Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 14 - Chapter 1

  BIRTHDAY

September 9th.

The day when a press conference for the final day of the 3-dan division would normally be held in Tokyo’s Shogi Association building but is taking place at the Meiji Kinenkan Banquet Hall instead.

And …… it’s all for a single newly promoted 4-dan.

“The Shogi Association Chairman, Seiichi Tsukimitsu, is currently attending the Second Crown Title Match taking place in Kobe, and thus is absent. Women’s League Chairman Rina Shakando will be presiding in his place,” the elderly master of ceremonies vigorously explains to the small army of reporters who have flooded the main hall. “Also, Sora 4-dan’s Master, Kousuke Kiyotaki 9-dan, had a prior arrangement in Osaka and is not in attendance.”

“Her Master isn’t here?!”

“This is the official announcement for the first female professional Shogi player, ever!! Today will go down in history!!”

“What could possibly be more important than his own apprentice’s promotion announcement?!”

The crowd erupts in anger and surprise, but the master of ceremonies gives a calm answer.

“Overseeing an event for elementary school students.”

That must’ve been the last answer they were expecting, because the hall went silent. Bewilderment, most likely.

I think they were hoping to get a picture of Master and I shedding tears of joy in each other’s arms.

But Master doesn’t like this kind of event in the first place. And–––.

“…… He was against me even joining the Sub League because he thought I was too physically weak to do it.”

That’s why I avoided him during the final month of the 3-dan division and he also avoided me. We’d start arguing if we saw each other ……

I’m sure he doesn’t know how to feel even now that I’m a professional, so he found an excuse to avoid coming here today.

“But I don’t miss him. It’s ………… easier this way,” I whisper to myself in a small room separated from the main hall as my heart pounds with pre-match anticipation.

Reason being, I’m not here to celebrate or to bask in the moment.

I’m here …… to declare war on every single professional player in the Shogi world.

“Ah, I still haven’t introduced myself. I am Mine, an employee at the Shogi Association and your master of ceremonies for today,” the elderly man casually announces before continuing. “Without any further ado–––. It gives me great pleasure to introduce the first female professional Shogi player, Ginko Sora 4-dan!”

I walk into the main hall.

The staff told me that there were just as many reporters here as the day that the Meijin took all seven professional titles for himself.

That all of Japan is celebrating me like they did for him.

Except, back then …… I know there were people who weren’t wishing him well at all.

“Thank you for coming today.”

I put as much force behind my voice as I can to keep it steady. If I didn’t, I’m sure my legs would be shaking, too.

“…… Several days have passed since my promotion became official, but I don’t feel like I have entered the professional ranks just yet. However–––.”

Countless cameras rise and wait for Naniwa’s Snow White to smile or shed a tear.

“Today is my 16th birthday. I’m genuinely surprised by how happy I feel about it.”

The reporters look up at me in confusion.

Mr. Mine, on the other hand, seems to understand what I meant.

“Birthdays were scary during my time in the 3-dan division because of the age limit. Every time that September 9th drew closer …… I felt as though my window of opportunity was closing with each passing day.”

Talent is everything in the Shogi world.

“That was especially true once I began junior high school …… I felt that I was getting weaker with every year.”

And age is talent.

The shadow I’m chasing became a professional in junior high school.

That shadow kept drifting further and further away …… And I was always anxious.

“Luck is what allowed me to promote out of the 3-dan division after only one season. While I’m happy and relieved …… I cannot wait to test my skills on the professional stage.”

On that day the Meijin claimed all the titles.

It’s said that a certain professional spat out these words while the rest of society was singing his praises.

“Today is humiliating for every single Shogi player.”

Those people are going to be my opponents from now on. No professional …… except for one was hoping that I would get promoted. If I don’t get any results, I’m sure I’ll get chided with words like:

“3-dan division was so weak that a girl made it through.”

–––People like Mr. Kagamizu, Mr. Karako …… Friends and fellow players made me strong, but I took Shogi, their very lives, away from them.

I didn’t become a junior high school professional. The shadow is still far, far away.

Then there is the first elementary school professional, Sota Kunugi.

I never lost to him in the Sub League, not once.

–––I am strong! I became one of them …… One of the Shogi Martians I’d only been able to look up at until now ……!

There’s no need for smiles or tears at this press conference.

Crying right after getting promoted does nothing for me. After all, who would be intimidated by a player who was satisfied by just being there?

So I won’t cry. Absolutely not.

“Becoming a professional Shogi player has been my dream since I was a child. Although that dream tormented me during my years in the Sub League …… It has finally come true. Therefore, my time chasing a dream has ended. It’s time for me to set my sights on something more–––.”

I make my declaration.

“Claiming a professional title. And I absolutely will.”

The crowd stirs as cameras flash from every direction. Most of the media people in the hall are men, and nearly all of them seem to doubt me …… Or, perhaps, they find my claim amusing.

–––I said it …… There’s no going back now ……

Every professional will now take it on themselves to put the cheeky little girl in her place.

My taking a title …… would be humiliating for every man who has made it into the professional leagues.

“Thank you, Sora 4-dan.”

