Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 13 - Chapter 3

THE LAST LUNCH: THE LAST GRADE SCHOOLER PRACTICE GROUP SESSION PART 3

“S-So, that’s …… what happened ……”

After hearing Ten-chan’s story, that’s really all I, Mio, can say.

I saw up to the point where things started looking lovey-dovey between Kujyuru-sensei and Sora-sensei at Twelve, but that’s when things started going downhill for Keika. Things got so bad that there wasn’t time to watch any of the phones.

I can’t believe he gave her little girl panties …… Sora-sensei must have been so ticked. Just because hers are small doesn’t mean it’s okay to do just anything.

Still, anyway.

“Sora-sensei’s birthday is coming up again, isn’t it? I wish I could go again this year, too.”

“Seriously ………… After everything I just said, you still want to ……?”

“But there’s so much more to talk about this year! Who knows, Sora-sensei’s birthday may become a Shogi world holiday! Man, if only I could delay my flight long enough so I could be there ……”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. News programs have been talking about her day and night, but people involved with Shogi aren’t sure how to feel about her promotion.”

“Huh?”

“She’s being anointed, from a certain point of view.”

Anointed ……? Like the ceremony?

That’s what they call the big ceremony that’s put on to congratulate the player who wins a title, right?

The rest of the girls and I got to go to Kujyuru-sensei’s anointing ceremony, and I remember everything being all smiles ……

“Whether it’s the first in history or breaking new ground, as far as other players are concerned, these words mean it’s impossible for you and brand them as failures. Think about it. Wouldn’t that give everyone a chip on their shoulder? Make that searing pain in their hearts burn even hotter? At the very least, those who consider Ginko Sora to be their rival won’t be able to talk about what happened yesterday with a smile for the rest of their lives. Some, like me, had time to mentally prepare, but still.”

“Ah ……!”

I know exactly what that feeling tastes like.

Actually, I still have that taste in my mouth right now.

If all the Senseis in the Women’s League are feeling the same way–––.

“……… Well then …… Today’s the only day to do it after all …………”

Ten-chan must have heard me whispering under my breath because she doesn’t ask me what I said.

But she does say, “I have no idea what you’re planning, nor am I the least bit interested. However, if it’s what I think it is …… Allow me to say this ……”

Those pitch-black eyes of hers swallow me whole.

It’s like we’re in the late-game and she’s bound and determined to take me down.

This must be what a frog feels like when it sees a snake. I’m surprised I’m not shaking in my shoes right now.

Fear is starting to take hold of me when Ten-chan starts talking again.

“The higher the stakes, the more you tell yourself this is your only chance, the scarier the match becomes. However, that scary feeling is what’s important.”

“…… !! Being scared is important ……?”

Ten-chan pokes me in the chest with one of her pale white fingers.

“Take on the challenge that is the scariest for you. A few jitters won’t do. The challenge, whatever it is, must be intense enough to shatter your cowardly heart to pieces. Put everything you’ve built up on the line for one Shogi match. Your life will change if you win, I guarantee it.”

“…… Do you think I’ll ever be like you, Ten-chan?”

“Possibly.”

I look up at the sky.

The plane that just left the runway a minute ago disappears behind the clouds …… It’s totally gone now.

Just like that. And I’m still here on the ground.

I look back down at the toes of my shoes and sigh. 

“But …… say I did bet everything on a scary match. What happens if I lose?”

“Beats me. I’ve never thought about it.”

Liar. I can just tell.

Ten-chan’s face is so relaxed, I can see right through it. The way it always is.

I’m sure …… no, I’m definitely sure that she’s thought about it hundreds, maybe thousands of times. Thought about when she loses. And I’m sure she’s still fighting that fear right now.

––– That’s why Ten-chan is so strong.

The difference between me and her is painfully obvious.

Painfully obvious how big it is.

The difference between people who fight when they sit at a board, and those who keep fighting even when they’re not.

–––Actually …… Ten-chan might be under the least amount of pressure when she’s playing Shogi ……

She never told me about how her mom and papa died, but I’ve heard the story from the other girls.

They said it was a horrible, extremely unlucky accident.

