Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 17 - Chapter 2.1

  GRADE SCHOOLER PRACTICE GROUP (HALF)

Two hands come together over a piece of paper.

One, the large hand of a man. The other …… that of a small, small girl.

“Ryuo Yaichi Kuzuryu.”

“Yes!”

“Do you solemnly swear to take this girl, Charlette Isoir, to be your apprentice? To guide her out of love, in sickness and in health?”

“I do!”

I strongly nod.

The man who heard my declaration turns to face the little girl …… but she isn’t tall enough to be seen over the counter.

“Well then …… Miss Charlette Isoir.”

“Oui!”

“Do you take Ryuo Yaichi Kuzuryu as your master, taking his lessons to heart in all circumstances, and pledge yourself to becoming a Women’s League player?”

“Cha, Cha does!”

Hopping with glee, she agrees and a new couple …… no, she swears to become my newest apprentice.

“Hn. Very well, I will ratify the documents.”

Practice League Director Yoshitsune Kuruno 7-dan says with a gentle nod———

That’s the moment Charlette and I were officially united!

Ayano Sadatou, who is here to witness it, has to wipe the tears out of her eyes so many times that her handkerchief looks heavy. She couldn’t be happier for us.

“Charlette …… This is wonderful! I’m so glad that you get to be Kuzuryu-sensei’s apprentice ……!”

“Yaaay! Cha’s your apwentice, Masta!”

Oh, yeah. This isn’t a marriage ceremony. She’s joining my Shogi family. Right, right ……

Asuka Oishi, who’s standing next to Ayano, looks excited as well. She’s been repeating, “That must be nice!” like a broken record ever since we signed the paper.

“Can you believe it, Ayano? Charlette is now Yaichi’s …… No, Kuzuryu-sensei’s apprentice. I’m so jealous ……”

“Asuka, you are your father’s one and only apprentice. As a Ranging Rook player myself, I’m incredibly envious that you get to learn from Mitsuru Oishi 9-dan!”

“E-he-he ……”

Asuka grins, trying to hide the fact that she’s also happy about that.

After how much Mr. Oishi used to be against letting Asuka play Shogi, I think he must see more in her than just enthusiasm.

I had a chance to see her play in the Practice League, and she had more than a few worldly wow moments. When it comes to joining the Women’s League, I think she’s got more than enough talent to get in.

My train of thought reaches that point when I realize Kuruno-sensei has come over to me.

“Everyone brought their best effort in today’s Practice League matches. I think having a Dual Title Holder in the room had a lot to do with that. You’re free to visit every time, if you like.”

“Uhh …… Ha-ha-ha.”

I laugh off the invitation.

It’s true that I came here regularly when Ai Hinatsuru and Ai Yashajin were Practice League members, but …… that was more because I was worried those two might cause problems rather than checking on their progress. There is no need to worry about that with Charlette whatsoever.

“But …… it’s a weird feeling.”

I forcefully change the subject.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have three apprentices back when I first brought her here.”

“Hn. For me as well, knowing that two of my former students have blossomed into title holders …… As the director, it’s the second happiest moment in the world. It really hits home when I see two graduates doing so well in the Women’s League.”

“The second?”

What could be a happier feeling than seeing your own students win titles?

“Then …… what’s number one?”

“The moment I find out that former students are excelling in other walks of life after leaving the Practice League,” says Kuruno-sensei with the clear, gentle firmness of a teacher. “When I first took the job as Practice League director …… I wanted to instill mental fortitude that could help my students overcome the difficulties they will face moreso than how to play Shogi.”

Getting results is not an absolute necessity.

Just, he wanted to know that his teachings were there to help each and every person so they did not have to face life’s inevitable rough patches alone.

If that happened, then he would realize the meaning behind taking the Practice League director job. And even learning Shogi in the first place served a bigger purpose, Kuruno-sensei tells me.

He sounds just as calm as usual, but there’s fiery passion in his words, too.

“Shogi is merely a tool to make life more interesting. As professionals, Shogi itself is our life. But that’s not the case for the overwhelming majority of young people who learn the game.”

“…… The Practice League sure isn’t the Sub League.”

I think for a moment and something occurs to me.

“You have never taken an apprentice, have you, Kuruno-sensei? Why not? You’d probably be able to raise them better than anyone ……”

“Hn. You give me too much credit.”

He forces a smile and elaborates.

