Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 7 - Chapter 1.2

  CELEBRATION

Then, the next day.

Returning to Osaka right afterward, now we’ve got a party to go to over here.

“Thank you for coming tonight! Your continuous support is greatly appreciated!” says the entire Shogi family, greeting our guests as they come into the five-star hotel hosting the event. I’m used to opening night parties before title matches, but this is something completely new.

“Kiyotaki Shogi Family Celebration.”

Yes.

Master Kiyotaki is the one who set this party up.

He invited all the sponsors and fans who’ve supported us through thick and thin to come do instructional matches and have dinner with us. In other words, this is our Shogi family’s fan appreciation party.

“…… I’ve got to say, he went all out. How much did he spend on this place?”

“Of course, we’re in the red,” says Keika with a dejected look on her face. She’s been scrambling since the end of last year to get everything in place and had to stay in Osaka yesterday to make sure it all came together.

“‘We got the Ryuo, highest rankin’ player in the Shogi world, and the Dual Title Holder and strongest girl in Women’s Shogi together in the same spot, so I wanna put on the best shindig Japan’s ever seen!’ is what fath- …… what Master said.”

“It’s because Master still thinks like people back in the seventies. I’ve heard they used to break the bank to do these parties one after another.”

I’ve also heard that because they had all these fancy parties, Shogi players went from being considered gamblers to being treated as Shogi professionals.

The players themselves put the entire Shogi world on their shoulders.

“A lot of that was probably for show. But–––.”

Keika forces the tired look off her face and gives me a gentle smile.

“He was really, really happy that you beat the Meijin, Yaichi.”

“……”

I start twiddling my thumbs, too embarrassed to say anything.

I’m so glad to hear that Master was that happy for me …… My heart could just burst out of my chest.

I was nothing more than some stranger’s kid, but Master spent his own money to support me without saying a word and is now throwing this massive party.

But that’s not all. Master Kiyotaki has looked after me ever since I became a live-in apprentice, including my Shogi training. That’s hard enough to do for your own son, but he did it all for me ……

“? Is something wrong, Yaichi? Did you catch a cold?”

“Nah, just um …… I’m good.”

Keika must’ve heard me sniffling, mistook it for a runny nose, and was nice enough to ask. That mistake might’ve been on purpose, now that I think about it.

“B-But yeah …… There are all sorts of people here tonight who aren’t part of the Go and Shogi worlds. The governor and the Mayor of Osaka are here!” I say to distract her from my tears, but Keika nods like I was stating the obvious.

“You and the girls have reached the point where those people will come. You and Ginko are the faces of the Shogi world, and both of your apprentices are just starting to get noticed. Of course you’d get fans in business and political circles!”

“Which reminds me, where is Shumai-sensei? It looks like she’s not here yet.”

“She’s been banned from all Shogi events after what happened on New Year’s.”

“Ah, yeah.”

The First Move Ceremony C*ck Incident. That’d get anyone banned.

Once the greetings were over, it was on to Shogi.

“The program you received at the reception desk has a number card inside! Use that number to claim your spot for an instruction match!”

The hotel staff helps Keika do crowd control as everyone rushes toward the boards.

This event may be for the Kiyotaki Shogi family, but as is customary in Kansai where everyone is family, all the Kansai players are here.

Even though everyone is extremely busy with league matches, the Kansai Shogi family is out in full force with our father the Don of Naniwa, Tatsuo Zaou 9-dan leading the charge. Thanks to their cooperation, we were able to set it up so that all of our eager guests would be able to receive one instructional match.

But most of them are zeroed in on Big Sis and my grade school–aged apprentices.

Especially Naniwa’s Snow White, whose popularity has gone through the roof now that she’s the strongest female Shogi player in history as well as the first-ever woman to reach 3-dan in the Sub League. She’s doing three matches at once to keep up, but the line for each board is snaking toward the back of the room–––.

“Pointless.”

“Ooff ……!”

“Why make that move? Even a pig wouldn’t make a move that pointless.”

“Hooh! Ahhhh ……!!”

“Pointless. That one’s pointless, too. No point, no point, no point, pointless, pointlesspointless.”

“Gaaasp!”

“Ah, ahhhhh ……♡”

“M-Mistress …… More ……! Keep up your ruthless assault, grind me into duuust ……!”

