“Thanks! Yeah, that’s the stuff♪”

Master respectfully took the plate with both hands, but he didn’t notice Sora-sensei’s angry stare. That butter rice was all he was thinking about!

Mixed in with a full plate of golden rice were big helpings of shrimp, mushrooms and green peppers.

Then he took in the warm wonderful smell.

There’s not much to butter rice, but I love it. It’s the best …… and it reminds me of a very important day in my life.

Anyway, Sora-sensei’s mouth watered so much that she had to gulp it all down.

Ohhhhh? Didn’t she just say butter rice was for children? The body can’t lie, can it? It’s because she is still smooth and flat in those places!

“What do you think, Big Sis? Doesn’t it look delicious? You can have some if you want?”

“…………”

Stare …… Sora-sensei’s eyes were locked onto Masters butter rice, but then followed his spoon up to his lips. Hmmm ……!

She changed the subject, but her bangs seemed to bug her the whole time.

“…… More importantly, we need to talk about the trip next week.”

“Oh, yeah. Yes, we do.”

The Mynavi Women’s Open Shogi Tournament Preliminaries had just ended. The Shogi world’s short summer vacation had started.

As the Queen title holder, Sora-sensei will have to wait until the Mynavi Finals are over to find out who she has to play. But she had the five-match Women’s Throne Title Match and a chance to promote into the Sub League’s 3-dan division to worry about before then.

On top of all that, she’ll have even less time once school starts up again. So she absolutely needed this getaway Shogi camp to get better as quickly as possible.

…… That’s what she wanted everyone to think, but I’m sure what she really wanted was an excuse to be alone with Master away from me and the others!

“We’re going where you go every year on Awaji Island, right? The inn close to the beach.”

“Yes, we are, but …… There’s been a snag.”

“Huuh? What could possibly come up with a place that only has sand?”

“It’s not the location …… There’ve been some …… cancellations ……”

“Cancellations? Who?”

“Sir Ayumu ……”

“Sir? …… You mean Kannabe-sensei? Why?”

“Apparently, the designer for his favorite foreign brand up and decided to put on a last-minute show here in Japan, and he wants to go there instead.”

Ayumu Kannabe-sensei is a professional Shogi player from Kanto and also one of Master and Sora-sensei’s oldest friends.

He likes to call himself Ayumu God Cauldron and is rather unique. Like … he wears capes. Since I hadn’t met anyone else from Kanto, I thought everyone over there was like that at first.

Sora-sensei knew what God-sensei is like but gave up with an annoyed sigh.

“He never changes …………”

“Nope ……”

Everyone in the Shogi world has their own values and tastes. It’s said that the ones who stay true to who they are no matter what other people say are the ones who become professionals …… So I think that Sora-sensei is jealous that God-sensei doesn’t feel any pressure.

… Because going back on a promise isn’t an option for her.

Especially not when the new plan has nothing to do with Shogi ……

Gaps in talent show up in little ways like this every day. They leave marks on your heart that pop up the next time you play against them.

That’s why the best way to protect yourself is to pretend not to care. Watching Master recently, I’ve learned that being oblivious is a talent too.

“Well, one less person won’t make much of a–––.”

“A-About that …… Other people have canceled, too ……”

“Who?”

“All of the guys, other than me ……”

“HEY?!”

“Yes?!!”

Wham! Sora-sensei hit the table hard. All those years of living with her made Master reflexively jump out of his chair and protect himself.

Sora-sensei stood over him in a fighting stance and said threateningly, “That’s almost everyone!”

“See? That’s the snag.”

“They’ve found replacements, right?”

“If they had, I wouldn’t be here talking to you about it, Big Sis ……”

“Those little …… It’s common courtesy to send someone else in your place when you can’t attend a practice session. Do professionals and Sub League members have no sense of responsibility?”

“Umm …… Well, these trips have never been strictly practice sessions …… I mean, we spend most of our time on the beach ……”

“Maybe so, but the point of spending so much time together is to delve deeper into each other’s Shogi senses than you normally could, right? That’s clearly a practice session. And they just–––.”

“Big Sis. Your phone just buzzed.”

Sora-sensei broke off in the middle of her rant. Apparently, seeing the look of relief on Master’s face irked her.

I’ll punch him after this is the look she had on her face when she picked up the phone and saw–––.

“…… A message? I wonder who …………… Huh?!”

“Wh-What’s wrong?! Who’s it from, Big Sis?”

“…… Machi.”

“Machi sent you a message? What does it say?”

Machi Kugui-sensei holds the Yamashiro Oka title and is one of Kansai’s best-known players. She’s also been close with Master and Sora-sensei since they were kids just like God-sensei.

Born into a family that descended from nobles in Kyoto, there are a few irritating things about her, like her chest size, but she isn’t the type to break a promise …… is what Sora-sensei thought (I don’t think so, though. I see her as a second Master, really!).

At least she did until reading that message.

“………… Her family decided to take a trip out of the blue and now she would like to cancel her spot ……”

“Whaaat?! With her gone, it would just be the two of us going!”

“T-True ……”

“What are we supposed to do now? Canceling reservations will cost money and finding people to take their places now is going to be a major pain,” Master groaned with his head in his hands on the counter.

Meanwhile, Sora-sensei kept saying “true,” but couldn’t leave her bangs alone. Then she completely changed her tone.

“B-But …… Maybe it’s easier this way? W-We can have the place to ourselves ……”

“Huuuh? That’d be exactly the same as us practicing in the Association Player’s Room like we always do! That’s boring.”

“Ugh ……”

Sora-sensei’s shoulders drooped. Pwf-he-he-he!

“We’ve got to invite some more people …… I got it! How about we invite Keika?”

“Huh? W-Well, sure …… That’s okay …… If it’s, Keika ……”

“Hang on, I’ll call her right now!”

“Um ……”

Too bad, Auntie, too bad. Pwf-he-he-he!

Keika Kiyotaki is Kousuke Kiyotaki, Master and Sora-sensei’s Master’s, only daughter.

She’s almost more than family to the two of them after they spent over 10 years living under the same roof as Grandpa-sensei’s live-in apprentices.

Kind of like an older sister …… Well, maybe closer to a mother?

“Hello, Keika? It’s Yaichi. You got a minute? Yeah. You know how we’re going to Awaji Island next week? The trip we take every year. Yeah.”

“…………”

Master knew there was no way she would turn him down. He started explaining the details as Sora-sensei watched with mixed emotions. It’s obvious what she had in mind!

“The thing is, a bunch of people have canceled last minute. Yeah, exactly! So I was wondering if you’d like to come along. Oh, no, no! We can help you get ready for the Mynavi Finals, no sweat! Win one more and you’re officially a Women’s League player! He-he!”

Keika was still training to join the Women’s League.

Normally she’d have to promote another rank in the Practice League, but there’s a special rule that allows amateurs with good tournament results to become Women’s League players. It’s really hard to do, but ……

Keika made it through the Preliminaries.

Her first opponent in the Finals was set: Women’s Legend Rina Shakando. Master tried to use that to convince her that a big practice session is just what she needed.

“So what do you think? Can you come? It’s Monday to Tuesday next week. Big Sis and I are the only ones going right now, so you don’t have to worry about ………… Huh? Keika? You’re not feeling well? But you sounded just fine until a second ago …… It snuck up on you? ………… Food poisoning? A-Are you okay?!”

Keika …… That was so obvious ……

“…… Yes, okay. …… Alright. Hm? Big Sis? She’s right here next to me, why?”

Master is so trusting that he fell for her big fat lie right off the bat.

“…… Yeah …… Okay, I’ll tell her ………… Feel better soon ……”

Master hung up the phone but was clearly confused.

Sora-sensei nervously worked up the courage to ask, “……………… What did …… Keika have to say?”

“I’m not really sure. She says she’s not feeling well, and we should go on without her.”

“I-I see …………… I hope she’s okay ……”

“Oh, and she wanted me to tell you to try harder than you ever have in your life.”

“S-She did ……?”

“What is there to try hard for? The two of us are just going on an overnight trip to practice Shogi.”

“………… Hauuu.”

Sora-sensei blushed and stared at her feet. Mrgh!!

But Master was too spaced out to notice that or Keika’s scheme. Oblivious ……

“Aw, man. I was really looking forward to this trip. I’ve been so busy with my apprentice since she showed up last spring that I haven’t really had time to do anything with players my own age. This trip was going to be my chance to relax with everybody.”

“I-I see ………… That’s too bad ……”

“No kidding.”

“L-Looks like there’s no choice but for the two of us to go …… which is too bad.”

“What a waste. It’ll cost money to cancel those extra rooms ……”

“B-But …… with the trip so soon, finding five people to go with us is impossible, isn’t it?”

“Yes, you’re right ……”

Sora-sensei lit up like she had the words a trip to the beach, just the two of us! written all over her face. M-Master! Noooo!!

Then, almost like he heard my heart screaming out–––.

“Hm? …… Five?”

That’s when it came to him in a flash.

Five people who weren’t professional players or Women’s League players–––five elementary school girls.

Mio presses her face up against the window and shouts with glee while Keika drives the big van with all of the Grade Schooler Practice Group members inside. We all look outside.

“It’s the Akashi Strait!” Ayano, the smartest of all of us, says.

“Cha?! Cha’s neber been to a bweach in Japon!!”

“Ch-Charlette!! You’ll get hurt jumping around in the car like that!”

Charlette can’t contain her excitement and gets out of her seat for a closer look!

There’s someone sitting at the very back corner of the van trying to ignore the rest of us.

“Hmph …… Such a child. It’s just the ocean. No big deal.”

The fifth member of our group: Ai Yashajin.

She’s my younger sister apprentice, but she is already as good as the senseis in the Women’s League. Almost no one in the Practice League can win against her.

She’s a bit of a loner and not the easiest to talk to, but …… that’s not stopping Mio.

“That’s because you live in Kobe, Ten-chan! You see the beach every day.”

“Hey, what’s this Ten-chan nonsense?! Are you addressing me?!”

“Yep! I was thinking Yasshi at first because Yashajin, but Ten-chan, after the first Chinese character in your name, sounds so much cuter, don’t you think?!”

Mio grins like she’s expecting a thank you, but Ten-chan is so angry that she whacks her in the back of the head a few times.

“B-Be serious, will you?! What right do you have to address me by a nickname when I outrank you?! I won’t allow it, ever!”

“But everyone calls you that already in the Practice League.”

“That’s your fault to begin with!! We aren’t pals, friends or anything of the sort!”

“Okay, um …… Ten-san?”

“I am not Tien Shinhan!!”

Ten-chan watches more anime than I thought!

“Tenshii han!”

“You stay out of this, half pint! I’ll make you cry!!”

Not even Charlette is safe from Ten-chan’s rampage. B-Be nice!

Ayano and I jump in to stop her.

“T-Ten-chan, calm down ……”

“Listen to her, Ten-chan. Charlette is only six, so she doesn’t know any better.”

“Which is why I’m teaching her not to use weird nicknames out of the blue!”

When suddenly a teasing voice comes from the driver’s seat.

“I don’t see the problem. It’s cute, if you ask me. Ten-chan.”

“…… Old Hag.”

“Yes, yes, Old Hag Keika, at your service my lady. Now, here’s some nice candy for you to suck on.”

Then Keika pulls hard candy out of a polka-dotted plastic baggie and tauntingly shakes them in the palm of her hand.

She and Ten-chan have played each other twice in the Practice League, and Keika won convincingly in their second match. Since she got the last laugh, Ten-chan can’t stand the way things are and sees her as a sworn enemy.

Ten-chan is more talented and has a higher ranking, but only winning will make the pain of loss go away.

“Hmph …… Keep your stupid candy.”

Which is why she sticks up her nose and refuses.

But the rest of us are thrilled!

“Cha, Cha wants cwandy!!”

“Me too, me too! Keika, gimme some!” Mio sounds giddy.

“Sure, sure. Make sure to share them, okay?”

“We will!”

Candy, yay! We divide them up and enjoy♡

Why is candy so much sweeter when you’re on a trip than at home?

“……… You’re all so childish. The future scares me ……”

Ten-chan crosses her arms, leans all the way back in her seat, and closes her eyes. I hope she opens up a little bit while we’re there.

Everyone’s having a good time at the back of the van, but ……

I join in when I can, but I’m more focused on catching every word of the conversation happening between the front seats and the captains’ chairs.

“You actually got the high and mighty Ai Yashajin to be quiet? That’s impressive, Keika! You’re a huge help! Sorry for making you drive, too.”

“Once I heard that you replaced everyone who’s not coming with the girls, I had to come along to make sure everything was alright …… And, any reason I had for saying no went away, too.”

“Hm? I didn’t catch that last part.”

“I said I’m a little nervous because this is my first time driving an eight-seater.”

“Oh, I see.”

Master has a talent for not hearing the inconvenient things, which is great for competitors. So, of course, he completely misses Keika’s offhanded comment. Very convenient! Darabuchi ……

“But it’s nice having a big van like this. We can do all sorts of things in here.”

“Hah! All sorts of things in a black van packed full of little girls? Whatever could you mean by that?”

“H-Hey, Big Sis! Why do you have to make it sound dirty like that?! Wh-What I mean is …… There’s enough room to change in here.”

