Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 5 - Chapter 1.2

  UTOPIA

The party the night before the match was light and cheerful from start to finish.

“This has gotta be the first time in Shogi history ‘at everyone was wearin’ Hawaiian shirts at the openin’ night party.”

“I agree. But it makes taking interesting pictures that much easier.”

The journalist in charge of the blog, Ms. Mato, and Master Kiyotaki are talking to each other. Master is already wearing the aloha gear he bought at a huge shopping mall. It’s not all that different from what he was wearing when we got here though …… 

Since these colorful shirts are treated like uniforms in Hawaii, pretty much everyone here including the match participants is wearing them.

Actually, wearing suits around Waikiki makes you stick out in a bad way. Try thinking what it would be like wearing a suit instead of a bathrobe at a Japanese onsen. The Sub League member working as the match recorder and I went to a Shogi event hosted by a yacht club in Waikiki and decided to do a little shopping on our way home still wearing a suit and tie. Long story short, we got swarmed by local kids that kept asking us, “A-yu-mafia?! A-yu-mafia?!”

For that reason, the party is packed full of people in Hawaiian shirts.

Everyone’s gathered in the hotel’s inner garden. There’s a bonfire going, lighting up tables upon tables of delicious food all while ukulele music and the ocean waves mix in the background.

With VIPs like Hawaiian state officials and people from the Japanese consulate here, I’d normally be a nervous wreck. It’s thanks to all the Hawaiian shirts that I can relax. These things are amazing.

“I can scarcely believe two days have passed since our arrival in Hawaii and tomorrow marks the beginning of this season’s Ryuo Title Match. These two days have been filled with various Shogi events all around Hawaii. The Ryuo Title Match is of course garnering much attention from Japan, but, as the Shogi Association chairman, seeing local residents take part in the events and having genuine interest in Shogi has brought me great joy. At the same time, it has also reminded me of my duty to introduce the sport of Shogi to a wider audience.”

Chairman Tsukimitsu takes it upon himself to act as the party MC and makes a formal greeting up at the front.

On a side note, he’s wearing a kimono to keep the Hawaiians entertained. Mr. Tsukimitsu is a Kansai person through and through because I’m pretty sure only someone from Kansai would try this hard to make other people smile. 

“This season’s Ryuo Title Match has great meaning not only for the participants, but for the Shogi world as a whole. More time has been set aside to accommodate the time difference for this match than title matches held on Japanese soil to ensure that the Ryuo and the Meijin can play at peak condition–––.”

The chairman was right in the middle of his speech when he came to a sudden halt because of a loud murmur in the back.

Ai, Big Sis and Keika showing up in Hawaiian dresses called muumuus is the reason why.

Looking like a long, loose dress, it’s a fashion staple for Hawaiian women.

Keika smiles at all the attention coming her way, blushing a bit.

“Ahaha …… Looks like we’re the belles of the ball. Right, Ginko?”

“……”

“These clothes …… This is a little embarrassing. I feel like I’m wearing a swimsuit (>_<)”

“Nothing to worry about! The two of you are so cute! We’re in Hawaii, so let’s live it up a bit and have some fun!”

Of course Keika is the center of attention.

That muumuu is bringing out curves that most Japanese women only dream about! I mean …… her boobs could break free at any moment!

As for Big Sis and Ai …… Well, it looks like they’re just wearing a fancy towel. They’re cute, I’m not denying that. Very cute, very cute. Smooth.

The three of them walking in brightened up the party like a bouquet of flowers.

“You three! Please stand together so I can take a picture for the blog! Look this way, please!”

Ms. Mato is taking pictures left and right.

Apparently, blog views skyrocket just by posting a picture of the most popular women’s title holder by far, Big Sis. 

“To be blunt, they’re more effective than match photos,” is what she said, and that’s a bit depressing.

What’s worse is that the grade schooler who appeared like a comet over the Mynavi Women’s Open is also a hot topic among fans. “To be blunt, rather than pictures of the Ryuo (omitted).” Now that really is depressing.

That being said, getting a good picture of Big Sis is next to impossible.

“Women’s dual title. Please smile for the camera.”

“……,” (looking thoroughly dejected).