Big Sis’s instructional matches are so strict they might as well just be called chastising. Her sharp words crack like a whip every time someone makes a mistake. It seems like the line of middle-aged male faces contorting in ecstasy will never stop. Just what kind of party is this?

“That’s too much …… is what I’d like to say, but the guests look pretty happy (?) so, I can’t just tell her not to ……”

As for Ai Hinatsuru–––.

“Here! That’s checkmate.”

“Huh?! B-But I can still do this ……”

“Yes, you can, but herehereherehereherehere …… And checkmate. Seventeen moves.”

“…………”

“That’s a checkmate, too. Thirty-five moves. It’s a little long, but it’s a simple sequence so try to figure it out on your own!”

“Uh-huh ………… Simple ………”

She’s friendly enough, but she’s checkmating everyone in the blink of an eye. Even the most confident of guests are walking away from her board hunched over on the verge of tears.

I know she’s just trying to help, so I can’t exactly tell her off, either. She’s the most vicious type of instructor out there.

“…… Compared to the other two, she’s perfect, don’t you think?”

“For sure. I never expected her to be that good ……”

Keika and I are watching a young lady dressed in black politely giving constructive criticism. What’s more, she’s doing it better than anyone else.

“I’d say that move is worth eighty points. Not too bad. But …… There’s one worth one hundred twenty on the board, so take your time and think it through.”

“…… Is … this it?”

“Yes! I knew you could find it.”

She’s making her opponents think for themselves rather than just pointing out what they should do. Once they make it to the correct answer, she showers them with compliments, all with a charming smile on her face.

“I didn’t even see that move. A good one, for sure. Looks like I’m the one who learned something.”

“N-No, no …… That was just luck! Ha ha ha!”

Since Ai Yashajin gives a lot of compliments and explains the good parts rather cutting them off and forcing information down their throats no matter how bad or bizarre her opponents’ moves were, everyone who goes to her board leaves with a satisfied smile on their face.

“…… Perfect. That instructional match was just perfect ……”

She wasn’t always like this …… Maybe some of the things I’ve been teaching her are getting through. If that’s the case, then I couldn’t be happier.

I flashed her a smile when our eyes happened to meet, but all she did was stick her tongue out and say, “Blah.” Adorable.

Just as I was basking in my apprentice’s progress–––.

A woman wearing a suit tries to sneak into Ai Yashajin’s line. So I go and put my hand on her shoulder.

“…… Akira. We’re asking that all guests do only one instructional match. You already went through Big Sis’s line, didn’t you?”

“A-Akira?! Who’s this Akira?!”

That would be you.

“Trying to hide won’t help. It’s true that a lot more women are coming to Shogi events recently, but this one is full of geezers wanting to see all the new Women’s League players everyone’s talking about. You stick out like a sore thumb, Akira. Just give up and go eat something.”

“But I want to receive My Lady’s instructional lesson as well as Miss Hinatsuru’s and Sora-sensei’s! All of the professionals here have their own specialties, so I couldn’t possibly choose a single one!”

“That doesn’t change anything.”

“Seeing my rival undergoing instructional lessons with other professionals makes me anxious! What if he’s learning some invincible technique ……?”

“You have a rival?”

“Him, right there! That little brat!”

Akira points at the boy in grade school who she always plays against in the association’s classroom. Today he’s playing against Master Kiyotaki with a four-piece handicap right now.

Even though Ai Yashajin doesn’t have to go to the association anymore after graduating from the Practice League, Akira still goes to the classroom on her days off to do instructional matches with pros and play against her rival as much as she can. She’s completely hooked on Shogi.

“Listen, Akira. I’m really happy to see that you’ve taken an interest in Shogi, but–––.”

“Then you teach me, Kuzuryu-sensei! You don’t seem to be busy at the moment.”

“Say what?! Well, I ……”

It’s true that I’m just walking around rather than doing instructional matches, but there’s a reason for it.

Just as I was trying to decide if I should explain it to her or not–––.

“Excuse me, ma’am. I would be delighted to teach you if you’ll have me.”

A tall man in a tight-fitting suit walks over to us and greets Akira with a toothy smile.

“And you are?”

“A Sub League 3-dan who just happened to be passing by.”

“Th-3-dan?! That’s one step short of a full professional!!” she yelps in surprise.