“Yeah right,” Sora-sensei snaps.

“…… Um, Keika? Don’t you think Big Sis is being overly harsh? I know that almost no one who signed up to go is here, but how’s that my fault ……?”

“Hmmm. Nope, that’s all your fault, Yaichi.”

“Whaaa- ……?”

Keika can’t believe how confused Master is right now.

“My word …… People went as far as faking sick to give you space, too. Then you go out of your way to invite elementary school girls instead. Ginko has every right to be upset with you.”

“Hang on, hang on. I know Big Sis doesn’t like kids, and I’m sorry about that. But with the Mynavi Tournament going on and all my practice sessions in Tokyo, my schedule has been full up with Shogi. There hasn’t been any time to take them anywhere, right? I’ve got my title defense to prepare for once summer is over …… Now’s the only chance for them to make some summer memories. How does that make me the bad guy?”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Who knows? Why don’t you ask Ginko about it once we get to the beach?”

“Wh-What?! She’ll kill me!”

“Pray that it’s quick☆”

I pretend to stare out the window while listening to Master and Keika going back and forth, but actually I keep a close eye on Sora-sensei the whole time …… Okay, I’m doing a stakeout.

Beaches can be dangerous in summer!

The van pulls up to one of Awaji Island’s beaches where people can swim.

It’s still too early to check in at the inn, so we park outside and go to the beach first!

Master is the first one out of the car and brags like it’s his personal beach. But he was right about it being more beautiful than I ever imagined.

Mio undoes her seatbelt and dashes right for the water! Charlette and I are right behind her.

“Wooow! The sand, the waves! They’re all so pretty!”

“Da swand, it’s allll white!”

“It sure is, Charlette! The white sand is what makes the water look so clear!”

I never knew there was a beautiful beach like this so close to Osaka!

We were in such a rush to come out here we forgot to put on our swimsuits first. Mio, Charlette and I flick off our sandals and race to the water’s edge.

Whoa! It feels great between my toes♪

“H-Hmph …… It’s not bad.”

Ten-chan slowly meanders her way over. She’s has been acting so uninterested this whole time, like this beach isn’t amazing! Reeeeally?! Just look at the water!

“Pretty great, isn’t it? My seniors back when I was in the Sub League brought me out here. Mr. Kagamizu, too. We’ve been coming out here to do practice sessions once a year ever since. We’ll be staying at the same inn, too.”

“Staying at an inn so close to the beach with everyone is a dream come true! We’ll make so many lifelong memories!”

“Yep! This is gonna be a blast!”

Ayano agrees with Master. But Mio has a question for me.

“You know, Ai? Your family’s hotel is right on the coast, right? Don’t you get tired of seeing beaches?”

“…… The Sea of Japan is a bit …… rougher, I guess. And …… darker, too ……”

“O-Oh ……”

Plus, the swimming areas in Ishikawa Prefecture, like Uchinada and Chirihama, have dark brown sand for the most part, so the water isn’t clear like this ……

“Ah! But, that means the seafood’s good! Like the fish, clams, crabs ……”

All the rough waves make the fish grow up nice and strong, which makes them delicious! That’s what my dad told me, and he’s a chef!

“Cha, Cha wants shwells!”

Master pats Charlette on the head much longer than he needed and to says, “You want to go find some shells, do you? Wouldn’t it be great if there are lots and lots?”

“Wei!”

“What kind do you want to find?”

“Scallwops!”

“S-Scallops? Alright, let’s go see ……”

Master isn’t sure what to say, but Ten-chan is a lot blunter.

“There aren’t any scallops here, are you kidding?”

“T-Ten-chan?! There could be scallops or abalone shells around. We just have to look!”

“Cha, Cha’s gowing to dig dem up!”

Charlette starts running down the beach, but Master picks her up from behind before she makes it two steps.

“Hold on there, Charlette!”

“Fwhaa?”

“You need to put on sunscreen before you go. Your skin is naturally pale, so you’ll get sunburned right away if you don’t have sunscreen on.”

“Swunbuwnt?”

“Yeah. Your skin will hurt all over if you don’t rub this on.”

Then Master suddenly pulls a tube of cream out of his pocket and shows her.

That’s just like you, Master! Always prepared for anything!

“Umm …… Cha doewsn’t wike ouwies!”

“Right? That’s what this white cream is for. That way, you won’t get ouwies.”

“…………… Oh?”

Charlette looks back and forth between the cream and Master with her big green eyes.

Then, she says.

“Masta, wub wub?”

“Huh?! M- …… Me ……?”

“Wei!”

Charlette looks right up at him, pulls up her shirt–––and delivers the final blow.

“Masta …… Wub da cweam all ober Cha?”

Master’s switch flipped. I heard it myself. The sound of his lolicon mode turning on ……

He starts panting, almost gasping for air as he puts a big dab of the white cream onto the palm of his hand, his eyes bloodshot …… Then he reaches out for Charlette’s smooth skin.

“O-Okay …… I’ll rub some sunscreen on you, so take off your–––.”

“That’s far enough, perv.”

Thwack!! Sora-sensei’s roundhouse kick hits Master squarely in his ribs. Nice one!

Master almost does a flip in the air before landing face first in the sand. Even then, he still tries to get back up. Lolicons are even harder to keep down than the King in the middle of the Shogi board.

“B-But wait, Big Sis. Think of what will happen if Charlette gets sunburned …… Just think of how perfect it’d be if she had swimsuit tan lines …… is not what I meant. What I’m saying is, she has delicate skin, so she has to be extra careful ……”

“Then ask either Keika or I to help her!”

“Ah?! Wh-Why didn’t I think of that ……?!”

Exactly! Master, you dara!!

“Over here, Charlette. Come on back to the van and I’ll put sunscreen on you, okay?” Keika calls to her.

“Fwhaa? Keika will wub it on Cha?”

“I sure will! Hey, girls! You should put some sunscreen on, too! Let me help! Oh, and Yaichi? Carry all of our stuff down to the water, would you?”

Keika rescues our whole practice group from Master who deserves this punishment.

Then Sora-sensei lands another kick right on her younger brother apprentice’s behind and says coldly, “You heard her. Get moving, lolicon perv.”

“Ngh ……! I-I didn’t do anything ……”

“Shut up and drop dead, lolicon. Only dead lolicons are allowed to exist.”

That’s the one thing that I agree with Sora-sensei on. Doufu!

Master gets the last bag out of our black van, drops it down on the plastic sheet we’re using as a beach blanket and wipes the sweat off his face.

“Catch your breath later. Put the sunshade umbrella up.”

Sora-sensei issues more demands like a cold heartless prison guard without letting Master rest.

“………… You could do that much yourself, Big Sis ……”

“Do it.”

“Alright ……”

“I have weak skin and I’ll die working out in the sun. You know that.”

“…… Yes, that’s true, but it also wouldn’t kill you to show your cuter side every once in a while ……,” Master mumbles to himself.

Sora-sensei hides her mouth behind the fan and whispers, “………… Says the guy who does anything to make cute little girls happy ……”

“Did you say something, Big Sis?”

“I said, drop dead, lolicon.”

“Look, I’m not like that–––.”

Oh no!

My sensor is going wild. This mood is dangerous! They’re fighting, like usual, but this is the beach in the summer this time! At this rate, it’ll take a romantic turn ……!

So I jump between them like a Knight leaping across the board.

“Um …… Master? Does this swimsuit look good on me?”

Yes, look, look! I went all the way to a department store in Umeda to find exactly the type of swimwear he likes best♡

Since I live with him, of course I know exactly what draws his eyes on TV or in magazines. It’s time to show off the results of my research!

“Ahhh! Ai! Don’t run off like that!”

Tch ……

Just when I had the Master’s eyes all to myself, the other girls barge in with their own swimsuits on.

“Kujyuru-sensei, what’cha think of mine?! Cute, isn’t it?!” Mio says with a big smile.

“Cha, is Cha cute?”

“Th-This style of bathing suit is …… a little embarrassing ……,” Ayano mumbles.

“Or so you say, four eyes. Showing off that much skin, really ……?” Ten-chan scoffs at her.

Mio’s got one of those sporty one-piece swimsuits on.

Charlette’s is all frilly and oh so cute. Cute as a button.

Ayano …… I didn’t know she was this daring! And the way she’s fidgeting and trying to hide it is almost suggestive ……

As for Ten-chan, hers is more simplistic and stylish. After all she said about not wanting to come, her bringing her own suit is kind of adorable.

Everyone is cute in their own way.

M-Master is going to look at all of them, I just know it!

“Ahhh …… Hello there, angels ……♡”

Just what I was afraid of: Master is hypnotized by their swimsuits and won’t stop staring …… But his eyes stay on Charlette a full six seconds longer than on me. Grrrr ……

Then Sora-sensei says in a chilly voice right under the summer sun, “Drop dead, lolicon.”

“How many times do I have to tell you I’m not a lolicon! I’m way more interested in Keika’s bikini than anyone else if you haven’t noticed!”

Yay! So much for a romantic turn!

But Master, you won’t be getting dinner when we get home tomorrow night.

“Yaichiii. Thanks for the compliment, really, but you can’t say things like that in front of Ai or Ginko, understood?”

Keika is …… big. I won’t say what or where, but …… they’re big.

The only one of us not wearing a swimsuit, Sora-sensei scoffs.

“…… So what? If I had a bikini on, I’d do just as well ……”

“As flat as you are ……?”

“Want a pike through your head, Trash?”

“W-Wow! Just look at this weather, it’s beautiful! Perfect for a day at the beach! Oh! Ai, would you help me out for a second?”

“Uwhee? What do you want me to do?”

“I want your help putting suntan lotion on.”

“You want a tan, Master?”

What a surprise!

After all he said about getting sunburned …… Why?

“Shogi is an indoor sport, right? I don’t get many chances to have a tan. So I thought I’d do the manly thing this summer and go golden brown!”

M-Master, a macho man ……?!

“I-I’d be happy to help!”

I like Master how he is, kind and everything, but imagining him as a bit of a wild bad boy? So cool!!

A-And I’m …… on a trip with ………… that bad boy ……

Haauu haauuuu♡

“Cha, too! Cha wants to wub wub!”

“Y-You have done so much for me over the past few months, Kuzuryu-sensei …… I would like to repay you and help, as well!”

Since Charlette and Ayano said so, they each take one of Master’s legs.

“I won’t, ever!! That oily lotion makes my hands feel gross!” Ten-chan refuses right away.

“Ahahahahaha! Look, it’s all slippery!”

Mio squirts a whole bunch of it on her body and then rubs it off on Master’s back all at once. Great idea!

Alright! Mio showed me how, so I’ll do it, too!

“What do you think, Master? Are we using enough oil?”

The Dragon King sounds as happy as can be as the four of us girls lather him up.

“…… I feel like a King with a complete Strawberry Castle ……”

“Die, perv!!”

Sora-sensei charges in like she’s playing beach soccer and drives her foot right into Master’s head.

“Owch?! Hey, Big Sis!! My head isn’t some soccer ball!”

“M-Master?! Are you okay?!”

That was mean, Auntie! What in the world do you think you’re doing?!

“Owww …… Geez, I keep telling you not to hit me in the head, remember?! What if I get worse at Shogi because you killed too many brain cells, huh?! What then?!!”

“You should be more concerned about your reputation than brain cells, perv!!”

“Huuuuh?! I was just having my apprentices put some suntan lotion on me! How is that perverted?”

“Exactly! This is normal for Masters and apprentices!”

I’m the one who gives Master massages after his bath every now and then!

Sora-sensei takes out her smartphone.

“If it’s so normal, you wouldn’t care if I shot a video and uploaded it to the Internet, would you?”

“Not the web, not the web, please, not the web, anything but the web. This was my bad, all my bad!!”

Master presses his forehead against the hot sand.

Hissss …… Is that his skin burning? I think I can smell it ……

“Why? All you were doing was having your apprentices rub you down with suntan oil. There’s nothing dirty about that, is there?”

“Ugh …… Keika! Big Sis is bullying me ……”

“Let her do what she wants for now. This situation is your fault anyway.”

Once Keika says that to Master, she turns to us.

“Alright, girls! Kuzuryu-sensei will be busy getting roasted here on the beach for a while, so let’s all go for a swim!”

“Coming!”

I’m a little worried about Master, but this is going to take some time. It’s really getting hot out, so I’ll go swim with everyone!

“Awww ……”

“Don’t groan because you’re sad to see them go, you piece of lolicon trash.”

Master watches us with envy as we wade into the water, but Sora-sensei kicks him again. S-Sorry, Master ……

As the first apprentice, I have to strengthen our bonds for the sake of the Kuzuryu Shogi family in Master’s place!

“Hey! Ten-chan! Come play with us!”

“I told you not to call me that, did I not?!”

Ten-chan ignores my outstretched hand. But she must be a little bit interested in the beach because she follows me like a kitty pretending not to care about a toy. Twiddling her thumbs, she asks me, “…… Play what, exactly?”

“I brought a big beach ball, look! Let’s play beach volleyball!” Mio yells with glee.

This’ll be so much fun!

We start dividing up into teams, but–––.

“Nope, I’m going to have to stop you right there.”