Not just anyone can get stronger by going through something like that. I’m pretty sure that most people get overwhelmed by tragedies and soul-crushing losses.

But this girl right here named Ai Yashajin, she overcame it. She’s my age, too.

Which means …… I can’t say that I can’t do it, right?

“Here’s one more parting gift.”

“How many is that now?”

“Being charitable is the duty of the strong,” she says with a small heh and pulls back her long, black hair.

Then she flips it out like a black wing and calls Akira a little way away.

“Akira! Start the car.”

“Going home already? Why don’t you come see everyone?”

“I’m busy. Now that Ginko Sora has officially become a professional, her titles are vacant. I must secure Queen and Women’s Throne for myself.”

“Are women barred from Women’s Matches after turning pro? Did she have to give her titles back?”

“That’s what the current rules say. Although it seems the sponsors would like Ginko Sora to keep the titles and there are some high-ranking members of the association who agree.”

“Who do you ask about stuff like that? I just kinda figured Women’s League players found out naturally …… But they don’t, right?”

“I looked into it myself, of course. I have connections.”

“…… Like Akira?”

Just as I ask, Akira stops walking toward the parking lot and says, “The Yashajin Group also includes private investigation agencies.”

But she doesn’t say anything else. She’s kinda cool at times like this ……

Ten-chan explains more for me.

“We don’t put our name out there, but my family’s business has a relationship with many companies that sponsor Shogi events and leagues. In fact, one of them is the main contributor to the Women’s Legend League. Only the art museum that the contributor’s company owns gets mentioned. That contributor offered to have our name affixed to the tournament at one point because of our involvement in Women’s Shogi.”

“Wooow ……”

“Still, we refused because the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, for now anyway.”

Now that I think about it, Ten-chan being a part of the Yashajin Women’s Legend League would be a little …… I don’t know how the other Senseis in the Women’s League could focus ……

“I am satisfied with being a Women’s League player,” Ten-chan says without looking at me.

“There are problems with the league, yes, but there’s no denying that more girls have started playing Shogi because of it. I also understand why the Sub League and the professionals get all the attention. However, getting stronger requires many things … the most important of which is provided by the Women’s League system.”

“The most important? What’s that–––?”

“A place to compete against fellow players.”

Whaaat?!

“T-Ten …… chan? A-Are, are you saying–––?”

It was really fast, but I know what I heard.

Ten-chan said it.

“I’m glad I met all of you.” I know it!

“That was a parting gift. Don’t waste it.”

She looks back over her shoulder with a smile and the kindest look in her eye.

Somehow that’s not the Ten-chan I know, but someone much more grown-up.

I haven’t seen her since the day we did the summer festival in the shopping arcade a few weeks ago, but still.

Kinda like …… Yeah, a girl who went to the next level with a boy during summer vacation–––.

“You’ve ………… changed, Ten-chan.”

“Have I?”

“Yep, I think the old you would’ve said something like D-Don’t get the wrong idea because I didn’t say that!! or something.”

“Akira. Pistol.”

“My lady. At the airport, I cannot.”

At the airport?! So, does that mean she’d take out a pistol someplace else?!

Ten-chan’s terrifying!

“Hmph! Seems I was foolish for wanting you to stay in Japan! Go abroad, go to hell for all I care!”

“B-B-Buuut ……”

“Look, it’s possible to play Shogi and speak with anyone for free over the Internet nowadays, yes? We never were the type to meet face-to-face day in and day out to begin with, so this changes nothing.”

“You’re right! I can still have Black Cat teach me Shogi from anywhere in the world!”

“Meow?!”

Now that the kitty has suddenly turned bright red, I let her have all the ammo I’ve built up all at once.

“Whaaaat? Do you know them, Ten-chan? Black Cat.”

“N-No, never heard of it! I don’t know that account!”

“Ohh? I never said it was an account on a Shogi site. So, how do you know? C’mon, tell me! Pretty please!”

“Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!! I’m never playing against you again, got that?!”

Ahaha! Yep, this is how Lady Ai should be.

I’m glad to see the Ten-chan I know is still around!

But–––.

