Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 10 - Chapter 2

  BACK FROM THE DEAD

My 21st birthday. The day––––––I died.

“…………………… I lost.”

On that day, when I would be forced out of the Sub League if I didn’t win three matches in a row, I lowered my head in defeat on the third and final match.

I barely squeaked by with a win in the first.

The second was a near-perfect victory.

But in the third, I was utterly destroyed.

Winning twice in a row went to my head. It was the first time in I don’t know how long I decided to be aggressive in the early game because I had the first move. Except I overstepped and tripped over my own feet.

“……… Well, this is how it is ……”

A rather dull way for the last Sub League session of my life, but moreso than the pain and feeling downright pathetic, it’s the I knew it feeling that wins out. 2-kyu at 21. I obviously don’t have the talent and don’t put in enough effort.

Another member of the Sub League that I’m particularly close to, a 2-dan, is also forced into retirement that same day.

He’s in my Shogi family tree, my older brother apprentice, and he’s been there for me during my time in Tokyo for everything: from Shogi practice sessions to making sure I’m eating right. He’s like a real older brother to me.

I never thought we would both be forced out of the Sub League on the same day as well, but …… It’s slightly comforting to know I don’t have to go through this all by myself.

“…… Thank you for all your fine efforts.”

The two of us are at the Sub League Directors’ office to say our goodbyes.

There are actually two Senseis working as directors. One is a seasoned veteran and the other is quite young.

The veteran seems indifferent, as he has surely seen countless Sub League members come and go in his time …… The younger one, Hatomachi-sensei, is very concerned about how the rest of our lives will unfold.

My older brother apprentice and I, neither of us graduated high school. We’ve never had a part-time job that didn’t involve Shogi either.

Those things are especially damaging to him because he’s already 26 years old.

I’m still 21. On the other hand, even if I did return to my hometown in Oita, there is nothing specifically for me there. I can’t think of anything I’d like to do, so I don’t know what I would do after going home. I lost contact with my old friends a long time ago.

My mind drifts from one thought to another when a sudden burst of chatter overtakes the director’s office.

“They seem rather excited …… Did something happen?” I asked without giving it much thought, and Hatomachi-sensei responds as if he’d rather not say out of respect.

“This? Oh, a Sub League Entrance Exam just took place in Kansai.”

“Mr. Karako …… was it? The ex-3-dan?”

He got into the Sub League at the age of 14 but was forced out due to the age limit.

After that, he went on to take the amateur Shogi scene by storm. Shoji Karako making another attempt at the 3-dan division has sparked many discussions among current league members. Most here in Kanto were staunchly against it, if only for the fact that the process was taking place in Kansai. My older brother apprentice and I were among them. The man just didn’t know when to give up.

“It seems that Mr. Karako won just a few moments ago. Everyone had been waiting for the results.”

“That’s what they’re so excited about ……?”

Silent as the grave on expulsion, jubilant on entrance …… That’s the Sub League. Even back when I entered ……

“No, that’s not the whole story.”

“What else could there be?”

“Next in line is his examiner, Naniwa’s Snow White. You know, because she can be promoted to 3-dan with one more win? It’ll be one of those all-or-nothing matches with futures on the line, so of course TV stations are all over it.”

“I …… Um, I see ……”

Naniwa’s Snow White–––Ginko Sora-Dual Title. Sub League 2-dan.

She’s Kansai, so I never played against her, but I’ve seen her face-to-face. I worked as a match recorder for one of her Women’s Title Matches.

That was at least four years ago, and she was only a Sub League 4-kyu at that time.

And she …… breezed right by me.

“3-dan ………… 15, 3-dan ……”

Nothing is fair. That girl is as beautiful as a delicate fairy, young and extremely good at Shogi as well.

But …… I’ve already given up.

People who don’t glow like her can’t become good at Shogi …… I never had a chance to begin with …… A dry, empty smile grows on my lips.

Hatomachi-sensei gives my older brother apprentice an encouraging talk.

“It may be hard to consider right now, but please contact me once you’ve had some time for yourself. You committed to your studies and worked very hard. You have what it takes to succeed traveling down other paths outside of Shogi. I know of several companies that would love to have you ……”

My older brother apprentice silently nods.

Just as Sensei said, my older brother apprentice is a people person who can roll with the punches.

I’d always been jealous of him for that. Even outside of the Shogi world, I just know he’ll become something special.

But …… I ……

Then, Hatomachi-sensei turns to me like the judge about to issue an execution.

“Miss Gakumeki.”

“Yes.”

“You have the option to join the Women’s League. What do you say?”

“……………………… What?”

“You haven’t heard? The new system was implemented at the last Player’s Meeting. Any woman who reaches 2-kyu in the Sub League can join the Women’s League with the same rank.”

Twist. The world warps around me.

“Huh ………? Wh …………… what?”

“Well, personally I think it’s only natural. After all, a Sub League 2-kyu is stronger than most Women’s League players already. With skills like yours, you have a good chance to claim your own title.”

Women’s League player?

Title?

Wasn’t today …… The last day I’d ever play Shogi ……?

“If you’re going to join, time is of the essence. Registration for the Women’s Legend League Qualifier ends today. If you do the paperwork right now, it should go through just in time.”

I collapse to the floor in a heap. I have absolutely no idea what to say.

“That a yes? Then we’ll go ahead and draft the paperwork.”

I …… I–––.

“Ye …… s,” I said, nodding.

For the rest of my life, I will never forget the look on my older brother apprentice’s face in that moment.

…… But, what was I supposed to do?

I’m not like him …… Shogi is all I have ……

“Am I allowed …… to say congratulations?”

I’m sure my older brother apprentice being there made things more complicated, but Hatomachi-sensei celebrates the birth of the new Women’s League player as best he could.

Before I know it, an association staff member is behind me with a pen and paper in hand.

“Gakumeki-sensei. I know this is all sudden, but may I ask you to sign on the dotted line?”

I, who should be dead, …… am now in a position to be called Sensei.

My older brother apprentice, who I thought was still beside me, disappeared from the office without making a sound.

He was being thrust into the outside world on his own, and I abandoned him to his fate.

“Sensei, your signature.”

“………………”

Following instructions, I sign my name.

I went into the ladies’ room immediately afterward and threw up everything that was in my stomach.