Master, still limping from Sora-sensei’s kicks, tells us no. Uwheee?

“No beach volleyball.”

“Huuuh? Why not?”

“You can’t play Shogi if you stub your fingers, right?”

“Ah, true ……”

Disappointment sets in, but Mio steps up and says, “Then we’ll just play beach soccer!”

“No soccer, either.”

“Whaaaat?!”

But why? You don’t use your hands in soccer ……

“You can’t sit on your ankles with proper posture if you hurt your feet.”

That’s true, too …… Now that I think about it, hurting my foot might be worse! Especially because girls are only allowed to sit in proper seiza when we play on tatami mats.

“But, then what? What can we play?” I ask Master.

He thinks it over for a moment.

“Hmm …… Shogi, maybe?”

“Then why did we come out to the beach at all?!” exclaims Mio with the beach ball in her arms as she looks out over the sand.

Aha-ha …… She has a point.

Keika and Ayano calmly talk it over.

“Well, there shouldn’t be any harm in going for swim.”

“And I would like to try building a sand castle.”

Then, Charlette holds up the toy shovel she brought from home and says, “Cha, Cha want to fwind sea shewws!”

She’s going to search for shells on the beach?!

Mio turns back to us with a start and jumps up like she’s got springs in her feet. Slapping Ten-chan on the back, “Alriiighty!! Ten-chan, I’ll race you to the water!”

“What?! Wh-Why do I have to play along with your little race?!”

“The loser buys the winner ice cream! Ready, go!!”

“Agh! W-Wait for me!!”

Ten-chan hates to lose, no matter what it is, and chases Mio as fast as she can.

“I-I’m coming too!” I call out after them. We can all swim together!

Ayano and Charlette are talking behind me.

“Charlette, I’ll relax with you here on the beach.”

“Find sea shewws?”

It sounds like Charlette hasn’t given up on finding scallops. I-I hope she has some luck!

Master and Sora-sensei are talking a little further behind them, too.

“It sure looks like they’re having a great time …… I came here determined to get a tan, but I think I’ll go join them instead.”

“So? Go ahead.”

“Um ………… Big Sis?”

“What?”

“It’s just, I can’t get up with your hand on top of mine like that ……”

“How is that my problem? And besides, you put your hand under mine. Changing your mind now, are you?”

“Huh? You’re the one who put your hand on mine, Big Sis, no matter how you look at it ……”

“Are you brain-dead? You’re the one who put your hand beneath mine, perv.”

“…… It doesn’t matter how it got there, would you just please get off my hand?”

“Huuh? Why do I have to move? Figure something out yourself.”

“B-But you’re putting all your weight on it, Big Sis ……”

“Stupid Yaichi.”

“Yeesh …… What are you trying to do, anyway? Good grief ………… Fine, then. I’ve been going back and forth from Tokyo so much in the past few weeks, I’ll take it slow and just watch the waves today.”

“…… That’s better.”

Darabuchi ……

Well, Sora-sensei does have very sensitive skin, so maybe she can’t play on the beach even with plenty of sunscreen. I feel a little sorry for her, so …… I’ll lend Master to her for now.

But just while I’m swimming, okay?

“Everyone, don’t go too far out, understand?” Keika calls out to us with her big boobies almost spilling out.

Darabuchi ……

“Whoa! How do you swim so fast, Ai?!”

“Come on, Mio, Ten-chan! Keep up!”

“I’ve already told you plenty of times: STOP CALLING ME THAT!”

I grew up on the coast, so I love swimming in the ocean! There’s a trick to swimming with the waves that you can’t learn in a pool, so Mio and Ten-chan keep getting pulled back.

Meanwhile on the beach, Charlette and Ayano–––.

“Cha, Cha’s got swand in her bwathing suit. Itchwy.”

“Ch-Charlette!! You mustn’t take it off here!!”

Ayano jumps up to stop Charlette from trying to get the sand out of her swimsuit.

Yes, that’s exactly right!

There’s no telling where perverts might be hiding, so swimming suits must stay on at all times! The beach during the summer is really dangerous!

For example …… Right there.

The pervert watching from the plastic sheet–––.

“…… Grade schoolers are the best.”

Turns out to be Master.

“Drop dead, Trash!!”

And Sora-sensei lands a powerful dropkick. What a relief!

“Ouch! Wh-What was that for, Big Sis?!”

“Don’t fess up with that smirk on your face! Trash! Perv! Loli-King!”

“Look, I was just commenting on how grade schoolers can adapt and have fun with each other! It’s kind of nice, that’s all!!”

“Shut up, lolicon.”

“I’m not, okay?! I was just thinking how pure and innocent they are playing on this beautiful beach–––.”

“Lolicon ……”

“……………… Sorry.”

Since Master is tied to the shore until the sun goes down, the rest of us forget all about Shogi and have a great time on the beach.

Master comes here every year, so the owner of the inn is very friendly!

After a nice bath, we sit down for a big dinner. I’m starving, so I eat and eat and eat until there’s no room left.

“Ahhh, I’m so full!”

I pat my round tummy through my yukata robe and Mio lays down on the tatami mat. Charlette does the same thing, landing right on top of her.

“Ooph!” goes Mio.

I know it’s bad manners, but …… I want to lay down, too.

“All of those dishes were delicious!”

Just as Ayano said, everything the inn served was better than we thought it would be.

Even as the daughter of a family-run inn, I have to give it a perfect score.

It didn’t have the same detailed textures as the food dad makes, but they brought out all the natural flavors extremely well. And the famous Awaji Island–grown onions are surprisingly sweet!

I grimace a little bit as I pour tea for everyone.

“My skin stung a little in the bath, though.”

“That’s because you were outside for too long …… So, when are we going to play Shogi? The half pint has called it a night already and the old hag looks like she’s drunk.”

Ten-chan is right. Charlette is using Mio’s tummy like a pillow and can’t keep her eyes open.

“Fahha ………… Cha …… Cha’s weawwy sweepy ……”

“Sssorry? I helped myself to a beer♪”

“Ehehe♡,” the older younger sister apprentice laughs with a silver can in her hand. We girls of the Kiyotaki line hold our heads in shame while the eldest brother grimaces just looking at her.

“Keika ……”

“…… Hey, what could it hurt? It’s summer vacation ……”

Ten-chan shakes her head back and forth, mouthing “my word,” before letting Master have it.

“Sigh …… Well, Sensei. Wasn’t this supposed to be an overnight Shogi practice session? I fail to understand why we bothered coming out here at all.”

“Easy there. We’ve got all morning to play Shogi, so we’ll get up early and ……”

I’m really tired tonight, so I’m with Master on this one! But I wonder if I’ll be able to get up in the morning.

Then again, it seems like I’ve got nothing to worry about.

“Cha, Cha wants ta sweep wid Masta in his futown ……”

Wiping her eyes, Charlette gets up from lying on Mio and steps on her to get closer to Master.

“Ouph!” Mio grunts. Ahaha! She sounds like a frog!

Hey! Wait, wait!!

“Sleep with me in my futon?! N-N-No, Charlette! That’s a no-no!”

“Why? Cha, Cha is Masta’s bwide.”

The first to say anything is Sora-sensei.

She had been quietly sipping her tea, but she couldn’t let Charlette’s comment pass, as no dual Woman’s title holder would.

“Listen, Big Sis! What she’s saying is–––.”

“Charlette took Master’s promise to make her his bride seriously. Those were Master’s exact words. Mio and Ayano can confirm it right here. Isn’t that right?” I cut off Master to say.

“W-Well, uh ……”

“I-If you asked if I heard him say it …… Yes, I heard ……”

The two of them can’t say much, but both Mio and Ayano agree with me. The tables have turned.

With all of us vouching for the same story, Sora-sensei turns to her younger brother apprentice and quietly says his name. “Yaichi.”

“Y-Yesh ……?”

“You are about to embark on a long, long journey. Is there anything you would like to do while you still have the chance? I think this’ll be an extremely long summer vacation for you.”

“Wh-What do you mean by that ……?”

“I’m taking you on a long trip …… to prison.”

“You mean you’re turning me in?! Keika, save me! Big Sis wants to turn me over to the police!”

“Yaichi …… I’ll be sure to bring your favorite Habutae-mochi rice cakes during visitation hours ……”

“Don’t give up so soon, Keika! Please, don’t give up!”

Master loves those rice cakes from Fukui Prefecture, but it will be difficult to enjoy them behind bars, won’t it?

Well, Master is underage, so maybe it’ll be juvenile hall?

“Oh no! Master is going to be locked in a cage! …… Then again, I won’t have to worry about him getting too close to other girls. Maybe it’s better this way?”

“Don’t say scary things like that, Ai!!”

It’s because of your bad behavior, Master.

“Ooooh, I got it!!”

Keika, still holding that beer can in her hand, jumps to her feet–––.

“……………… Huh?”

The room goes quiet.

It takes everyone a moment to process the meaning of those words …… But Charlette couldn’t figure it out and tilts her head, confused.

“Woweekon whitmas twest?”

“No, no. Lolicon litmus test.”

Mio corrects her and Charlette tries again.

“Wowiikan weetas vest?”

“Try again, lo-li-con lit-mus test.”

“Wowi …… we?”

“Li! Lit-mus t-e-s-t!”

“Wimus twist?”

“Yeah, that’s good enough!”

“Wimus♡”

No fair. Too cute.

“Ahhh …… Such an angel.”

“Tch.”

Smack! Sora-sensei whacks Master on the back of his head with the slipper off her own foot.

“Ouch! What was that for?! I didn’t do anything!!”

“You’re gross!”

Doufu.

Wait! More importantly–––.

“Um …… Keika? What is a lolicon litmus test ……?”

“It’s my way of seeing just how much of a lolicon Yaichi is☆”

I’ve never seen Keika this giddy before. Even Sora-sensei looks worried.

“…… Keika, are you drunk?”

“Drunk? Ohhh, nope, nope! Noooot at all!”

She’s …… very drunk.

“Plastered, that’s what you are ……,” Ten-chan says with a groan and puts a bag of Shogi pieces back into her travel pack. Sorry, you wanted to play Shogi, didn’t you?

But …… I don’t think tonight’s the night for it ……!

“So, Keika? How does the test work?”

“Great question! You see, all of us girls here are going to ask Yaichi out on a date!”

She must not have been expecting that, because Sora-sensei screams.

“WHAAAAAAT?! A-Ask out …… o-on a d- …… Huuuuuh?!”

Next, it’s Ten-chan’s turn. She stands straight up with the piece bag still clutched in her hand.

“Wh-Why must I say such a thing to this piece of trash?!”

“Ten-chan, I am your Master, remember ……?”

Master looks at her with a twinge of sadness in his eyes. He may be used to Sora-sensei tearing him to shreds, but it looks like his own apprentice rejecting him really hurts.

Hmm …… Actually, that reaction makes me feel ……

“Pretend: it’s just pretend. But we get to see just how much Yaichi blushes when each one of us asks him!”

Thump! Mio puts her hands together. She must’ve just gotten it.

“I see! If he turns bright red when you ask him out, Keika, he’s not lolicon at all! But if he blushes his brains out when Charlette asks, he’s a heavy-duty lolicon! Right?!”

“Th-That’s a revolutionary idea!” Ayano agrees.

Now that I think about it …… This might be great!!

“Revolutionary? That’s way over the top! And Keika, get a hold of yourself! No guy wants to be pretend asked out! Are you trying to make me sad or something?!”

It seems that Keika was expecting this kind of resistance. She glances over at Sora-sensei with a mischievous grin.

“Of course, no one said it couldn’t be an honest invitation.”

“Why are you looking at me? I won’t be part of this!”

“Hehehe …… How long can you resist, Miss Snow White of Naniwa?”

“Keika …… Th-That’s the kind of thing an orc would say right before ravaging a captive lady knight ……!”

Master …… I have a problem with your metaphor. I’m still in elementary school, so I’m not entirely sure what it means, but ……

“Now! Who’s going to be our top batter?!”

Keika claps her hands together as she looks at all of us one by one until–––.

“Me! Meee! I wanna try!”

“Excellent ……! Go ahead and introduce yourself!”

“I’m Mio Mizukoshi! Nine years old! I came here from Osaka today!”

“That’s some great energy, you little go-getter! Now, hit Yaichi with your best shot!”

Keika has Yaichi stand at the front of the room and then pulls Mio up to him. Then she presses a few buttons on her smartphone …… With the can still in her other hand. Wow, she has good dexterity ……

Music starts playing from her phone.

“Huh?! Wh-What’s that for?! Setting the mood?!!”

Master is trembling.

And now Mio looks a little nervous!

Th-This flow is dangerous!

“Uh …… Umm ………… Kujyuryu-senseeei?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“I-I think you’re really cool! Go out with me!!”

“Huh? Oh, um …… Sorry.”

Rejected without a second of waiting time. Whew ……

“Whaaa-?! Why?!”

“It’s just, well …… I know you tried really hard, Mio. And I do feel bad if I hurt your feelings, but I don’t see grade schoolers as dating material. And your acting needs work ……”

“Huh? Boys are so hard to understand ……”

I can tell Mio is frustrated by how she mumbles under her breath. But I think anyone would turn her down if she asked them out like that ……

“…… I wouldn’t be having such a hard time if it were that easy ……”

“Ai? Did you say something just now?”