I bow and take a seat as the voice filling the hall starts to waiver.

“That was such a courageous and touching speech, I ………… Pardon me …… I-I ……”

The reporters don’t seem to understand why the master of ceremonies is wiping tears away with a handkerchief.

Mr. Mine was once a Sub League member.

Unfortunately, he was forced out by the age limit.

After he started working at the association, having to watch Sub League members being forced to leave year after year became so painful that he considered quitting many times.

The reason why he stayed all the way until he reached retirement age this year was because …… he wanted to be here to see me become a professional… though he didn’t say so until halfway through the 3-dan division season.

Seeing Mr. Mine tear up is making my eyes water. If we were alone right now, I’m sure we’d be bawling.

But I absolutely won’t cry today. I refuse to.

“…… Beg your pardon. Next, I would like to invite Chairman Shakando of the Women’s League to say a few words.”

“Though rude, I will be keeping my seat. My legs lack the strength, you see ……”

Shakando-sensei politely refuses the invitation to the podium.

“First off, I have administrative news to convey.”

She delivers the important announcement as if making small talk with crowd.

“The Board of Directors convened yesterday …… and came to the decision that Women’s title holders shall retain their titles in the event of professional promotion.”

“HUUUH?!”

“I thought they had to automatically forfeit them?!”

“Wh-What title am I supposed to use for my article now ……?”

It’s understandable that a big change overnight like this would come as a shock. And the board was obviously playing a waiting game. Women’s League players must be fuming right now. But I’m perfectly calm.

–––I better pay them back for all their help.

Simply participating in the title matches won’t be enough anymore. I’m sure they’ll want me to appear in commercials for their sponsors and go to events as well. That’ll cost both time and energy. Graduating from high school might not be possible.

“In other words, Sora 4-dan will continue appearing in Queen and Women’s Throne title matches until they are claimed from her by another player. Moving on–––.”

Shakando-sensei looks over at me.

“I understand it’s inappropriate, now that you are a professional …… But I will be taking the liberty to refer to you as Ginko moving forward.”

That’s what she has always called me.

She had been told to refer to me as the first female 4-dan in history to hammer that point home, but Sensei casually ignores that guideline.

“The first time I had the honor of playing against Ginko, she was an elementary school fifth grader …… right after her 11th birthday.”

I remember that day clearly.

I had hit a wall in the Sub League and went against Master’s wishes to take part in the Mynavi Women’s Open. Winning it gave me the right to challenge this prolific Women’s League player for the Queen title.

And, what she said to me during the review session changed my life.

“Finally, I found the one who can make my dream a reality.”

–––That was the first time. She was the first person to believe that I, a girl, could become a professional ……

Without those words and her assistance setting up practice sessions with professionals for me whenever I came to Tokyo, I would still be toiling in the Sub League …… and living in fear of September 9th.

“Playing against Ginko, it was her strength that surprised me.”

With an opening like that, I was sure that Shakando-sensei was going to compliment me on my talent.

But–––.

“Reason being that all I had heard from Kiyotaki 9-dan about his live-in apprentice was that she was a talentless, run-of-the-mill little girl.”

“Huh?”

I couldn’t stop that sound from escaping. But there’s a kindness in her eyes that I’ve never seen before as she elaborates.

Reveals a truth that I had never known.

“A sickly child, she often ran fevers and was quick to cry. Yet, she was also selfish and a sore loser, to the point that in her Master’s own words, she forced herself into his home in order to extract revenge for losing the match. Quite the troublesome little one to be sure.”

Master …… saw me like that ……?

“However, whenever something befell that little apprentice, Kiyotaki 9-dan would always contact me. There was desperation in his voice, almost like …… Yes, he had been blessed with a second daughter despite his advancing age.”

“…………!”

Suddenly, I could hear Master’s voice in the back of my mind.

“Rina, Ginko’s burnin’ up! Whadda I do?!”

“Ginko’s insistin’ on joinin’ the Sub League …… Whaddya think I should do?”

I can just see him fretting in a hushed voice, the phone clenched in his hand. Not that I ever saw it with my own eyes.

Haaaa …… I can’t ……

“Whenever I spoke with Kiyotaki 9-dan …… With Kousuke, I felt more and more like I had gained a daughter as well. He-he …… You are free to chuckle at this spinster’s claim, as I have never been married let alone birthed a child of my own ……”

Not a single person laughed.

Actually, there are over 100 reporters in here …… and their eyes are all turning red as they hang on to every word she says.

“The girl sitting beside me now is not the ever-talented, ever-beautiful Naniwa’s Snow White.”

I grit my teeth and listen.

“She is the frailest, yet hardest working run-of-the-mill 16-year-old girl you will ever see.”

I can’t. I can’t cry now.

I made up my mind …… I absolutely will not ……!

“Which is why I’m so proud. Which is why I am so overjoyed. Her accomplishment is not due to some divine gift of talent–––but a dream that has come into fruition under her own power.”

A single tear rolls down Shakando-sensei’s cheek.

“A dream that women can join the professional ranks …… A dream that all girls who play Shogi share.”

I’ve never seen Sensei cry before ……

Then she says this in place of my shy, whiny excuse for a Master.

