Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 1 - Chapter Aft

FOR THE AFTERWORD “ABOUT MR. K”

Back when I was in high school, I had a classmate named K who always had a smile on his face and was extremely good at Shogi. The two of us got to know each other because his assigned seat was in front of mine.

Knowing only how the pieces moved, I said, “Hey K, I hear you’re good at Shogi? Wanna play me?”

Got out my handmade Shogi board (complete with magnets—the kind that you use during art class in elementary school—with Pawn, King and the like written on them in magic marker) and challenged him to a match.

I had my ass handed to me on a silver platter.

After that, I remember K playing with only Pawns and his King, but I think I lost even with a ten-piece handicap. Honestly, it didn’t feel like we were playing the same game.

I was pretty athletic at the time, always placing in the prefectural tournaments as a member of the track team: an athletic nerd if you will. Our high school had a tradition of honoring anyone who placed in a prefectural tournament with a ceremony in front of the whole school. Sure, it was an honor to be recognized like that, but it was also kind of embarrassing. One day, K and I were part of a group up on stage together. They were going down the list, one person placed third in the prefecture, another one got the top prize in a musical competition, but this is how K was recognized: “K has become the Ryuo!”

The gymnasium erupted.

Thinking back on it now, the reason I made the main character of this book the Ryuo could have a lot to do with knowing a real Ryuo, K, back in high school.

The Ryuo title that he won was the “High School Ryuo,” as in not the professional, but an amateur title only for high school students. Basically, he won a nationwide high school Shogi tournament. But since there’s only one of those in the country, it was big news for our little school out in the countryside.

I had a chance to have dinner with a fellow alumnus who graduated before me a little while back. He was kind enough to read my work and had this to say: “That’s right, the Ryuo was in your year. I still remember when they announced that title, wow ……

So, I wasn’t the only one who was greatly impacted by the presence of a Ryuo.

But K always had that infectious smile. While he didn’t change much after winning the title, I never considered challenging him to a match again.

Like many classmates, the two of us lost contact after graduation. However, I came across his name many times once I chose to write about Shogi and started doing research.

I found out that he led to the distinguished Ritsumeikan University to two national titles while studying there.

He also won two of the biggest titles in amateur Shogi to become one of the most decorated amateurs to play the game.

From there I found out that he also played some public matches against computer programs that were becoming stronger and stronger.

What I did know about the Shogi world in high school came from a popular manga at the time.

I remember offhandedly asking K this question one day, “Why don’t you join the Sub League?”

K just looked at me with his usual smile, but there was something different about it that time.

“Because I didn’t start early enough.”

That was his answer.

He seemed so eloquently resigned to his fate that I couldn’t bring myself to say, “Why not give it a shot now?”

That was my first glimpse into the unforgiving world of pro Shogi.

That’s what I remember about K——the Twelfth High School Ryuo, Yukio Kato.

…… That was my attempt at an essay style afterword. What did you think?

Thank you for reading my new series: Ryuo no Oshigoto—The Ryuo’s Work is Never Done! This is Shirow Shiratori.

This is the fourth series I have written. I started with Gakuen Rabukome—Schoolyard Romantic Comedy ⇒ Hansen Fantaji—Sailing Fantasy ⇒ Nougyou Koukou Rabukome—Agricultural High School Romantic Comedy before this series, which I was originally going to call Naniwa Shogi Monogatari—Naniwa Shogi Story, but the topic was going to be Shogi nonetheless.

Why did I choose Shogi?

It all boils down to the fact that I wanted to write a story filled with intensity and passion.

Wanting to follow the lives of young people who are fighting for their very futures, the Shogi world provided me with inspiration.

I’m a bit worried about whether readers will pick up on my intention or not …… But I know that I’ve done everything in my power to convey it. Nothing would make me happier than to receive your opinions and impressions.

Now to give thanks where thanks is due.

I received many fantastic illustrations of characters bubbling over with personality from my illustrator, Shirabii-sensei. Not only did he adjust to all of my particular opinions, but he painstakingly incorporated details from my writing into his artwork, as well as providing several fantastic ideas of his own, including Ginko’s hairband. Shirabii-sensei, I’m so glad to have you with me!

Members of Saiyuki, a unit of young pro Shogi players in the Kansai area, were in charge of supervising this book. I asked for their assistance knowing full well that all of them were busy with matches and promotion activities, but they agreed.

…… I still can’t believe my luck, really ……

The reason I decided to set this story in Kansai is because I was inspired by a series of articles written in the magazine Shogi World called “Kansai Headquarters’ Player Rooms 24” that centered around the daily lives of professional Shogi players. In other words, the very people I modeled the characters after became my supervisors. I didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or overjoyed ……!

The amazing members of Saiyuki chose how the match records would play out as well as catching my own mistakes and providing extremely helpful suggestions that shaped the setting and characters. As one Shogi fan, there are no words to express how grateful I am to Yugo Takeuchi-sensei for all of his highly energetic and supportive comments along the way!

But of course, as this is a work of fiction, there are a few places I took a few liberties with reality. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

I received permission from the Japan Shogi Association as well as individual players when including the names of actual titleholders in this book.

I would like to say thank you once again to Mynavi for providing their cooperation as well.

My editors, Mr. Ohara and the Shogi-loving Mr. Kitamura, did far more than their jobs required to make this book a reality. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that no other light novel on the shelves today had more hours of editing poured into it. I really can’t thank the two of you enough. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Several professional Shogi players and Shogi journalists helped to promote my work via Twitter.

My jaw nearly hit the floor when I found out that Shogi legend Mr. Hifumi Kato read this book! “WHOA!” I couldn’t help but scream.

Speaking of surprises, I just happened to bump into author and professional Shogi player Hirotaka Nozuki and got his autograph at an FC Gifu soccer match. I thought I’d struck it rich already, but he uploaded a picture of the two of us as well. Nozuki-sensei’s Consadole Sapporo won against my FC Gifu that day but …… I’m so glad I came out to support them!

To all the readers who have supported all of my previous works; to all of my fellow FC Gifu fans; to all the residents of Minokamo City, where I spend more time than my hometown, and to everyone who just started reading the series: I feel your support. Thank you, thank you so very much.

I’m devoted to living up to my supporters’ expectations and then exceed them by leaps and bounds. Looking forward to the next installment!

Another Ai will appear in the next volume, and battles far more intense than Book 1 are about to unfold. Please look forward to it!