“Uwhee?! N-Nope! I didn’t say a thing!!”

I’ve gotta be more careful! My thoughts must’ve come out!

But …… Ehehe♡

Master said sorry to Mio right away. I can breathe a little easier! Sorry, Mio.

But Keika’s next words almost make my heart stop.

“Okay. Mio, go ahead and choose who goes next.”

“Oh, that’s how this works?”

Sora-sensei and Ten-chan groan as soon as they hear that.

“That’s alarming ……”

“Like handing the controls of a nuclear missile over to a monkey ……”

Mio’s eye twitches, and she looks over at Ten-chan.

“Well, someone sure talks a big game. Come on up, Ten-chan!”

“Huuuh?!”

“Show this monkey how it’s done. Ou-ahah!”

“M-Monkey see, monkey do won’t work! Don’t you understand that?! It’d be pointless! Absolutely pointless!”

Ten-chan tries to talk her way out of it while Mio does a monkey impression, but ……

Mio gets an idea and her eyes light up.

“Ohhh? So, you’re gonna run away?”

“What?! Just who do you think you’re talking to? I won’t run away from anything! Fine, I’ll do it!”

“And now, for entry number two! It’s Ai Yashajin’s turn to ask Yaichi out! The floor is yours♪”

Keika does a quick introduction and then pushes her up to the front.

The music starts again.

Ten-chan fixes the collar on her yukata and then leans forward just a little bit in front of Master.

She must be too embarrassed to look right at him.

But that angle …… From that angle she looks the cutest! No fair!!

“Um …… Sensei?”

“Y-Yeah?”

“L-Let me make this clear right now …… Everything I’m about to say is not true, understood?! Don’t get the wrong idea, Trash!”

“O- …… Okay.”

Mio and Keika start whispering to each other.

“Is it just me, or is she interrogating him?”

“Awe, she’s being shy. She’s cute when she’s angry.”

Ugh ……

Actually, the way Ten-chan gets so icy when we know she’s embarrassed is …… very cute.

Kind of like the way a stray kitten suddenly opens its heart to you ……

No fair! That’s not fair at all, Ten-chan!

“…… So, I-I …… I’m not exactly social, and I really, really don’t like it when people make me learn things ……”

Ten-chan’s skin looks a lot redder than usual.

But it’s not because we spent all afternoon out in the sun–––.

“But I know I have to change that about myself … not only for the sake of my grandfather's ease--he is my only family after all--but for my own sake I must acknowledge my feelings and accept other people's advice …”

Acknowledge her feelings–––.

Ten-chan is always so closed off, just as she said. But right now I can tell how desperate but annoyed she is trying to find the right words.

Wow …… If anyone gave me that look, I’d get butterflies!

“S-So ………… Sensei? I want you to teach me ………… not just about Shogi, but …… so many other things ………… b-because, I want to be an adult as soon as possible ……”

What a bold move Ten-chan just played! What are those other things?! Even my butterflies are getting butterflies!

Master took that head-on, and he–––.

“I see ……”

“Yes ……,” Ten-chan’s eyes sparkle as she waits for his answer.

Master looks right at her and says, “And? What are you really after?”

“……………… Huuuuh?!”

“You trying to act admirable isn’t cute so much as suspicious ……”

“Excuse me?!”

Ten-chan is furious! Meanwhile, Mio is rolling on the tatami mats and clutching her ribs with laughter.

“Aha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Th-That was awesome, Ten-chan! He sure trusts you, doesn’t he?!!”

“M-Mio …… You shouldn’t laugh ……”

“Or so you say, but I see that grin, Ai!”

“I-I’m not! Really!”

Really, I’m not …… Ehe-he …… he-he-he ……♡

Ten-chan is angry through and through, so Keika says, “Moving on, who’s the next one?”

“Hmm …… Four eyes.”

“A-Are you talking about me?!”

Ayano nearly falls over.

Ten-chan flicks her hair like she’s annoyed and says, “Who else? Now do it.”

“Umm …… Ohh, my my ……”

Ayano is close to panicking and tries taking off her trademark glasses to get out of it, but ……

Of course, that won’t work. Mio pokes her right in the ribs.

“Nope, nope! Ayanon, it’s too late even without your glasses on.”

“Haauuu ……”

Master can’t help but offer her a way out.

“A-Ayano? If you really don’t want to, there’s no need to force yourself. I don’t get what the point of all this is anyway ……”

“N-No! I-It’s not because I don’t want to ……”

Sparkle☆ Keika’s eyes light up as she taps on her phone.

The music starts back up again.

This timing is too perfect!

Ayano starts her attack before Master’s heart is safely behind a defensive wall ……!

“I-I’ve never …… been good at talking with boys …… Not even the boys in my class. …… But I have fun talking with you like this, Kuzuryu-sensei. I-I don’t understand why ……”

It’s almost like she’s naturally working her way to a date checkmate!

It’s hard to tell what’s an act and what her actual feelings are, like …… seeing a perfect early game without a single wasted move!

“What I’m trying to say is, um …… I-I like you …… Sensei ……”

Clench!

“Hghh!!”

Master falls to his knees like someone just shot him in the heart with a pistol. Then–––.

“Ah! Look …… He’s turning bright red!”

“Masta, yewr face is bewwy wed.”

Ten-chan and Charlette are right …… Master is turning redder by the second! It’s like a science experiment!

Dara! Master, you darabuchi! Cheater!!

“But how are we supposed to compare this with everyone else’s?”

“Not to worry, Mio. I took pictures at the exact moment Yaichi heard what all of you said, so we can compare later.”

“Wow! You’re really on the ball today, Keika!”

“Well, I don’t think anyone needs to look at the pictures to know Ayano is in the lead right now.”

“Haauuu …… I-I’m so embarrassed, I want to die ……”

Ayano, red as a tomato, hides her face with both hands. Master is watching her, a lot happier that he’s trying to let on.

Hmph.

Hm? Hmrph.

“Hmm. So that’s the way Master likes it. Hmmm ……”

“Yes. Yaichi has always liked the smart girls that open up with that girly! act going way back.”

This is the first time Sora-sensei and I have agreed on something.

That’s right.

Master plays passive Shogi, but whenever someone comes along who shows him exactly where to attack, he makes his move! Rapid Attack!!

And, since Ayano is the kind of girl who hides in a Mino Castle without the edge pawn raised, the type who looks well protected but will get checkmated in a flash ……

“Hold up, hold up! Ai, Big Sis, what are you two talking about?! Her asking me out is nothing compared to how much effort it took for her to come up here and say it! I’m just so happy she tried so hard–––.”

“That you got excited?”

“I’m not, not at all!”

Master responds to Sora-sensei’s severe move with anger of his own.

Keika takes in the situation, and then takes in some more beer.

“There we go! Now this is getting interesting! Can Yaichi save himself from being labeled a lolicon?! Or will all the suspicions be confirmed?! Alright, Ayano, who’s next?!”

“O-Okay, um …… Sora-sensei.”

Th-The moment of truth ……!!

“…… Sure.”

“Huh?! Just like that ……,” Master mumbles in disbelief. He must’ve thought she’d refuse.

Sora-sensei straightens her bangs before answering with this.

“It’s just a game, right? Yaichi isn’t all that complicated, so making him blush is like taking candy from a baby. And I know him better than anyone else.”

Sora-sensei just has to take the I’m number one angle. That’s unfair.

“…… Darabuchi.”

“Hm?”

“C’mon, Ginko. The stage has been set for you. Go deliver your line.”

Keika giggles before sticking her tongue out☆ with a big grin. Meanwhile Charlette tugs at Ayano’s yukata collar.

“Set da stwage?”

“It means that every detail has been taken care of by someone else because the person in question won’t do anything by themselves.”

“You’ve got a surprisingly sharp tongue, four eyes ……”

Ten-chan leans away just a little bit after Ayano’s blunt explanation.

More importantly! Sora-sensei looks extremely confident …… They spent a lot of time alone on the beach this afternoon. Don’t tell me the air turned romantic ……?

I knew I shouldn’t have left them alone! That idiot! Darabuchi!!

Sora-sensei stands in front of Master, and–––opens up.

“Hm ………… Yaichi.”

“Yes?”

“Y-You’re …… allowed to love me, you know?”

“……”

“……”

“……”

“……”

“Hey.”

“Ouch!!”

Thwap! Auntie hits Master’s forehead with her slipper.

Huh? W-Wasn’t she going to confess her feelings to get him to go out with her?

Girls my age can do way better than that ……

“Why aren’t you blushing?!”

“I can’t do the impossible! How was what you just said supposed to make me blush?!”

Well, he does have a big red mark on his face in the shape of a slipper and keeps mumbling, “Oww ……” really quietly. But, Master counters.

“…… Besides, saying I’m allowed to love you? I have for years, so how would that change anything?”

“Huh?”

Sora-sensei’s face goes blank.

What? Whaaaaat?!

“Ah! Look …… look at Sora-sensei’s face!”

“Bright red! And it’s getting redder and redder every second!”

“It turns out someone else isn’t too complicated …… Pathetic.”

Mio and Ayano’s voices race back and forth. Ten-chan shrugs her shoulders, and Keika takes even more pictures with her phone.

But, not of Master. Of Sora-sensei ……

“Y-You do …………? Master, what do you see in Auntie ……?” I managed to say while keeping the tears back.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! I didn’t mean it like that! We’re family, so we love each other! Isn’t that right, Big Sis?!”

“O-Of course. Would you not get the wrong idea, please?”

You’re the one who got the wrong idea, Auntie!!

“Ginko.”

“Wh-What, Keika?”

“That sucked.”

“Ngh ……!”

Hit where it hurts most, Sora-sensei trembles as she tries to deal with the fact that she lost.

“L-Like you could do any better!”

“Just watch.”

I think Keika was expecting something like this to happen.

She nods with a big smile and puts her phone and the beer can down on the floor.

Swish …… She takes the band out of her hair and it flows over her shoulder.

“Ah! Keika let her hair down!”

“S-So, this is what adult charms look like ……!”

Mio and Ayano are girls, but Keika is making their faces turn red, too. All that beer has given her skin a captivating glow ……

She must have set the phone to play music before she put it down, because now it’s playing smooth jazz.

“Say …… Yaichi? I’m too hot ……”

“Huuuh?!”

“Much much too hot …… I’ll burn up if I don’t cool off, so, may I ……?”

She undoes the string keeping her robe together and leans right into Master …… Keika is being touchy-feely.

That’s against the rules! Not allowed!!

“H-Hold up, Keika!! Y-You can’t do that! Th-There are kids watching!!”

…… Does that mean you think it’d be okay if we weren’t here?

“Sorry for being so hard on you this afternoon. I wanted to treat you to a wonderful time, but …… My scaaary older sister apprentice wouldn’t let me get close.”

“Mnrgh ……!”

Sora-sensei is grinding her teeth.

“Ngh …… Nrghhhhh ……!”

And, I’m biting my lip. Grrrgh ……!

“Oh, and look, the little kittens who don’t know how to please you are so jealous.”

Keika slips her arm around Master’s neck like a cougar going in for the kill.

“So tell me, Yaichi. Have you kissed Ginko yet?”

“Wh-What are you even talking about, Keika?! I wouldn’t kiss her, no way!”

“Then, no? I see ……”

She presses those melon-sized boobies of hers right up against Master …… And opens up in her own way.

“Well then, as the experienced one, let me teach your untouched lips how it’s done, Yaic–––.”

But she never got to finish that sentence.

BONK!

Dull thuds echo off the walls.

They’re …… the sounds of Keika being hit in the back of the head with glass bottles.

“…… Huh? K-Keika?”

Master watches in surprise as Keika hits the floor like a marionette that had all its strings snipped at once.

The ones who saved him from being defiled by that touchy-feely cougar are–––.

“Ah …… Big Sis?! Ai?! Hitting her with those bottles was going too far!! Look at her, sprawled out on the floor like that!”

“…… This wasn’t for you, Yaichi. It was to protect Keika’s dignity ……”

“That’s right. We had to save our family line’s image. There was no other choice ……”

It …… It was the only option ……

“You know, Ayano? Suddenly, I’m really really glad I’m not in the Kiyotaki Shogi family ……”

“S-So strict ……”

Mio and Ayano are trembling in the corner of the room. Even Ten-chan is whispering, “Maybe …… I should look into finding a new Master after all ……”

Master makes sure that Keika, out like a light, is breathing and says, “A- …… Are you all happy now? More people are just going to get hurt if we keep going, so let’s get ready for b–––.”

“Not yet.”

“Huh? A-Ai? Why–––?”

“I haven’t had my turn.”

Ten-chan sounds a bit fed up when she adds, “Seriously ……? You want to keep going after that ……?”

“But, I have something I want to say to Master! …… Master!!”

“Y-Yes?!”

Master snaps to attention. Huh? Why is he so scared?

“U-Um, Ai ……? Before you say anything, I think it would be best if you put the bottle down.”

“Oh …… I forgot.”

Following Ayano’s advice, I put it down on the tatami mat and then turn back to Master.