“Please, Sora-sensei. It’s a title holder’s responsibility to look friendly.”

“…… If you want pictures of a women’s title holder, there are better ones than me around. You know, the ones also smiling like pervs.”

“There are? I don’t see any.”

“……”

Once everyone had a chance to admire the beautiful women, it was time for the participants to give speeches.

As the Ryuo, I’m up first but …… I’m actually more anxious about this than the match.

On the surface, all I have to do is say whatever I want.

I can say anything …… But, just like Shogi, things like this have standards to follow and I’m sticking to them.

I mumble through everything before going up on stage, making sure I’ve got it down pat. “…… First, thank the organizers. Then the local coordinators as well. The hotel’s accommodation has been outstanding. Make sure to bring up the VIPs, it would be better to bring it up if they were involved in previous title matches ……”

Of course, there are forbidden moves too. I can’t talk about any other title matches or say anything good about our sponsor’s rival companies.

I was the challenger last time, so all I had to do was echo what the previous Ryuo had to say.

But I’m up first this time, so that strategy won’t work.

That’s why I’ve been researching how to do this kind of speech more than Shogi since I got to Hawaii two days ago.

–––I’ll prove to everyone I’m not nervous by delivering the perfect speech and put pressure on the Meijin right out of the gate at the opening party ……!

Now in front of the microphone, I’m ready to open my speech with the perfect line because I’m so ready!!

“Umm …… Everyone, aloha.”

Laughter explodes. Why ……?

I wasn’t trying to joke around or anything, but for some reason people laughed up a storm during my speech …… Well, better than silence!

Compared to my bright and aggressive style, the Meijin’s speech was normal and by the book.

The main points were: “I’m not thinking about the Eternal Septuple or the 100th title season at all … I’d like to further my research to find the truth behind Shogi with the Ryuo on this stage.” He wasn’t saying anything all that interesting, but the lights flashing around him are about 100 times brighter than they were for me. Those media guys aren’t here to cover the Ryuo Title Match, they’re more interested in the Meijin. I don’t care …… Really.

Now’s the time when participants receive a bouquet of flowers.

“…… the normal procedure, but we’ve decided to follow local tradition and present the players with a Hawaiian lei.”

Lei–––basically a necklace of flowers. What a spiffy idea.

The daughter of one of the guys from the Japanese consulate gave the Meijin one as Ai put a lei over my head.

“I have been informed that the lei being presented to the Ryuo was handmade by his apprentice. Those small hands strung the flowers together in hopes that her Master will emerge victorious. There’s no better gift than that.”

Stunned by what the chairman just said, I ask Ai, “Is that true?”

“Y-Yes …… Um, I’m sorry it doesn’t look as good as the others ……”

“What are you talking about?! This is awesome. I’d wear it to the match if they let me.”

“Master …… ♡♡♡”

Complimenting her lei makes Ai smile from ear to ear.

I was sure she was out sightseeing and shopping the whole time but …… To think she was busy making something like this for me. That kind of support is the best present ever.

I’d love to give her a big hug right here and now. I hold back the urge though.

But now there is a thorny chill in here that feels out of place in Hawaii. But come on, this is Hawaii. It’s got to be in my head because snow and ice don’t happen here.

Now then, players would normally leave the party at this point but–––.

“There is also an occasion to observe besides the Ryuo Title Match.”

The chairman pauses to build up a bit of suspense and then, “Ai Hinatsuru, the young lady who just presented the Ryuo with a lei, is celebrating her tenth birthday today!”

“Fwhee?! Whaaaat–––?!”

I was caught off guard just a moment ago, but now it’s Ai’s turn.

Everyone at the party, other than Ai herself, knew this was going to happen. The hotel’s ukulele ensemble starts singing happy birthday and the rest of us join in.

Ai’s face is a swirling mix of surprise, joy and embarrassment as she squeezes my Hawaiian shirt sleeve and looks at me with big, round, glistening eyes. That’s puppy-level cuteness right there♡.

“That’s not the only gift we have for you this evening.”

The cook in charge of tonight’s meal pushes a big cart into the garden once the chairman said that, bringing out the real star of the party.

Ai’s eyes light up.

“Shogi puzzle cake!”