“Thank you, Ginko. You’ve worked so very hard ……”

“……!! Sen …… sei ……”

I made the decision that I absolutely would not cry, but the dam breaks just like that.

My 16th birthday: one that started with all smiles.

Turns out …… it’s the day I cried the hardest in my life.

My tears didn’t even have time to dry before my jam-packed schedule after the press conference begins ticking by like the final seconds of waiting time.

Mainly, going to greet all the different sponsors.

“I can’t turn down a request from the Naniwa’s Snow White, now can I? Here, happy birthday!”

I made simple requests to support the financially struggling Shogi Association, and they all opened their checkbooks to write down unbelievable numbers. A few hundred millions of yen even ……

Using the excuse that I am still in training to avoid meeting influential people won’t work now that I’m a professional, no matter how long I’ve been working with these people.

I nearly received the Citizens Award while visiting the Prime Minister’s residence.

“I can’t accept this. Unlike the Meijin, I haven’t accomplished anything ……”

“In that case, you’ll accept it once you have a title, yes?”

And make it quick, please? While I’m still in office …… I couldn’t tell if the most powerful person in this country was joking or not, so an awkward smile was the best I could do.

By the time every box on the schedule was checked off and I got back to the hospital, it was already late at night.

I’m exhausted …… But, I’m not done yet.

“………… Can’t sleep, not yet ………… Not until I answer my emails ……”

Without the energy to flip on the lights, I listlessly collapse into the bed. Only my fingertips move as I open my smartphone and set to work. There are thousands of emails waiting for me, from people I’ve met during my 14 years of playing Shogi, all unopened.

But I was only happy to respond to them for about the first 10 or so ……

After that, well …… I don’t mean to be rude to them, but I’d rather be using this time and energy for Shogi research.

“…… I go out there and say I’m going to take a title when really I haven’t even gotten past the starting line …… Actually, I wonder how much weaker my Shogi has gotten after today ……”

I lost my last shred of motivation to keep going after replying to the hundredth email. Just then.

Ding! A video pops up on my phone.

“From Keika? What …… could it be?”

It almost feels like she calculated the very moment my heart would give out. I open it and press play–––.

“We all made a cake to celebrate your birthday and your promotion, Ginko!”

A slightly misshapen cake appears on screen.

Like something a kid would make …… is what crosses my mind when…

“Sora-sensei! Happy birthday!!” yells a girl wearing an apron with whipped cream on her cheek. Yaichi’s first apprentice.

That little blonde French girl who Yaichi apparently promised to make his bride and that plain girl in glasses are there, too.

“Hwappy birwthday!”

“Happy birthday.”

They echo.

Then Keika starts leading them in singing happy birthday to me.

That girl who always wore a red jacket and that second apprentice of Yaichi’s aren’t around, but …… Keika and Master being there makes it a strange group of five. In any case, they finished singing and put 16 candles on the cake.

“Allow me to do the honors for ya, Ginko. Augh-hemmm!”

Master half-coughs as he clears his throat and leans down toward the candles.

“Dad, make sure your beard doesn’t get too close to the flames, okay?”

“Yah, I’m bein’ careful. Jus’ make sure ya get a good angle on the candles goin’ o-gaahhh, ’at’s hoooot! DAAHHHHH––––––HHHHH!!”

“G-Grandpa-sensei!!”

“What did I just tell you, you bearded fossil?! I’ll go get water from the kitchen, but don’t you dare let any sparks fall onto the tatami mats!!”

“Gwampa! Bweard all spawkly! Pretty☆”

“Charlette! Don’t touch it!! His beard is on fire!!”

“H-Hello, fire department?! It’s an emergency! Send a truck over at once, please!!”

“Ayano! Call 911 for this and I’ll never be able to show my face outside again!!” Keika screams somewhere off screen.

The next thing I see is Master writhing around on the tatami with smoke coming out of his beard.

Just what am I watching in the middle of the night …… on my own birthday ……?

Master gets splashed in the face with a bucket full of water and a loud hiss comes from his beard. That’s where the video ends.

“Ha-ha-ha ………… Why is my Master burning on my birthday, huh ……?”

I’m so drained that all I can do is just laugh.

Here I am, in the middle of the dark hospital room all by myself. I’m laughing so hard that tears are pouring out of my eyes before I know it.

“HA-HA-HA!! …… Aha-ha-ha-ha ………… Haaaaaaa ………”

And, fall asleep with my smartphone still clenched in my hand.

Perhaps they had mercy on me?

The Shogi gods are usually so unforgiving, but they gave me a birthday present.

A dream where I get to see the person I wanted to spend today with, who I wanted to congratulate me more than anyone.

“Happy birthday, Big S- …… Ginko,” he says, still not used to calling me by my name …… As much as I hate to admit it, he looked really cool saying it. Strong, too.

“About time, stupid Yaichi,” I say teasingly and jump into his open arms.

After that, we–––play Shogi.

Dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, in a big tatami room at an upscale inn somewhere we play, and play, and play a neverending series of Shogi matches.

It was in that dream that I realized something.

I never mentioned …… my actual goal today.