“Ummm ………… I’m Ai Hinatsuru, a fourth grader. Master, there’s something I want to say ……”

First, I reintroduce myself.

Since Keika shows no signs of waking up, Mio picks up her phone. “It’s this button here, right?” she says. Then music starts again. Nice!

“I …… I’ve always been very shy …… I didn’t know how to speak up, so I always did just what my parents said like a robot ……”

Ten-chan and Sora-sensei mumble.

“That’s an obvious lie.”

“No doubt. She’s just copying the approaches that worked.”

Two new names get written on my mental Beyond Forgiveness List right then. I’ll kill them both on the board … someday ……

But! Now’s not the time to worry about what two losers have to say.

I have to open up about how he helped me change from a shy little robot into someone new!

Say how he inspired me and use it to ask him out on a date–––.

“I haven’t felt like my usual self. Not since I started playing Shogi …… not since you became my Master.”

“Ai ……”

“Playing Shogi has shown me what kind of person I want to be. Having you with me, Master, gives me the courage to change.”

I’ve got him on his heels! Now’s my chance!

“Shogi is so hard, and there are so many people who are really strong …… I feel like giving up whenever I lose, but ……”

When I lost to Sora-sensei.

When I lost to Ten-chan, too.

It hurt so bad that I cried and cried, but ……

“But! Seeing you try so hard all the time, Master, gave me the courage to keep trying! I can change because I have Shogi! I can keep playing because I have you! So ……”

The first thing that Master ever gave to me.

It’s a fan that has the word courage written on it in his letters.

I keep it close to my heart to keep the fear away.

I–––play the best move, confess my feelings and ask him to be mine!

My attack hits home, right down the center file.

Master then––––––.

“Ugh …… Nngh ………… Sniffle ……!”

What?

“Uwhee?! M-Master?! Why are you crying?!”

“I-I’m so …… so sorry! I-If only I …… I’d been a better teacher, you’d be so much stronger already …… S-Sorry you wound up with such a useless Master like me, really ……!!”

What?! Whaaat?

He can cry tears of joy, that’s fine, but …… Not what I had in mind!

Even Ten-chan and Sora-sensei can’t believe how hard he’s crying!

“Yeesh …… Here come the waterworks ……”

“Like a father at his daughter’s wedding, just wow ……”

Huuuh?!

This wasn’t supposed to happen!

“Y-You have my word ……! I’ll work harder …… I promise ……!!” Master says in tears as he kneels in front of me and puts his hand on my shoulder. I mean, I’m happy to hear that, but …… Haauuu ……

Ayano holds her glasses in one hand as she wipes away her tears on her yukata sleeve.

“Ai …… You are so loved. I’m envious ……”

“Haauuu …… It’s nice to know, but I’m not sure how I feel about this ……”

“………… So? Do we have an answer or not?”

Ten-chan asks and Mio answers in place of Keika, who is still lying on the floor.

“Hmmm, well, he turned bright red for Ayano and Keika, so we can’t say he’s not lolicon for sure, but …… He really seemed to like Keika’s invitation, so maybe he’s just a normal guy?”

Master wipes his runny nose and says, “…… O-Of course I’m normal. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I’m not a lolicon.”

“I-I agree. Kuzuryu-sensei is a gentleman …… Even if he is a lolicon deep down, he is a gentleman among them!”

That would still mean he’s one of them, right ……?

“Well, yes! While we were at the beach today and while we were taking turns asking him out just now, Master’s eyes were always glued to Keika’s boobs.”

“Hm? Ai, are you angry right now?”

Angry? Yes. Fuming? Very much so.

“Sigh ………… This was all a big waste of time. I’m going to sleep.”

Sora-sensei grabs Keika by the collar and drags her all the way to her futon, but she still doesn’t wake up.

Meanwhile, Ayano picks up Charlette and says, “Come now, Charlette. Brush your teeth before bed.”

“…… Cha …… Cha not fwinished ……”

Charlette says as she rubs her eyes and gets down.

Then, she crawls her way over to Master and–––

“Hm? Is something wrong, Charlette?”

“Masta. Wisten cwose?”

“Listen? Okay.”

“Cha, Cha …… Masta?”

Charlette’s lips are so close to Master’s ear that they’re almost touching.

Then, she whispers these words.

What do you think happened to Master after hearing that pure as snow, sweet as whipped cream confession of love?

His switch flipped. What else?

His face turns so much redder than with Ayano …… Boom! It sounds like a cannon just went off.

“Char- …………!”

Next thing I know, Master has his arms around her and announces for everyone to hear, “I promise to make you the happiest girl on earth!!”

“Yippie♡”

So much for going out on a date. Master jumped all the way to marrying her.

I won’t allow it! Of course, I’ll never allow that to happen!!

Sora-sensei is just as upset as I am! She’s furious!!

“H-Hey, Yaichi!! What are you doing, embracing the six-year-old?!”

“She’s right, Master! We all just agreed that you aren’t a lolicon, and the first thing you do is–––?!”

“So what if I am?!” Master snaps back with Charlette still in his arms.

Sora-sensei trembles for just a moment before returning fire.

“Y-You’re admitting it, are you?!”

“NO! I may act like it sometimes, but I am NOT a lolicon!”

“You can’t have it both ways ……,” says Ten-chan coolly, but Master isn’t listening to anyone else. He’s not looking at anyone other than Charlette, either.

Dara ……

Dara, dara, dara, dara ……

Daradaradaradaradaradaradaradaradaradaradaradara …… DARABUCHI!!

“We’ve learned something today on this trip …… Here on the beautiful Awaji Island and all across this vast world we live on ……!” says Master, trying to sound profound.

“Umm …… This music, maybe?”

“Mio. You don’t have to play anything for this ……”

It’s strange ……

Even the weirdest things when said with the right music in the background can sound like an epiphany …… Bizarre ……

“Yes, we have learned that no matter how much you clash with someone else, if only you open your mind just like that glimmering ocean out there …… And have the courage to say what’s in your heart, they’ll understand and all misconceptions will be resolved ……!”

Misconceptions?

Hmm, I wonder?

There are going to be misconceptions no matter what he says so long as Master keeps holding Charlette like that.

“I’m being berated by society for simply offering to make Charlette my bride ……”

“As should be expected.”

“You’d be executed in America for this.”

“However!!”

Master drowns out Ten-chan and Sora-sensei’s valid points by shouting over them.

“I didn’t make the offer because she’s six years old! The person I want to treasure just happens to coincidentally be six years old!!”

Then Master looks into the ice-cold stares boring holes into him and yells.

“Therefore, I AM NOT A LOLICON! It only looks that way to you and to the rest of society because you’re blinded by a number called age! You don’t see the genuine love! Open your hearts and minds, just like the ocean! …… Well?! If you still think I’m a lolicon now, say it to my face!!”

“LOLICON!!”

“………………… But why ……?”

Do you have to ask?! Master, you dara!!

“Yes. The worst.” I answer her using no time. In fact, I respond before she finishes.

“Fwhee? Cha, Cha had wots of fun ……?”

“I’m sure you did, Charlette …… If Master treated me the same way he treated you, it would have been the best trip ever …… Darabuchi ……”

“A-Ai! You mustn’t make that face in the airport! Someone might mistake you for a dangerous person!”

“Ah ……! S-Sorry ……”

“Nice one, Ayano! Ai’s really scary when that killer instinct kicks in. I mean, even Mihane in our class had an accident when she saw it!”

Mio is exaggerating things, but I know I’m a little more …… competitive than most kids my age. I know that part of me exists.

I’ve got these Shogi boards in my head, and they start moving on their own once something triggers them. When they do, there’s nothing I can do to stop them ……

I take Ayano’s hand and thank her.

“Thanks, Ayano! You took a big step that night and got Master to like you ……”

“Now I’m in the line of fire?!”

Since the clerk comes back to the counter at that very moment, my friendship with Ayano manages to survive by a thread.

“Miss Mizukoshi. I apologize for the wait.”

“Oh, it’s alright. So …… What did they say?”

“I’m afraid that we cannot allow this oil to be taken onto the plane. You can either take it home or we’ll dispose of it.”

“Oh …… Now what?”

How is she supposed to take it home when she’s about to get on a plane?

“Mio, if you’d like, I can take it back with me. Grandpa-sensei might figure out a way to ship it to you.”

“Ai …… Thanks! That’d be amazing! Even if there’s no way, Kiyotaki-sensei can use it in his classroom! That way it won’t go to waste!”

There aren’t any other problems, so the clerk takes Mio’s suitcase and gives her a boarding pass.

“You really saved me back there, Ai. Man, am I glad I’ve got you here! Otherwise, I might’ve ended up stuck in Japan.”

“Y-You’re just saying that. I’m sure you would’ve been fine without me ……”

Ayano can look up anything if you ask her, and I’m pretty sure Mio has enough determination to figure things out on her own.

“Now, all that’s left for me to do is the one thing that’ll let me leave Japan with no regrets!”

“The …… one thing?”

My heart skips a beat.

The last thing Mio wants to do in Japan. The most important thing to her.

Could it be …… one more Shogi match?

The first person I ever played a real match with was Master.

The day after that, he took me to the Kansai Shogi Association where I played Shogi with a girl my own age for the first time.

That girl–––was Mio Mizukoshi.

I lost to Master despite having the handicap, but I beat Mio in an even match …… And that match showed me just how interesting Shogi is, gave me a boost of confidence and helped me make an important friend all at the same time.

So, I thought just maybe Mio wanted the last person she plays Shogi with in Japan to be me.

Back when she said she’d give me a present, when she said she didn’t have a thing for me, I was sure she was going to say, “Let’s play Shogi!” …… I think I was hoping she would, just a little bit.

Well, all her boards and pieces are behind the counter now.

Even still …… If she asked me to, I–––.

“On my last day here in Japan, I want to ……”

“Yes ……?”

Mio puts her hands on her tummy and opens her mouth wide.

“Eat ‘til I burst!!”

Aha-ha …… That’s just like her.

Once we take the elevator to where the domestic flights leave on the second floor, Mio happily squeals with her eyes open wide.

“There’s a convenience store, an ATM and …… is that a prayer house?! They’ve got everything here ……”

“There’s a souvenir shop located over there, that’s the Machiya Kouji food court with all those good places to eat. Starbucks, Sukiya, 551 …… They’ve got all your favorites, Mio!”

“Fwhee ……! So many showps!”

I point to the sign that shows all the shops and restaurants on the third floor.

“Everyone, look! There’s even more on the next floor!!”

“Let’s go, let’s go! I wanna see!!”

Mio cuts in front of us and jumps on the escalator.

“Wow! The second floor was pretty much a food court, but up here’s like a fancy shopping mall!”

Mio can’t contain her excitement looking at the restaurants that are built right into the walls.

But what gets me even more excited than that is–––.

“Whoooa!! There’s a drugstore, a 100-yen shop and even a Uniqlo! Lots of Master’s shirts are getting old, so maybe I’ll get some new ones for him.”

Maybe he’ll compliment me for having everything nice and ready for him when he comes back from Tokyo …… Ehe-he♡

Just when I’m starting to imagine it, Mio says with a forced smile, “Kujyuryu-sensei is all you think about, isn’t he ……? Wait, haven’t you been here before, Ai?”

“We thought we’d lost our passports last time, so there was a big rush …… We got here at the very last minute, so we had to go right to security ……”

Japanese food is easy to find in Hawaii, and we were only there for a few days for the Ryuo Title Match, so we didn’t need to have any before takeoff.

But who knows when Mio will be back in Japan.

Her mother will be with her over there, but there’s no telling if they can get the right ingredients ……

“Let’s see, there are udon and soba noodle places. Sushi, tonkatsu pork, pasta, Chinese, Italian, too. That place looks like a café …… Plenty of people probably want their last taste of Japan before they leave. We’re all thinking the same thing. Actually, I already miss those box lunches they give us when the Practice League meets.”

“Missing how the soy sauce is just a little too strong …… You must really like Japanese flavors ……,” Ayano mumbles with a shudder. Those lunches really dry out your throat, so a water bottle is a must in the Kansai Practice League. Many people don’t finish their lunches, either.

“So, tell me! If you were about to leave Japan, what would you want to eat last?”

“What about ramen? Your favorite restaurant, Doutonbori Kamakura, is on this floor, Mio.”

“They’ve got the best karaage fried chicken, don’t they?! What about you, Ai?”

“I think I’d want sushi. That’s usually what I have for lunch during matches.”

Japanese food is the king of Shogi lunches because it’s light and easy to eat. Master used to order it for us all the time during our practice sessions.

“Ramen or sushi, hmm. Both are classics! What about you, Charlette?”

“Umm ……… Ebewyting!!” says Charlette, her face pressed up against a glass display case. Then, she looks left and right before stumbling her way to the next restaurant like a little blonde bumblebee.

I go corral her and ask, “Charlette. What’s something here that you can’t eat in Europe?”

“Umm? Cha, Cha want dem aww?”

“Th-That’s not what I meant ……”

Looks like this girl is so hungry that words won’t get through to her ……

“Mio. What place would you like to go?”

“He! He! He! Actually I know exactly where I want to go! I’ve been planning this meal for two whole weeks!”

That long?!

“Miow? Wha yew wanna eat?”