The 3-dan passing by–––Hiuma Kagamizu lowers his voice and ramps up the act.

“Well, well. You know of the Sub League …… You’re no ordinary woman, are you, ma’am?”

“Hah! I know the Shogi world like the back of my hand. I even know the difference between professionals and Women’s League players!”

“Most impressive. In that case, you might be able to execute one of my secret techniques ……”

“Really?! I won’t be satisfied unless it guarantees victory?!”

“Of course. Sub League members have mastered strategies amateurs don’t know exist. But, I’ll make an exception for you, ma’am.”

“A-an exception ……!”

Akira is so excited I’m surprised blood isn’t shooting out of her nose. Mr. Kagamizu drops his voice even lower.

“No one else can be allowed to see. I’ll prepare a board for us on that table over there. Now, shall we?”

“Yesss! The classroom will be mine!!”

Already feeling stronger, Akira starts rotating her arms as she makes a beeline for the table.

I’ve got to hand it to Mr. Kagamizu, an event staff veteran like him knows exactly how to handle difficult guests. Unfortunately, that difficult guest is here because of me …… Sigh ……

“…… Sorry about this, Mr. Kagamizu.”

“It’s fine. Titleholders stay away from instructional matches on purpose, yes? No one here thinks you are slacking off.”

“Right, I could casually sneak in a few at Mr. Oishi’s bathhouse classroom, but not when people like Zaou-sensei and Chairman Tsukimitsu are here ……”

“Guests would flock to titleholders and the most popular players, leaving lowly Sub League members like me with nothing to do. You are most gracious.”

“Huh?! Mr. Kagamizu, please don’t pray to me!”

“In all seriousness, the Shogi world exists as it is today because titleholders take pictures with fans and sign autographs for them. Even people who don’t play are starting to take notice.”

Exactly! That’s why I’m just walking around the venue. I’m doing my duty as the Ryuo!!

“…… Well, fans haven’t exactly been swamping you today from what I’ve seen ……”

“I know, right? I guess they’re still mad at me for stopping the Meijin from getting that Eternal Septuple title when everyone and their mother was rooting for him. I’m the villain now.”

“Don’t get so down on yourself. People don’t hate you or anything …… They’re just a little scared.”

“Scared? Of me?”

“Defeating the Meijin the way you did and staying unbeaten since then? Yaichi, do you know what people have been calling you recently?”

“Nah, I haven’t really looked online ……”

I’ve always felt like the Internet’s punching bag, but the entire country nailed me with a full combo after I fought against the Meijin. It was so traumatic I haven’t been on the message boards in a while.

“Now that I think about it, Ayumu said something about that, too. What am I being called? It was always something like trash or loli-con up until now, but …… Don’t tell me it’s gotten worse?!”

“…… Well, I’m sure you’ll find out sooner or later.”

I could almost see the argument play out on his face, but he didn’t tell me in the end. Why? Does that mean it’s something too embarrassing to say in person?!

I wanna know …… But, the Internet is scary!

“Um …… I’m sorry about this, Mr. Kagamizu.”

Keika, who overheard our conversation, comes up to us and lowers her head in a deep bow.

“You’ve been so busy helping us manage the event, I hate to ask you to also take part in instructional matches–––.”

“Quite the opposite, Keika.”

Mr. Kagamizu cuts her off in midsentence and gently smiles.

“As a Sub League member from the middle of nowhere living on his own, I can’t let job opportunities like this pass me by. I’m truly grateful that Kiyotaki-sensei always lets me know when plans are in the works.”

“Well, if you’re willing say it like that ……”

For the most part, Sub League members are forbidden to do part-time jobs. The exceptions are for things that involve Shogi, like match recording and helping out at events like this.

Even so, Sub League members normally never show up at Shogi family celebrations like this one without being part of the family itself.

The fact that Master contacted him directly shows how much he trusts him as well as his hopes for Mr. Kagamizu in the future.

Though I’m sure coming to one of these celebrations as a Sub League member hurts.

But of course, there will be people who say, “If it hurts that bad, turn pro already!”

“Oi! How long are you going to stand around chatting?! Hurry up and teach me!”

“Yes, yes. I’m on my way, ma’am.”

Winking at Keika and I, Mr. Kagamizu walks over to the table where Akira is waiting.