“I’ve decided to stop pretending and trying to hide my true feelings,” Ten-chan says openheartedly.

“There’s something that I want. If I want it badly enough, then I don’t care who tries to get in my way. They don’t scare me at all.”

“……!!”

Wow …… Ten-chan’s got her own spotlight …… It’s so bright I have to look away.

And I happen to see a plane out of the corner of my eye.

But it’s not one that’s taking off. This plane is coming into Japan.

“Speaking of which …… There is a bracket for international participants in the Women’s Throne League, yes?”

“Yep. What about it?”

They do this thing where they invite women who do really well in Shogi tournaments around the world. There are some foreign Senseis in the Women’s League because of it.

Shogi can be played anywhere in the world now.

So there are strong people who aren’t Japanese, and plenty more strong foreigners are going to show up, so I’ll have plenty of people to play with … probably.

So–––.

“If you’re gonna be a dual title holder ……”

“Hm?”

“Then I’m gonna be the European champion!!” I declare loud enough for people all over the world to hear.

Even those plane engines can’t get in the way.

Nothing is going to steal my thunder, ever.

“I’ll get stronger! Strong enough to be a challenger for the Women’s Throne! Then …… then–––!!”

“Heh.”

A little smile shows up on Ten-chan’s face.

Once she flips her hair like a black wing one more time, she reaches out to me for a handshake.

“Come back stronger than ever. If you do …… I’ll dance for you on the brightest stage.”

My full name is Ayano Sadatou. I’m a girl in the fifth grade no different from other fifth-grade girls.

My defining feature? My glasses, I guess.

Something unique I can do? I play Shogi. As I’m registered with the Kansai Practice League, I suppose you could say I’m training to join the Woman’s League one day.

Therefore, other students at my school in Kyoto often say that I’m amazing or look smart.

However, when I’m in the company of prodigies like Ai Hinatsuru or get compared to the grit and determination that Mio Mizukoshi has, I get lost in the shuffle ……

Despite promising to meet Mio in the final round of the King of Naniwa Tournament, I lost to a girl my own age, Marina Kannabe, in the Semifinals. It wasn’t even close.

Since I couldn’t give Mio one last match on a big stage before she left Japan, I was planning to use that pain as fuel in my Practice League matches to improve my record …… Unfortunately, the reality was not so forgiving.

Even with being able to practice at the Ryuo’s apartment, a fortunate opportunity I never thought I would receive, I have been marked with a B in the Practice League. I’m in danger of disqualification.

I possess neither the skill required to enter the Women’s League nor the determination, and now Mio, my only source of motivation to continue playing Shogi, is moving to a different country ……

The strong face I’ve put on has been to make sure Mio didn’t become concerned about my well-being, but I have had far too much on my mind recently.

I went to the person I respect more than anyone in the world, my elder sister apprentice, for advice and our conversation went like this.

“I myself was not born with substantial talent. Compared to O-Ryou or Ginko, I am but one of the masses. Committing a great deal of effort is the only way to close the gap.”

“Big Sister Machi … but, I already am trying my best. What should I do when I work harder than all the others and still–––?”

“Simply, your effort is insufficient. Commit extreme effort.”

“Extreme …… effort ……?” 

“Those words were passed on to me by a player that I hold in the highest regard. As a passive, straight-laced style of player, taking a page out of her book may be what is required for you to break through this wall, Ayano ……”

I wasted no time researching the player that Big Sister Machi mentioned that day.

Then, after seeing her extraordinary and strikingly vivid match records and reading the wisdom in her quotes with my own eyes, I was awestruck.

If only I could meet them!

Just once, I would like to hear what they would do in my situation! If I ever have the honor of talking to them face to face, I would love to know what the true meaning of extraordinary effort is ……!!

Which is why–––

“OOOOOOOOOCK!!”

“C******************************************CK!!”

No.

This ravenous beast of a woman spewing dirty words left and right can’t possibly be the player that Big Sister Machi respects so much …… It …… can’t be …… possible ……

“You, yeah, you, the well-hung hunk! Top me off, will ya?! More beer, more beer!!”

She yells at a young man working at the restaurant, demanding another refill on top of who knows how many she’s already had.