“Glad you asked …… Chinese!!”

“Chinese food? For your last meal in Japan?” Ayano asks, clearly shocked that Mio would go to a regular Chinese chain restaurant rather than a place that specializes in ramen.

Mio then says, “C’mon, the Chinese food here is basically Japanese food, anyway! And we can order a lunch and share at a Chinese place. That one right there has lots of tables open, so I’d like to spend my last few hours here having lunch with everybody! That’s my answer!”

“Ohhh!!”

I guess she did spend lots of time thinking about it because it’s the perfect choice!

“Alright, let’s go order a big lunch! …… Huh? What’s wrong, Mio? Aren’t you coming?”

Mio starts fidgeting out of the blue.

Just when I think she’s lost her wallet–––.

“Actually …… I need to run to the toilet! Sorry, really!! I-I’ve been holding it since the check-in counter, but now that everything’s okay, I guess I ……”

“There’s no need to apologize! You should’ve said something sooner …… Would you like me to look after your overstuffed backpack?” offers Ayano.

“No thanks, I got it! I might be a while, so go ahead and order anything!”

Mio zooms away to find the closest restroom.

So the three of us walk inside, but …… Mio spent all that time thinking, but the best move she came up with turns out to be the worst one.

All because of the last person we expected to see ……

As soon as I know the other girls can’t see me, I slow down right away.

“………… Compact konbu magic, ham ham block castle, diary newspaper into the nosebleed, water flea pairs for everyone, follow the savannah dentist–––,” I recite as fast as I can.

They’re magic words that only I know what they mean! Just like the ones I was going through back on the train platform. And when I was in the train’s toilet stall, too.

This is why I stayed in Japan by myself.

I wasn’t lying when I said it was so Mama and Papa could get a head start.

But, there was something much more important to me …… Something else.

Something in Japan that I still had to do. And to prepare to do it.

So I needed time.

I pushed the flight back, as far back as I could possibly get it to go …… And tried to picture what kind of day today would be. I thought about what would be happening in the Shogi world and made adjustments. I even planned out this moment right now.

“Ignoring nothingness, fancy fashion girl, um …… Rejection beam quality propane!”

The stalls are nice and big. Plus, no one else is in here! Sweet!

“Immortal powerless sheets, narrow heart, heart to chick, harsh summer …… thick cologne, unmarried bamboo! All set!”

I head into a stall and sit down on top of the toilet lid.

Then I fish my phone out of my backpack.

Next up, open my Shogi app. My opponent and I already agreed to play today.

Actually, I should’ve signed in a little bit earlier. I hope they’re still up for playing a match ……

“Yeees! There’s the invitation!”

I’m playing against–––Black Cat.

We played a long match with tons of waiting time last night, and they promised to do a quick match with me today before signing off. Black Cat started teaching me a whole lot before the King of Naniwa Tournament, but I’ve never beaten them. Not once.

That’s why …… I’m winning today no matter what!

“It’s on!!”

I’m in a rush, so I set the clock for three minutes of waiting time. Yes! I got the first move, just like I wanted!

The defender gets to choose how the formations will turn out, but Black Cat always goes along with whatever I start playing.

Because, well, they’re confident that they can handle anything someone my level can throw at them.

“But …… I’m not the usual Mio today!!”

I race through the early-game using my favorite sequence and keep up the pace in the mid-game, trusting that my fingers know what to do.

It’s the late-game that matters.

“I’ve got more time than them! I’m winning!!”

My clock says I’ve got about a minute. They’re down to 30 seconds.

The first one to hit zero loses, so this’ll be over in about a minute and a half.

“Haaaaaaaaa––– …… Mn!!”

I hold my breath.

>A minute and a half …… A race to the finish!!

“…………!”

If this were a 100-meter dash, I’ve got a 50-meter lead on them. I don’t even need to look at my own King at this point. Just stay focused on checkmating them and I’ll win. The goal tape is right in front of me …… I just need to go through it!

My heart is pounding up a storm. Even my fingers are shaking with every beat.

“But, just a little further …… I can do this! That’s checkmate!! Finally, I’m going to beat Black Cat!!”

I thought too soon.

They don’t try to outrace me to the finish …… But just, plop.

A pebble right at my feet.

A disposable Pawn gets tossed in my path like a tiny rock.

“Ah?!”

It distracts me for just a second, makes me take my eyes off the finish line for just a moment and I trip. Face plant …… And Black Cat makes it to the finish line before I can get up.

“Grrr! They got me ……”

They were down to one second of waiting time. But there was no panic whatsoever. They must’ve read all the way to the end.

But it was more like they messed me up than I messed up myself.

It almost feels like they were counting on me to get nervous once I realized I was about to win …… That wasn’t even a match with the real board, but my mind got read like a book. Whoa ……

They had me dancing in the palm of their hand ……

“Man ………… Black Cat is really, really strong! I would’ve never thought to throw away the Pawn like that …… Crafty.”

Yep, it wasn’t an accident. They set me up for it. That nasty little …… No, that’s called being strong in the late-game.

I know I made a good dent, though.

Sure, I tripped up at the very end, but that means–––.

“I was in the lead from the start all the way to the very, very end. If I hadn’t been playing Black Cat, who’s naturally just good at defense …… I would’ve won.”

Good mindset, fingers are moving and my instincts are on fire.

Even better than that …… The fact that I was in the lead against that early-game mastermind even for a second means that my research is working.

Now with a boatload of confidence, I finish my business in here. Whew ……

“I wonder what European toilets are like. Do they have heated seats and warm bidets, too? Or are they ……”

I’m a summer baby, so winters are rough for me. I’ve heard that some pros do better in certain seasons than others. Like, they can only win titles in the summer leagues, or do so well in winter that they get called the Winter Shogun.

“Then again, Sora-sensei said she’d die out in the sun, but she made it through the 3-dan division in the middle of a heatwave. Maybe that’s just a superstition?”

I give it more thought as I leave the restroom and head back to the Chinese place where the other girls are waiting for me.

That’s when I see her.

“Huh? No way ………… Huuuuuuuh?!”

She’s in a café just around the corner from the toilets.

Sitting in that fancy café sandwiched between a really expensive-looking clothing store and one of those general goods stores.

Swiping her fingers back and forth on a tablet at a table by the window is–––.

The craftiest girl I know …… with all the pride and grace of a pretty black kitty.

“Ten-chan?!”

“Well, what a surprise.”

Passing her tablet to the lady sitting next to her, Akira Ikeda, Ten-chan gets up without making a sound, just like a cat would.

Is this …… a coincidence?

“Grandfather is coming back from an overseas business trip,” Ten-chan answers before I can ask.

Yeah, that makes sense. She’s meeting her grandpa at the airport.

“Wow! What time does your grandpa’s plane get in?”

“Not until tomorrow.”

“Huh? Then what are you doing here?”

“Familiarizing myself with the terminal.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Why would you need to ……?”

Take an express train, and it only takes 30 minutes to get to the Kansai Airport from where Ten-chan lives in Kobe. Why can’t she just admit she came to see me off?

But …… I know there’s warm kindness beneath those cold pricklies, so I can’t help grinning at the look on Ten-chan’s face.

“So, where are you off to?”

“I’m moving to Europe. I’m sure I’ve told you lots of times by now. I also sent you tons of messages saying that today’s the day.”

“Is that so?”

Ten-chan is playing dumb, isn’t she? Anyway, she points over to the clothing store.

“In that case, I’ll give you a farewell present. Choose anything you like.”

“What?! I-I couldn’t …… I’d feel bad.”

“Huuh? So you’re refusing to accept my kindness? Who do you think you are?”

“Uhhhhh ……”

Part of me wants to say, look who’s talking, but I know this is Ten-chan’s way of being nice.

Well, I don’t want to be rude!

“Hmmm ………… Then, would you get this T-shirt for me?”

It’s about 1,000 yen and has the word Osakan printed on it. Wearing a shirt like that in Japan would be kinda embarrassing, but it’ll get a laugh out of foreigners for sure.

“Absolutely not! The air is dry and very cold over there. Choose something more appropriate.”

“B-Buuut!! I-I already checked in my suitcase–––.”

“Wear it on the plane and there won’t be a problem. Here, take this …… and this one, too. Akira, to the register.”

“At once, My Lady.”

Ten-chan grabs some things off the rack and lines them up with my shoulders. Next thing I know, Akira is paying for them at the counter. Eeep!

“Th-Th- …… Thanks. I’ll send you something once I get there.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“But, I want to! …… No?”

“…………… Well, I bought you something just because, so why would I stop you from doing the same thing?”

That’s Ten-chan’s way of saying, Thank you! I can’t wait to see what it is! I think.

But, what should I get for her? Sending her something that she already has would be a real bummer.

So I try to get her to narrow the field down for me.

“Have you ever been to a different country, Ten-chan?”

“Grandfather has many long-time connections in Russia, and I’ve accompanied him a few times.”

“Ten-chan in Russia ……”

She’d fit in so perfectly, it’s scary. The Russian tundra has to be about as cold as she is.

“This is a picture from her most recent trip.”

Akira is right beside me with her phone held out. Wasn’t she at the register? When did she have time to take out her phone? I didn’t even know she had a phone on her. But this picture seems kind of tender ……

“Wow! That’s exactly what I had in mind! You look good in anything, Ten-chan.”

She’s got on a big, furry black coat and a black hat that’s just as puffy. Everything she has on just screams, “This is Russia!” If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was a real doll. Ten-chan looks like something out of an old anime in that outfit.

“Do you have more?! What other countries have you been to?!”

“The last one was Italy.”

“Italy!”

Mama Mia! Pasta! Pizza!

“Once the Queen Title Match concluded, grandp- …… My grandfather took me on a holiday cruise in the Mediterranean once he finished some business in the area. We visited many islands and dined with the locals wherever we went. Even without knowing the language, you can still become friends by sharing a meal.”

“This is a photo from that trip.”

Akira slides her phone back into my line of sight. Wow, she’s like a machine, pulling it up that fast. It’s like she does this all the time.

“Wooow! You’re so cute, Ten-chan♡.”

The Mediterranean sun is high overhead and she’s got a fancy white dress on with a huge hat that looks like wings over her head.

Really, it’s like she stepped out of a Miyazaki movie. She’s cute: no ifs, ands or buts about it.

But …… How can Akira pull out all these photos on cue? Does she always have them with her?

Another thing is bugging me, too.

“They’re pretty places, but …… Italy and Russia don’t have much in common, do they ……?”

Maybe I’m just stupid?

I’m the one who’s moving to Europe, but it’s embarrassing how clueless I am about the place. Well, it’s better to be embarrassed once by asking than to be embarrassed my whole life without a clue. Running away is shameful, but it helps.

So it’s time to find out!

“Hey, Ten-chan? What kind of business does your grandpa do?”

“What kind ……?”

Ten-chan blanks for a second and then turns around.

“Akira. What was the purpose of that trip?”

“Restocking.”

Bam! Akira hits us with that word and then dead silence.

So …… They bought something overseas?

Ten-chan scratches her chin and stares off into space like she’s trying to remember something.

“Now that I think about it, Grandpa and I were the only ones on the plane home. You came back on a boat with everyone else, didn’t you, Akira? We all flew out together …… Was whatever you bought that dangerously heavy?”

“O-Oh well, it doesn’t matter! I don’t need to know every little thing about your grandpa’s job! Silly me!”

The air takes a sudden, dark turn, so I jump in before Ten-chan can say anything else. Looking around, there are a surprising number of security guards with their eyes on us. Were they always that close ……?

We’re being watched?!

“Hey! W-Wanna go for a walk outside?! Let’s go watch the planes!”

“…… Huh?”

She gives me a blank look, but I grab her hand and pull her out of the airport.

Seeing everything from the end of the path outside the terminal is so exciting, but Ten-chan just says coldly, “There isn’t much to see. The building is in the way.”

“A-Aha-ha-ha ………… Well, this place is off the beaten track.”

I brought her to the spot that Ayano told us about, but it’s smaller than I thought. The runway is on the other side of the terminal building and it’s hard to see much of anything ……

But you can see the planes heading into the sky.

“…………”

The two of us just stand there and watch the planes for a bit.

Those gigantic machines take off and fly into the clouds so fast.

That’s …… how I’ll be leaving pretty soon.

I’m grateful that Akira is waiting for Ten-chan just far enough away that she can’t hear because it gives me a chance to talk with her, just us.

“This is our first time talking like this, isn’t it?”

“The first, and I pray that it’s the last.”

“Don’t be like that. Don’t come crying to me if you’re lonely after I’m gone. Besides, who’s going to invite you to the Grade Schooler Practice Group once I leave?”

“Hah! What a relief. This may be the perfect opportunity to break away entirely!”

“You can’t get rid of them that easily …… Like Shogi pieces.”

Besides, I know that’s not how Ten-chan really feels.

If she wanted to break away, there’s no way she would’ve come all the way out here with me right now.

Actually, her being at the airport at all shows how kind Ten-chan is.

She’s done a whole bunch more things for me, too–––.

“You know, Ten-chan?”

“Hm?”

“I’ve been jealous of you for a long, long time.”

“Because of my Shogi skill?”