“All right then! I’m going to do some instructional matches,” says Keika, enthusiastically pumping her arms.

“Someone has to cheer up the guests Ai and Ginko broke down!”

“For sure. Oh, Keika.”

“Yes?”

“Congrats.”

“…… Thanks.”

Watching Keika head over to the instructional match area, she’s positively glowing.

She’s always worked behind the scenes at Shogi events up until now. Just like Mr. Kagamizu.

But today, she gets to be up front, teaching the guests as a Sensei.

“…… I bet Master is thrilled. Now he can finally brag to everyone about his favorite daughter.”

Shogi is everything in the Shogi world.

No matter how nice you are, how smart or good-looking, no one cares if you don’t have the Shogi skill to compete. Trying to brag about anything else will get you nowhere.

Which means that Master has never been able to brag about Keika.

He could talk about me or Big Sis as much as he wanted even though we’re not connected by blood, but not his actual daughter. That had to have been rough.

–––But now, he can brag about her anytime, anywhere.

The corners of my eyes heating up again, I try to discreetly wipe them as three young voices come up from below.

“Kujuryu-sensei! Congratulations!”

“Congratulations.”

“Congwatuwayshuns!”

I glance down to find the Grade Schooler Trio, Mio Mizukoshi (10), Ayano Sadato (10) and Charlette Isoir (probably 7), dressed in their fanciest clothes looking up at me.

Maybe they’re not used to big crowds? All three look antsy.

“You came! Thank you. Did you have a chance to do an instructional match? There’s a whole bunch of snacks over there–––.”

“Um!”

Mio cuts me off as her face turns bright red.

“We brought …… presents!!”

“Come again?”

All three hold out bags tied off with cute little bows at the same time. F-For me? Presents?

The one Charlette gives me is–––.

“Oh, wow! A cloth board!”

Mio’s present is–––.

“A piece bag? A nice one!”

The present Ayano holds out for me is–––.

“And, this is a drawstring pouch to put it all in? Yep! Really cute, too!!”

Each of their personalities comes through. The fabric Ayano chose to make the pouch isn’t flashy, but the stitching is extremely precise. Mio’s has anime characters printed on it. The black stitches that make the grid on Charlette’s cloth board aren’t exactly straight but show how hard she tried to do something new and make it even more special.

Mio takes it upon herself to explain for the group.

“Kuzuryu-sensei. You have to travel all around Japan for title matches, right? We wanted to help you practice Shogi no matter where you go, so we came up with this!”

“!! …… T-Thank you ……!! So …… much!!”

My already compromised tear ducts finally give out in that moment.

I just happen to have the cloth board Charlette gave me in my hand and use it to wipe my tears. There’s a chance they could leave behind little white stains, but a quick wash should get rid of them later.

“I have to say, this cloth board is really soft and smooth. Feels great ……♡”

So great, in fact, I couldn’t help but run it down my cheeks as I spoke. It would make the best face towel ever.

“Sniff sniff …… Whoa, and it smells so nice ……♡♡♡ Both the texture and the smell are so soothing♡ Charlette, what kind of fabric did you use?”

“Pwantees.”

……………………………………… Huh?

“You know, Cha? Cha wanted Masta to be hwappy! So Cha, Cha wanted to mwake her bwiggest pwantees into a Shogi bwoard! Swoft and swmooth, oui? And Cha, Cha got wots of new pwantees, so Cha had wots and wots of old pwantees. Now they’re Masta’s Shogi bwoard!”

“What? Pan ……… Huuuh?!”

“Guests receiving instructional matches and enjoying the festivities, please pardon the interruption. Our hosts for the evening would like to say a few words. Please direct your attention to the stage for a few moments.”

Frozen like a statue with Charlette’s handmade cloth board (panties ……?) against my cheek, and an announcement comes over the PA system and brings me back to reality.

That’s right! I need to get up on stage!

Ai Hinatsuru comes skipping by, waving at me with a quick, “Master!”

“S-Sorry, everyone! I have to get going …… Thanks … for these!!”

Slipping the pant- …… cloth board a grade school girl made for me into my pocket, I make for the podium and step in-between Big Sis and Ai Hinatsuru.

Big Sis keeps looking forward but buries her elbow in my side.

“You’re late. What kept you?”

“…… I was wiping my tears with panties.”

“What?”