This woman is drunk …… very drunk.

“Still, what’re the chances?! Bumpin’ into Yaichi’s apprentice in a Chinese restaurant at an airport of all places! Got to check out his thing yet? Hm?”

Ai is apparently an acquaintance of hers already. Still, she slowly, cautiously attempts to say what she has already said at least 10 times up to this point.

“U-Um …… Sensei? I think that’s enough–––.”

“Don’ get your panties in a bunch! I’m covering the tab, all of it! Order anythin’ you want off the menu, all your favorites! But what I wanna devour the most …… isn’t on this stinkin’ menu! Mngggghhhhhhhh ……”

She wipes a mixture of foam and saliva from her lips with the back of her hand and then gives that same young man a hungry, and very inappropriate, stare.

“Yippie! Cha, Cha wants sheeumai!”

“Go ahead, wolf ’em down! Shumai, shrimps, shl*ngs, whatever you like. Seeing you chow down puts a smile on my face, Charlette. That golden hair too, just like a dog’s. So, tell me, do the curtains match the drapes? Hm?”

“Fwhee? Dwapes?”

P-Please, stop this!

Charlette, like the rest of us here, is just as smooth down there as Sora-sensei!!

Handing empty jugs to the waiter who brought the shumai dumplings and another round of beer, the woman doesn’t bother tightening the extremely loose collar of her kimono …… and downs her refill in a few large gulps and gasps for breath. Ugh …… She reeks of alcohol ……

Then she looks at me with a perfectly steady gaze.

“Ai and specs …… Ayano, wasn’t it? You sure you don’t want more food? Or wanna join me for a round? Hm?”

“W-We aren’t allowed! We’re grade schoolers!”

“That right? Well, they’ve cracked down a lot on drinkin’ laws lately. Back when I was a tyke, I was drinkin’ sake like water.”

I’m absolutely certain it was illegal when you were that age ……

“Umm …… Sensei? Aren’t you afraid you’ll miss your flight if you drink too much?”

“Nahhh, it’s all good, Miss Ai is the gentlewoman.”

Her voice slurs between words as she drinks down the beer, seemingly enjoying every last bit of flavor.

“This airport’s got a room that only VIPs of VIPs like myself are allowed in. I don’ even hafta go through security. So, you see, I can drink as much as I want.”

“Are you talking about a lounge?”

“Wownge?” asks a curious Charlette, taking a momentary break from shoveling the dumplings into her mouth.

“It’s a special room that only airline employees or frequent flyer club members are allowed to use. For example, passengers with first-class tickets may be granted access to a fancy relaxation space. Rumor has it that people enrolled in these programs can use a lounge as a way to bypass security …… I don’t want to say this too loud, but it apparently has been used for smuggling things out of the country in the past. As in, inside large musical instrument cases ……”

“Nah. It’s no lounge.” answers the woman, somehow keeping her intoxicated eyes steady. “Drink booze long enough in an airport, an’ they’ll send guys to bring you over there. Last time, two well-endowed pieces of man-meat softly picked me up by my arms and escorted me all the way in. Ain’t that the best thing ever?”

“It sounds more like being taken into custody to me ……”

“Shh! Ayano, SHHHHH!”

Ai is pressing her finger to her lips and desperately trying to warn me.

I-I apologize ……

“But, guess what. They’ve got tons of tax-free whiskey, vodka and even some of the stronger stuff in that room. No one’s supposed to be allowed in, but the top VIPs get to go in anyway. An’ I’m one of ’em!”

So that’s what’s going on ……

I quietly whisper so only Ai can hear, “…… Boarding a plane drunk is dangerous, so I think it would be best if she drank herself to sleep ……”

“…… Yes. That seems to be what the airport staff is trying to do. Nearly all Shogi players only travel domestically for matches …… But this Sensei has to go abroad for a lot of hers ……”

That’s correct.

Despite playing what is basically Shogi’s neighbor as a sport player on a board, Go, the game she plays, has successfully spread around the world. Apparently, she often travels to Asian countries like China and South Korea, but also as far away as Europe to take part in tournaments.

Though I haven’t heard where she’s planning to go today–––.