“That’s part of it, but ……”

Yes. That’s part of it.

But that’s not all of it.

“It’s your position I’m jealous of, I guess …… Your standing? Maybe?”

“My position?”

“You’re like … a lone wolf.”

“……?”

It looks like she doesn’t get what I’m saying at all.

Sure, from her point of view, I’m always with someone else. She must think I like being the center of the group.

“I make friends right away, don’t I? But you don’t have any.”

“Are you trying to start a fight?”

“I was complimenting you.”

Okay, maybe I was taunting her a bit, too.

Her angry face is just so cute. It brings out who she is.

I want to burn that face into my memory.

That way, the next time my fighting spirit is close to breaking, I can see her getting angry at me.

“You …… You’ve changed.”

“Oh?”

“Is this who you actually are deep down?”

“Aha-ha! Nope! This is me trying too hard.”

I take Ten-chan’s hand and put it up against my heart.

“I’m trying to find the line you won’t let me cross right now. I think I found it, but I just stepped over it a little. See ……? You can feel that right? My heart pounding.”

“Hmph …… you overplayed.”

Ten-chan spurns me in Shogi terms. Then she takes her hand away just gently enough not to be rough.

So, I got too aggressive and my formation crumbled, maybe?

But you have to play that way sometimes to get stronger, don’t you?

“I think people like me when they meet me. No, that’s not it …… I’m afraid of them hating me. It’s so, so scary ……”

“Everyone is afraid of that. It’s perfectly normal.”

“But you’re not afraid, Ten-chan.”

“………… I would love for people to take to me like they take to you.”

“What? Sorry, that airplane engine was too loud.”

“I said I would love to be an airhead who can laugh things off like you.”

“Meanie!!”

It’s being able to just say things like that whenever she wants that makes me jealous.

“Okay then, Ten-chan. What do you think of me? Would you tell me since it’s my last chance to know?”

“As a Shogi player?”

“Um ………… Yes. If you would.”

I’m a bit scared.

But I wanna know!

What was Ten-chan thinking when we played against each other?

“To be blunt–––.” Ten-chan lets one of her vampirish teeth poke out and then says, “Your Shogi is too inconsistent.”

A fastball, right into the strike zone! Man, that ripped through my heart.

“…… So, you’re saying my good moves are good, but my bad moves are really, really bad?”

“Exactly.”

“Then, I make good moves?!”

“Decent ones, yes.”

Harsh. Ten-chan is seriously harsh.

“Your decision making throughout one match is extremely inconsistent. You’ll play an extremely good move and then follow it up with the worst one possible. Additionally, you’ll be in a position to win only to trip up at the last moment. Your heart waivers and it gets reflected in your Shogi. That’s why your winning percentage doesn’t reflect your ability. Shogi is a sport where the last one to make a mistake loses, no matter how much of a lead they have built.”

“Ungh …… Taking that to heart ……”

She put all my mistakes on parade almost like doing a review session of the match I just played. My spirit is this close to snapping ……

“A King of Naniwa champion should have no issue reaching B rank in the Practice League. In fact, someone with that level of skill not qualifying for the Women’s League is outrageous.”

“M-Me?! In the Women’s League?! Oh, no, no, no!!”

“Yes, you can, and you should.”

Ten-chan puts her hand to her own heart.

“Mio Mizukoshi, you have the talent necessary to play in the Women’s League. I guarantee it,” she says, loud and clear.

“!! ……… Ten …… chan …………!”

What she just said. Those words she said to me just now.

After hearing them, I feel like no matter where I go, no matter who I face.

I can take them on without fear, just like Ai Yashajin does.

“…… Can I ask you one more thing?”

“Ask as many as you like. This is your last chance, after all.”

Wow, that was blunt. But that’s her way of announcing that she’ll answer anything. I knew Ten-chan is nice!

And since she’s so nice …… here I go.

One deep breath and I ask away.

“Sora-sensei became the first girl in the pros yesterday, right? Would you tell me what you think about that?”

“Why?”

“No reason, really.”

I lie.

It rolls off my tongue a lot smoother than even I was expecting.

“I just …… want to know what you think about it.”

“……………”

The first time, Ten-chan thinks to herself.

One plane …… two planes go by.

Then, just as I’m watching the third plane leave the ground, Ten-chan finally starts talking.

“It feels like a loss, somewhat. But–––.”

“Yeah?”

“The Sub League is a bizarre place. Once every two weeks, the results are announced without any match records accompanying them. So …… how can I put this? I guess I don’t see a connection between strength and winning percentage ……”

She spins on her heel and starts waving her arms in the air like conducting a band. But to me it feels like she’s giving the feelings in her heart the wings they need to fly into the sky.

“I faced Ginko Sora in a series of matches and was swept. I did manage to force her into a repetition draw while on defense, but I couldn’t win when the first move was mine. That’s the same as being overpowered at every turn. So, I think the difference in our ability level is as clear as day ………… to people watching from the outside.”

“……! Ten-chan ……”

Chills run down my spine.

I’ve got goosebumps.

There’s fire in my veins.

…… Hot.

“I don’t care if I get called a sore loser. But I don’t consider Ginko Sora to be out of my reach. After that title match ………… I know I’m right. Her becoming a professional changes nothing.”

“Then–––.”

Working up the guts, I ask her.

“Then you wanna go pro too? You know …… join the Sub League?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t have aspirations of joining the professional leagues. Though I will reconsider it if the Women’s League player system is eliminated now that a female has become a true professional.”

“You think you can get stronger …… as a Women’s League player?”

“I do. There’s more than one way to improve. That is evident by watching the professionals.”

“Like using computers?”

“I think that’s one way, yes. It’s also effective. But it’s not the only way.”

Ten-chan sounds so sure of herself.

There’s fire in her unblinking eyes. I can tell she’s picturing Sora-sensei right now.

“We’re different types, Ginko Sora and I. She can get stronger the old-fashioned way, by committing years’ worth of effort toward achieving her goal. On the other hand, I’ve decided that I learn better when I’m on a big stage under the lights. The Sub League isn’t for me.”

“…… Man, you keep an eye on everything. Even yourself ……”

“No matter how well you know your enemy, there’s no telling if you win or lose if you don’t know yourself. However, know yourself and your enemy like the back of your hand, and you’ll never lose. That’s one of the basic principles written about war a long time ago. It’s nothing new.”

“A long time ago …… How far back?”

“2,500 years, I think.”

“WOW!!”

That’s even before Shogi was invented!!

“You really are amazing, Ten-chan! I wish I could’ve learned lots more from you!”

“Really? I see you more as the chatterbox type.”

“That’s because you ignore me so much ……”

But Ten-chan catches every little detail.

She’s even picked up on things about me that I hadn’t noticed.

“Hey, do you remember Sora-sensei’s birthday party last year? We ended up going with your idea in the end.”

“Ah, yes ………… That day.”

She scowls.

“To tell the truth, that certain someone also secretly gave a present I had no part in that day.”

“Ohh? I’ve got a feeling I know who it was.”

“Is that right? But, I doubt you could ever guess what the present was in a million years.”

Mnnngh?!

Now, I have to get it right!

“Since we went with that present, I think you gave them …… cash!”

“Wrong. Are you brain-dead?”

“Ummm …… Flowers!”

“Wrong.”

“Then …… pork dumplings from 551!”

“Wrong. You’re just listing things that you want for yourself.”

How rude!

“I’ll give you a hint. It’s something you wear.”

“Huh?! Could it be ………… a ring?!”

“Wrong again. This is going to take forever.”

“Okay, I don’t have to guess, but tell me, Ten-chan! This’ll bug me so much I won’t able to get on the plane!”

“Understandable. And I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing you were late for your flight because of me, so I’ll tell you. Though, there are a few details I’d rather not remember ……”

So Ten-chan hops on the memory plane and tells me what happened that day.

Last year, after the Mynavi Preliminaries and the Meijin officially became the challenger in the Ryuo Title Match …… Maybe about three weeks afterward.

Ai Hinatsuru, Keika Kiyotaki and I were all under pressure as the Mynavi Finals were about to begin and Sensei was busy devising a strategy for defending his title, so we hadn’t seen much of each other at all.

Despite that, I got a message out of the blue.

“We’re throwing a birthday party for Ginko Sora, so come to Osaka.”

Me, partaking in a gathering like that, absolutely not!

I was set to face Sub League member Karen Noboryou in the first round of the Finals. As she is a member of the Kanto Sub League, I had no match records to go on. No amount of preparation will ever suffice when going against an opponent who is shrouded in so much mystery.

Besides, I fully intended to win the tournament and take Ginko Sora’s title for myself! So why did I have to celebrate her birthday with the rest of the Shogi family?!

…… Well, I did end up going.

Huuh? You say I end up going to a lot of events despite my complaints? M-My hands were tied! Just let me explain, will you?!

I rub my temple in frustration as the little golden one runs around like she is in a candy store.

It seems ……

“Charlette has never been to a department store in Osaka.”

At least, I think that’s what she said.

September 9th. Including myself, four of us have gathered at a department store in the heart of North Osaka, Umeda.

Our unbalanced group of three elementary-aged girls accompanying a high school–aged boy would draw enough attention anyway, but one of our number being a golden-haired half-pint has other customers and staff members staring.

Said golden-haired half-pint running circles around us is getting on my nerves.

“Ch-Charlette! You have to walk inside the store!”

Ai Hinatsuru goes to chase after her, but our Master Yaichi Kuzuryu pompously puts his foot down.

“Listen up, you two. We’re not here to have fun, okay? We came to find a birthday present for Big Sis, so hurry up and choose something.”

Huuh? Hurry up and choose? Excuse me, but that’s my line. Why did you bring us along in the first place?

Or are you the one that’s here to have fun? Look in the mirror, trash.

“My word …… Why do I have to come along to choose a present for Ginko Sora?”

“Because you’re part of the same Shogi family.”

Obviously? Don’t take that tone with me, idiot.

“I’m fine with chipping in to cover the cost, but I don’t see why we all had to go out of our way to come here and pick a present in person. We aren’t friends here, and I have no intention of changing that!”

“Warm up a little, will you? Remember that touching speech you made for me on my birthday?”

“Th-That was ……! I told Ai that I wouldn’t do it in a million years, but she forced me ……”

“Adorable. Your shy side is so adorable, Ten-chan.”

“Do not pat me!”

I hate to admit it, but it’s just as he said.

Both Ai and myself won consecutive matches during the Mynavi Preliminaries …… And wished our Master happy birthday during the presentation ceremony afterward, where I said this: “Today …… I played for you.”

I know. You don’t have to say it.

I regret those putrid words to this very day ……!

“The other day …… what was it, August 24th? You grumbled so much about the birthday party we had for Mio at my place, but you still showed up, right?”

“How could I not, with the chatterbox calling me every day! It was come to my party! come to my party! nonstop! If I didn’t go, she would have been inviting me to next year’s party every single day over the next 12 months!”

“You really are nice, Lady Ai. Not only did you come to Osaka from Kobe today, but you’re even planning on coming to next year’s birthday party despite all your complaining.”

“I won’t be!”

“Easy, easy. Just be around in October, okay?”

“Huuh?! Are you saying there’s something coming up next month, too?!”

“Your older sister apprentice’s birthday, that’s what. I’m pretty sure it’s–––.”

“My birthday is October 7th!” says Ai, her eyes sparkling up at Yaichi while holding the little golden one by the scruff of her neck like a cat carrying a kitten. He nods back at her.

“That’s what I thought.”

“My birthday is October 7th!”

“I-I remember, okay ……?”

Yaichi shudders at Ai’s persistence. Then he looks down at me.

“Yours is December 10th, right Ten-chan?”

“Why do you know that ……?”

“And Ayano’s is in December, too,” Ai chimes in.

“Four eyes? What day?”

“The third.”

Just a week apart ……

Somehow it feels strange knowing that …… The most forgettable member of that practice group feels closer to me somehow. Our zodiac signs are the same, as are our horoscopes. Which means our profiles are strikingly similar.

Birthdays. What strange things they are.

Just as I’m mulling that over …… Yaichi starts grinning at me.

“How about that. You’re the youngest of the four, aren’t you Ten-chan?”

“Huuuh? Keep talking with your head in the clouds and I’ll poke your eyes out.”

“It’s the truth, isn’t it?!”

“We’re in the same grade, so what does it matter? Besides, four eyes is only a week older than I am. Why are you so hung up on such a small detail? Is a single day that important to a lolicon?”

“Yep, there’s no topping those precious moments right before the bud blooms into a flower …… Hah! I’m not a lolicon, got it?!”

“Please walk on the other side of the aisle.”

“Don’t you know a joke when you hear it?! I took the cue from you!”

Is that so?

Of course, I believe this lolicon thing is just him trying to be funny …… At least, I want to believe it … though I have my doubts sometimes.

I put some space between us, but Ai rushes in to take my place right at Yaichi’s side.

“Master, Master. When are Keika’s and Grandpa-sensei’s birthdays?”

“They’re both in November, so we usually celebrate both at once.”

“So, yours and Mio’s are in August, September is Aun- …… Sora-sensei’s, mine is in October, Keika and Grandpa-sensei’s are in November and Ayano and Ten-chan have theirs in December. We get to have birthday parties every month!”