Yes! Her favorite thing in the world, a Shogi puzzle, had been masterfully created in chocolate …… But, there’s more than that.

The cook made the board itself and the legs underneath out of cake! What is he, a wizard?!!

“Chocolate sponge cake coated with a layer of milk chocolate to re-create the wooden grain patterns …… The Shogi grid and writing on each piece are chocolate icing. Not bad ……”

Big Sis seems impressed and she hardly ever compliments anything. That might be jealousy in her eyes …… She’s not going to demand that I make this on her birthday, is she?

“Even got a piece stand …… Well, I’ll be.”

Just as Master said, there’s a piece stand made of chocolate off to the side complete with captured pieces lined up on top waiting to be played. Of course, they’re chocolate, too. Talk about mouthwatering!

The chairman, who made the Shogi puzzle on the cake, explains in a slightly matter-of-fact tone.

“What do you think? As you can see, the puzzle starts in the shape of a heart, but a new shape appears as the puzzle is solved. This particular puzzle requires many turns to complete, so–––.”

“Wooow! It starts off as a big heart but turns into a small heart at checkmate on the 27th turn! A rittaikyoku dume!”

“………”

Cut off in the middle of his explanation and the answer announced for everyone to hear, the chairman falls silent, stiff as a board with a smile on his face.

S-Sorry about that …… This girl, she’s a god when it comes to Shogi puzzles …… 

By the way, a rittaikyoku dume is a Shogi puzzle that starts with all the pieces laid out to form a picture at the beginning and turns into a different picture by the end of it.

It goes without saying, but making these puzzles is extremely hard.

I’m sure that part of the reason the chairman put in this much effort was to help build up excitement for the Ryuo Title Match, but also to show that he has high hopes for the girl.

“…… Receiving a heart cake from the chairman …… Two hearts at that …… Even though she’s ten …… Even though she’s ten ……”

Ms. Oga’s heart is in rough shape.

Everyone at the party was happy to see a cute little girl getting a birthday cake at first but …… Now that they understand how amazing she really is, that happiness has turned into a frenzy.

“Damn girl!” 

“That was fantastic!” 

“She’s a genius ……!!”

The compliments keep coming.

Ai is now the life of the party. All these reporters and journalists crossed the ocean for a chance to see the Meijin, but now they’re asking to get pictures of my apprentice with her Shogi puzzle cake. It’s getting a bit loud in here actually.

The chairman has regained his composure and poses a question to Ai as she does the best she can to talk with the media swarm.

“If I may ask, Ms. Hinatsuru. Is there a present you would like from your Master for your birthday?”

“Fwhee?!”

Blindsided, Ai starts sputtering. So cute to watch.

“Um … Well.” It took her a few moments, but Ai builds up the courage to look straightforward and answer in a loud, clear voice. “Uhhh, I …… I want Master to win tomorrow’s match!!”

Applause erupt for the commendable apprentice who thought of her Master before herself.

The chairman tries not to laugh and says, “Well, there you have it, Ryuo. What’s your answer?”

“That’s a lot of pressure,” I answer with a grin. 

But Ai turns blue in the face and yells, “S-S-S-SO-SORRY!! Forget I said–––.”

“What? So, it’s okay with you if I lose?”

“No, that’s not okay!! Win no matter wha- …… Oh no?! I said win again!”

Boom! The inner garden explodes with laughter. Ai’s face goes red as a hibiscus.

“You’ve certainly found an excellent apprentice, Ryou. Now you absolutely must not lose.”

“Very true. As you can see, the Masters aren’t as strict on apprentices as the apprentices are on their Masters in the Kiyotaki Shogi family. It’s tradition.”

My witty comeback to the chairman’s ribbing got the biggest laughs all night. Yessah!

“He ain’t kiddin’ ……,” Master mumbles with a bone-dry smile despite being in Hawaii. His credit card must be just as dried out.

Among all the smiling faces, only Ai, ”…… Master, you meanie,” she says, puffing out her bright red cheeks.

Too darn cute ……!

The Meijin listened to our very Kansai-esque banter with a cheerful smile on his face until it was finally time for the participants to leave the party and get ready for tomorrow’s match.