SCROLL
“Dad …… Are you really going to send that?”
The tatami mats are covered with long sheets of Japanese-style paper.
My father finishes the final stroke of “Kousuke Kiyotaki 9-dan” by writing his name with his ink-slathered brush, looks up at me and answers, “’Course I am.”
This used to be a common sight. I used to even help out back when I was still in elementary school. Dad’s two live-in apprentices took over that job once they moved in.
Recently, though, he only does autographs. No one wants these big scrolls anymore.
The fact that the number of homes with a Japanese-style room has gone way down probably has something to do with it.
“Yaichi’s a feckless Master. So it’s up to me, his Master, to show those girls the right mindset fer title matches.”
“You’re right about Yaichi being feckless, but ……”
His older sister apprentice, his first apprentice, his second apprentice and even his childhood Shogi friend …… Four girls he’s got in limbo, and that’s just off the top of my head.
Nobody’d have to get hurt if he had just made up his mind a long time ago.
Well, not that he can help it.
Just like him …… my heart already has a first love and it’s not going anywhere.
So all those girls are fighting over the number two spot. It’s the fate all Shogi players face.
“It’s fine if you want to send one, but how about writing something that has a little more to do with Shogi? That’s your original, isn’t it, Dad?”
“What’s wrong with it?” My father says and puts down the brush with a satisfied grin. “All right! Now jus’ need to stamp my name on it once it’s dry an’ get it framed. Lemme think, I’ve got the shop’s number ‘round here somewhere–––”
“I’ll take care of it. You’ve got a lot to do now that you’ll be working as an observer, right?”
“Keika …… Thanks. Helpin’ me even when yar busy ……”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find the cheapest place online and have them do it.”
“Keika?!”
My father has been on edge ever since his two granddaughter apprentices qualified to challenge for titles.
So I didn’t notice until after the fact.
Realize what he’s been too embarrassed to say.
The person he really wanted to see this scroll was actually–––
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