How can she be excited about something so terrifying?!

“I won’t be coming, so you don’t have to celebrate mine!”

My plea falls on deaf ears, however, because Yaichi leans down to ask the golden loli in Ai’s arms at eye level, “And, when’s your birthday, Charlette?”

“Winber!”

“Huh? Winter …… What month?”

“Hmm ………… Winber?”

“Around Christmas, maybe? Or after New Year’s?”

“Winber!!”

This is going nowhere.

She’s probably too young to divide a year into anything less than individual seasons yet. Her level is even lower than the ancient Mesopotamians who had no concept of a calendar. No wonder she can’t understand.

“S-Still …… It’s not for a while yet! Let us know when it’s coming up.”

“Cha, Cha gwets a paatee too?”

“Of course! I’ll get the whole town to throw you a party, Charlette!”

“The town?!” Ai and I say in utter shock at Yaichi’s claim. Just what is going on in his head?!

“I’ll put you on a float and parade you up and down the shopping arcade.”

“Wid music and ebewyding?”

“Sure will! I’ll even let you ride just like this!”

Yaichi then takes the golden loli from Ai and plops her down on top of his shoulders.

“Whooo♡ Masta is so twall!”

“Hahaha! You barely weigh anything, Charlette!”

The half-pint is ecstatic and the lolicon is dancing.

And the happier the lolicon is, the more disgruntled Ai and I become.

“Hey …… You’re embarrassing us.”

“Master, you darabuchi ……! Why is it always Charlette ……?!”

The lolicon realizes the formations aren’t in his favor and quickly puts the half-pint back down on the floor.

“Oh, yes! N-Now’s not the time for goofing off. We better find a present for Big Sis quick, or else Keika will finish the cake before we get home.”

That hag is making cake?

Best case scenario, it turns out as bland as miso soup without any other ingredients.

Ai seems to share my reservations.

“Is Keika good at making cakes, too?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never seen her make one before. Cookies, yes, but not cakes. She just decided she was going to make one this year …… Then she kicked us out so she could prepare in peace and said she’d go along with whatever present we picked. So here we are.”

Hmph.

That hag is the right age to get married, so perhaps she’s realized that honing her skills as a housewife would be more lucrative than building up her Shogi skill. Prudent.

“Are you certain this is a good idea? Whatever she makes will be edible, yes?”

“It’ll be fine, Ten-chan. Mio and Ayano are with her, too. What’s that old saying: three heads are better than one?”

“I don’t know about that, four eyes, but having Miss Loudmouth in the kitchen only makes me more concerned ……”

Because, as they say, having too many cooks spoils the broth. I hope this turns out differently.

“As long as Big Sis stays out of their way, we’re good,” says Yaichi offhandedly with complete faith in Keika Kiyotaki’s abilities.

“Ginko Sora’s cooking …… I have never tried it myself, but is it really that bad?”

“It’s terrible. Speaking as a survivor, be grateful you don’t have to suffer through it.”

“Huuh? So, what happens when you eat it?”

“Well, first words start slurring together.”

“That’s the same as puffer fish poison!”

“Then comes numbness in the extremities, and it gets really hard to breathe ……”

“Eeeek–––!”

“Ha-ha-ha! Most of that is just a joke, of course.”

…… Most of it?

“Still, she won’t try to bake her own birthday cake, so we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“While I’m curious just how much was true and when the joking began …… We don’t need to be concerned, do we? There’s going to be other food at this party, yes?”

“I’m pretty sure Twelve is going to cater it. Keika said she spoke to the owner, so I think everything is worked out. He’ll probably pull out all the stops.”

“Hmph. Well, if they’re in charge of the food ……”

That place prepares food for players during their lunch hour all the time, a go-to restaurant of sorts. The owner has a craftsman’s mentality. The flavor certainly isn’t bad despite him being the only one working there. The best part is that he keeps to himself and doesn’t engage me in pointless conversation.

“Ten-chan, what’s your favorite thing to get at Twelve? I like the butter rice!”

“Mine is tongue stew.”

“Master! That’s the most expensive thing they have ……!”

“J-Just like a real princess ……!”

“What is that look for? You’re better off financially than most other people.”

“Cha, Cha’s neber eaten at Twelbe.”

After learning that she is the only one here who hasn’t been to Twelve, the golden-haired half-pint makes her case to Yaichi and gets extraordinary results.

“That’s right, you haven’t! Alright, I’ll take you there myself! You can have anything you like!”

“Cha, Cha wants puddin!”

“Pudding, huh? Even your favorite foods are cute, Charlette♡”

“Hey, lolicon. Quit getting distracted by the brat and choose a present already.”

I scold Yaichi and grab him by his right ear.

“That’s right, lolicon. You know better than this.”

And Ai pulls on his left.

“Ow-ow-ow! Y-You guys …… Have some respect for your Master ……”

“Sure, sure, oh great lolicon-sensei. Do you know what Ginko Sora’s interests are?”

“Things Big Sis likes? Umm …… Shogi?”

“Obviously. Everyone here knows that she likes Shogi. I’m talking about her other interests or small items that she collects.”

“Small things that she likes? Well …… I know she buys a pennant wherever she goes to play title matches.”

“That’s a rather solitary hobby ……”

Picturing Ginko Sora visiting the touristy souvenir shops at inns and hotels around the country, I’m not sure how I should feel or what to say.

I’d prefer not to learn any more of this kind of information because it will dampen my fighting spirit.

“Shogi players tend to be solitary people in general. Sitting and thinking is our job.”

“…… Having it put like that makes it feel like I’m missing out on life.”

“That, and Shogi players don’t tend to live as long as other people.”

“Their love for Shogi is all that keeps them going ……”

“Th-That’s enough of that–––,” Yaichi says, getting back on topic as he removes our hands from his ears. “I honestly don’t have a clue what to get for Big Sis. Keika’s always been the one to pick out presents for her ……”

The closer someone is to you, the harder they become to shop for.

There may be some truth to that.

If …… someone were to ask me what present would make my deceased parents happy, I would struggle to come up with anything.

“Whenever I asked her what she liked, Big Sis always said Shogi. She’s never said anything else. I know what font style she likes engraved on the pieces, but that’s about it.”

“What kinds of presents has she gotten in the past?”

“I’m pretty sure Keika always got her clothes.”

Clothing. I’ve only ever seen her in that sailor-style school uniform of hers, so I would have no idea where to begin.

Ai seems anxious as well.

“It’ll be hard to choose something without knowing what size she wears.”

“Exactly! And she’d kill me if I started asking for her measurements ……”

“Why would you ever give her underwear in the first place?!”

“I-I wasn’t talking about those measurements!! Besides, girls need them, don’t they?!”

“Not for Ginko Sora, I believe. Her chest being what it is,” I point out, half-jokingly. But Yaichi gives it serious thought.

“Well, I know, but …… Big Sis turns 15 today, so she can’t be that flat for too much longer.”

“Would you just forget about underwear!”

“Cha, Cha wants pwuri cuwe pwanties!”

Ai is steaming with anger, but the half-pint starts making requests.

Which apparently triggers Yaichi’s lolicon switch.

“Pretty Cure panties? Alright, Charlette, I’ll buy you a full week’s supply!”

“Pwuri cuwe pwanties!”

“Why is it always Charlette? No fair! …… What I meant was, why do you have to buy her seven of them?!”

“Huh? I mean, wouldn’t it make you feel good to know that Charlette is wearing the undies you bought her for a full week?”

Seriously …… Gross.

“What you just said made me nauseous.”

I give him a piece of my mind, but Ai only mumbles how she feels at her feet.

“Unghhh …… Master …… My Master is getting more and more perverted …… There’s no saving him now ……”

“I do not envy your position …… Living under the same roof day in and day out ……”

Now that we’ve become the center of attention, Yaichi panics and blurts out an excuse.

“I-I was just kidding …… You don’t have to look so sad ……”

“I’m sad because it didn’t sound like a joke!”

“C-Come on everyone! Any other ideas?”

Sigh …… Wasting any more time on this would be absurd, so to the matter at hand.

“What about stuffed animals? I don’t think any girl would hate receiving one as a present.”

“Big Sis has one, a really big one, actually.”

“That’s unexpected. Does Ginko Sora cuddle with it when she sleeps at night or does she play house?”

“No, she uses it to practice suplexes and throws.”

“Practice ……? And who does she use them on?”

“Would you like to know?”

“I’d …… rather not ask. I think I know the answer already ……”

“C’mon, ask me! Actually, listen, Ai! You won’t believe that girl! She used to fold me up like a pretzel and hurl me across the room whenever I beat her at Shogi! Even now, the back of my head hurts whenever it rains outside!!” Yaichi beseeches me with tears in his eyes.

Though I can’t really sympathize because there’s something about his tone that makes it sound like they were having a lover’s spat–––.

“Masta, head hwurt? Cha, wub wub?”

“Sniffle …… You’re such an angel, Charlette …… If only you were my older sister apprentice ……”

“Fwhee? Cha, Cha Masta’s big sista?”

And now I’m queasy again. That pervert ……

The golden-haired half-pint looks just as confused with her head tilted like that. I don’t blame her. It seems Yaichi’s brain knows no bounds when it comes to Shogi and lolicon tangents ……

I force my anger to simmer down before asking him.

“…… Are you sure she didn’t use that stuffed animal for more girly things? Maybe having it next to her was the only way she could get to sleep after watching a scary movie ……”

“Nope, she used me for that. We had a bunkbed when we were live-in apprentices. She’d always wake me up to go to the bathroom at night after watching some ghost stories on TV and force me to stroke her hair until she went back to sleep ……”

That last tidbit is what it took for Ai to lift her gaze off the floor and slowly turn toward Yaichi.

“Are you sweethearts?”

“Huh? I don’t get where you’re coming from ……”

“But Master, you never do those kinds of things for me when I see scary shows on TV. But you stroke Auntie’s hair and hold Charlette, just like right now.”

“Charlette’s still little, so ……”

“I’m still nine! Only by a little, but that’s still one digit! I’m allowed to go with you into public baths!”

Whisper, whisper …… We officially have an audience. The security guards have noticed the crowd.

Without a second thought, I put some space between us and pretend to be a bystander.

“H-Hey! Ai! Not so loud! Can’t you see we’re not the only customers here?! They’re going to get the wrong idea ……!”

No, I don’t think there are any misunderstandings going on.

“I-I’ve got it! Ai, what present would make you the happiest?”

“Uwhee?! M-Me ……?”

“Yeah. Just name it.”

“Anything ……? I’d be happy with anything so long as it was from you, Master.”

“And I’m happy to hear that, but I was hoping for something more … specific.”

“………………”

Words fail Ai Hinatsuru.

She spends a few moments deliberating about whether she should say it or not …… She opens her mouth, bound and determined, only to close it again. Hurry it up, already!

The cycle repeats itself a few times until.

“W-Well, then …………”

Ai says exactly what she wants.

“………………… A ring ……”

“A ring? With a jewel of some kind? That’s pretty expensive ……”

“The price doesn’t matter! It doesn’t have to have any diamonds or anything at all! Actually, a plain ring is fine!”

“Really?”

“Yes! A simple silver band ………… Th-That matches yours ……”

Pardon me.

I believe that’s called …… an engagement–––.

“Ring, huh …… Would Big Sis like one of them?”

“That’s what I want! But you aren’t allowed to give Auntie one as a present! She’ll misunderstand!”

“Misunderstand?” a very confused Yaichi repeats.

Has every facet of his brain unrelated to Shogi rotted away?

“I’d be handing it to her saying, Here’s your birthday present. What’s there to misunderstand?”

“I-It’s, um, well ………… You just can’t, okay! I forbid it!”

“O-Okay! I won’t, I won’t! Besides, when it comes to rings, Shogi players don’t wear them that much …… They can be distracting for opponents, so most take them off before matches anyway.”

A bizarre twinge in my heart urges me to break into this conversation.

“I agree that the occasional glint from across the board is distracting.”

“Yeah. And there’s the fact that Big Sis doesn’t like flashy things or accessories that much, so she probably wouldn’t wear it anyway.”

“I wonder? That snowflake hairpin of hers was a present from you, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, but …… It was really cheap,” Yaichi says without any idea what I was getting at. Yes, it does look like something out of a bargain bin.

However, that’s exactly why–––.

“I didn’t put much thought into it, either. I just happened to find it at the gift shop in the hotel where Big Sis was staying when she won her first title.”

“And she’s worn that piece of cheap plastic ever since, hasn’t she? The girl you say doesn’t like accessories.”

“Yeah, she has.”

“Then anything will do. How about one of those packs of tissues that guy over there is handing out?”

“Hey, don’t interrupt, Ai! We were getting somewhere, so why in the world would you suggest tissues?!”

“How should I know, darabuchi?!”

“Why are you angry?! …… Please, you two. I don’t have any idea what junior high school girls like. If you would just help me out, we’ll be done with this a lot sooner.”

“How about another hairpin like the one she has? That one is getting old and you said it’s cheap, right?”

“Hmm …… That might work, but this is supposed to be a present from everyone. It doesn’t seem right to get her something that I already gave her.”

That’s right. As this is from all of us, it will reflect on us as well.