S-She …… won’t be boarding Mio’s plane, will she?!

“I’ve got some personal stuff to take care of in Japan today. When I’m on official business, I’m a member of the Japan National Team travelin’ with another mega hunk. We can grind out hours of studyin’ in that room. ’Cuz, you know, there’s no gettin’ out without grindin’.”

Haauuu ……

Well, it’s a relief to know that she won’t be on Mio’s flight, but …… What she just said doesn’t put me at ease at all. In fact, if a room like that did exist, wouldn’t smuggling be the least of their worries?

Despite her behavior, this person is in fact a top VIP, and a goddess-like inspiration to girls who play Shogi and Go. 

Even Big Sister Machi said she has no right to tread upon her shadow, so I was excited when I happened to meet her by pure coincidence. I thought this was my chance to receive her advice …… But, she was in no condition to give it.

Are all prodigies like this ……? She is so different from me in every possible aspect that my confidence may disappear once and for all ……

Just as my heart starts to give out.

“Sorry, guys! I didn’t mean to keep you waiting this …… HUH?! Who’s the drunk kimono lady?!”

Mio bursts into the restaurant and rushes to our booth, only to stop and stare in surprise at the person sitting with us.

Which, I feel it’s a natural reaction to seeing us sitting with a strange adult woman ……

However it’s what Mio is wearing that surprises me.

“What’s that?! Mio …… You weren’t wearing anything that fancy before!”

“Ohh …… this?”

Furthermore, it doesn’t match Mio’s fashion sense. Black with frills, it’s more like …… Yes, something Ten-chan would wear.

“Well, you see, um …… Yeah! I was looking at this in a shop window and a nice guy came by and bought it for me!”

“A nice guy?!”

That is a common pattern in dirty books! A gift is made with the intention of getting something in return!

“Y-You can’t just accept presents out of the blue from people you don’t know!”

“Y-You’re right! I’ll be more careful!”

“If that guy happened to be like Kuzuryu-sensei …… a-hem. If he were …… a lolicon, this would be no laughing matter! Any man willing to buy clothing for a girl he just met clearly has impure intentions!”

“C-Couldn’t agree more! What a perv!!”

Mio agrees as she pulls the frilly garment off with a nod.

“Now that that’s settled, who is she?!”

It’s a perfectly valid question. I cannot blame her for being curious ……

Ai introduces her.

“This is …… Uzu Tentsuji-sensei, a banshi board master. She has a shop called Tentsuji Gobanten on the Sennichimae shopping street, Douguya Suji.”

“Sennichimae …… That’s by Namba Grand Kagetsu, right? The board maker? You know the owner, Ai?”

“Remember back to our first practice session this year when I cracked our board? She’s the one who fixed–––.”

“She did?! So the one who made the board you got from Kuzunyu-sensei for getting into the Women’s League is this awesome lady?”

Mio’s tone has changed dramatically as she looks up at the woman, starstruck.

“A lady who can make boards …… You’re soooo cool!”

“Ha! Ha! Ha! I can ’cuz I know Japanese lacquer urushi like the back my hand. You don’ hafta have a c*ck to make boards an’ pieces.”

“A co- ……?”

Mio must never have heard that word before. Haauuu ……

“S-Speaking of boards and pieces! Do you remember how fast you were answering those questions during our quiz competition after New Year’s, Ai?!”

“Yes, I do! I think I was just lucky with the timing. It was right after Master taught me a whole bunch about them.”

“What’s thisss? Sounds like a fun story, right there.”

The woman finishes off the few remaining swallows of beer in her glass and hands Mio a menu.

“You haven’t had lunch yet, have you, kiddo? Order anythin’ you want. I still haven’t had my fill! This story should pair nicely with more booze.”

She’s going to stay ……

Be that as it may, this is Mio’s last lunch in Japan.

At least …… at the very least I want her to be able to enjoy the meal!

In order to secure time for that to happen, Ai starts recounting.

“Let’s see …… I think it happened on the Saturday after we went on your tachimori ceremony, Sensei–––.”

The story about the one time I, who has neither talent nor determination, was able to outshine the rest.