“Representing the whole of the Kiyotaki Shogi family, Kousuke Kiyotaki would like to express his gratitude to everyone in attendance this evening.”

Ms. Oga hands the main microphone over to Master Kiyotaki before stepping aside. Then my Master steps forward to take center stage.

“Weeelp …… I don’t mean to be lookin’ down on everyone sayin’ this but …… Thank you for takin’ time out of yar busy schedules to attend my Shogi family’s celebration.”

Master gives a deep bow and the rest of us follow suit.

“It’s been eleven years now. My Shogi family started when Ginko Sora and Yaichi Kuzuryu here became my live-in apprentices. We became a small …… truly modest, almost like a real family that all fit under one roof.”

Memories come flooding back as he speaks. My heart is close to bursting, again.

Big Sis must be feeling the same way next to me. Our eyes meet for a brief second, and it felt like our minds were in sync …… That we’re both glad to have been his apprentices.

Then, Master goes on to talk about Ai Hinatsuru and Ai Yashajin.

“Those tiny apprentices of mine have gone on to defend their titles while one has raised two apprentices of his own into promisin’ Women’s League members. They’re real cuties, my granddaughters. I know I spoil them, but both are very talented young ladies and even …! They’re in the runnin’ for titles themselves!”

My first apprentice starts bobbing up and down like she’s got springs in her hips while my second makes a very graceful bow.

Ai Hinatsuru lost, but Ai Yashajin is advancing through the Mynavi Finals. Two more victories and she’ll be in the Qualifier.

Waiting beyond that is–––Queen Ginko Sora.

“It’s hard to watch members of my own Shogi family fightin’ for the same title. Probably somethin’ close to what a grandparent feels watchin’ their children and grandchildren have at it (haha).”

Warm laughter fills the room.

…… But for me, standing between the child and grandchild right now, it doesn’t feel warm at all. The bouquet thing yesterday was hard enough ……

“However, thinkin’ about it as a Shogi player, there’s no greater honor for a Shogi family to have. The greatest feelin’ in the world is watchin’ your apprentices grow up. As a player, I’m grateful to them for showin’ me that happiness can come from somethin’ other than winnin’. Thank ya!”

Master’s strong words of gratitude got a big round of applause from all over the room.

Once it died down, a gentler look appears on his face and he says, “And …… If ya’ll stick with this geezer for a moment, I have one more person to thank. The one who was there helpin’ me raise those two apprentices, my daughter.”

“……?!”

I bet she never thought she’d hear her named called tonight.

Keika watches, stunned, as Ms. Oga casually hands a bouquet of flowers to Big Sis who then presents them to her and says, “Congratulations.”

“Huh ……… What?”

Still not sure what’s happening, Keika’s eyes shrink into tiny little dots on her face.

She stayed behind in Osaka to help set up this celebration.

The rest of us put our heads together and came up with this to surprise her.

“What are you standing around for, Keika? Go on, stand next to Master.”

“Wha-! G-Ginko?!”

With a rather forceful push from Big Sis, Keika wobbles her way to Master Kiyotaki’s side with the bouquet of flowers clutched in her arms.

Master then continues as if talking directly to her.

“She’s the one who truly raised Yaichi Kuzuryu and Ginko Sora. Bein’ a Shogi player means many late nights and travelin’ across the country. My daughter was there to take my place and raise the two of them like members of our family. And, all while fightin’ tooth and nail in the Practice League …… I have no words for how grateful I am to her.”

That broke the dam, and tears start rolling down Keika’s face.

Even Master can’t keep his voice steady.

“Please allow me to introduce her to ya this evening. This is my daughter, Keika. Keika Kiyotaki …… Women’s 3-kyu! As father and daughter, we ask for your continued support!!”

That got a bigger, warmer ovation from the crowd than I’ve ever heard in my life.

It was for Big Sis and I defending our titles, to congratulate the two Ai’s for joining the Women’s League and also for Keika, all at the same time.

But above all else, it was an enthusiastic round of applause for the player, father and man who has worked his fingers to the bone for the Kansai Shogi Association, Master Kiyotaki. I’m sure of it.

Standing on that stage and listening to the never-ending torrent of applause, it was the best moment in our Shogi family’s history.

But it would all come crashing down.

The incident that would take us from the highest peak to rock bottom was about to happen.