“Fairness is absolutely necessary to be a good director. Some students win in the Practice League, others do not. Disconnecting my personal feelings to create an atmosphere where anyone can grow isn’t all that difficult.”

“Wouldn’t that also be great for raising an app———”

“But a Master has to carry the weight of every win and loss of one specific child. That’s where I struggle. All the ups and downs have an adverse affect on my Shogi. If I were to take an apprentice, it wouldn’t happen until I’ve retired.”

“……”

“You are an outstanding Master, Mr. Kuzuryu. You also have the makings of an outstanding director for the Practice League. Give it a try once you’ve lost your titles.”

“…… Sure.”

Part of me wants that day to come, part of me doesn’t.

I’m just not sure right now.

If there’s anything I do know …… that day will never arrive if Shogi dies off.

“I’m home!”

With the Practice League activities over, we take the train one station over to the Kiyotaki house in Noda.

Ayano walks in right after me, followed closely by Charlette and Asuka.

Greeting us at the door with the smell of curry in the air is Keika, of course.

“Come on in! Is everyone ready to spend the night?”

“Yes!!”

The three of them hold up their bags.

They are all so happy to be here, it is infectious. Even I am getting excited now.

“Thanks, Keika. Is she here?”

“Oh, yes. Waiting for you in the back.”

“And Master?”

“Who knows? He goes out a lot these days without saying a word.”

Shrugging, Keika offhandedly follows that up with something unexpected.

“Sometimes he’s gone for days. Maybe he has a girlfriend?”

G-G-G?! …… Girl… friend?

“………… Well, it’s happened before.”

It is a big world. There are bound to be more women like Shakando-sensei who have horrible taste in …… Rather, have a thing for skilled Shogi players with beards. I mean, Master Kiyotaki has been married before, too.

Still ……

“Are you okay with that, Keika? With your father getting remarried.”

“That’d be better for him than shoveling money into some 2D fantasy girl, wouldn’t it?” she answers nonchalantly before turning to Ayano and the other girls to say, “Go put your things in the kid’s room upstairs.”

Today is the day for the Grade Schooler Practice Group to get together.

I got in contact with Keika to set it up here after Ayano said she wanted to keep this practice group going when we spoke in the middle of the Women’s Legend Title Match.

———It’s not like we can go back to my old apartment ……

Hosting another session like I did in those days is impossible. The Yashajin Group bought the whole building with plans to do a major remodel. I’m too sad just thinking about it to go see for myself.

But I wanted this session of the Grade Schooler Practice Group to be as much like the old days as possible, so I invited a guest.

Then again, only half the participants are grade schoolers.

Asuka started college this spring and Keika is old enough to have graduated from it years ago.

Keika muses as she watches the three girls race up the steps, “Tweens, a college girl and …… I also want to be part of the Grade Schooler Practice Group!”

Something feels off …… Keika is too old to join.

“You’re a bit too ……”

“Asuka is in, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, but ……”

“…… Meaning?”

The bones in my neck whine under the pressure of her grip. I swear, even King Enma couldn’t be this intimidating when judging souls of the dead.

“I’m in my twenties, I’ll have you know. That’s still young, very young in the grand scheme of things. Though I supposed I must come across as a cougar to a lolicon like the Ryuo!”

“I know you’re not old!”

“My word …… you used to say things like I’ll marry you when I turn pro, Keika! all the time. But you only pay any attention to younger girls in the end. Traitor ……”

“Ginko is my older sister apprentice, so I don’t see her as younger.”

“Then what about Charlette?”

“Younger, definitely younger.”

“Traitor.”

Taking this verbal abuse from Keika isn’t all that bad.

One more participant is sitting on her ankles in the tatami room.

“What kept you?” the dark-haired grade school girl who arrived first———Ai Yashajin asks, clearly annoyed.

Four Shogi boards are out and completely set up. Yeah ……

“Sorry, sorry. Things took longer than I thought.”

“What? Did a Repetition Draw happen in the Practice League?”

“No, that ended on schedule, but the paperwork took a while. Registering Charlette as my apprentice …….”

“Huh? Why would handing in a single sheet of paper ever take that long?”

“Hey! Charlette and I were making a sacred vow!! These things usually require three days and three nights of celebrations!”

“………… Mine didn’t even take five minutes.”

Ai mutters something under her breath. Probably a complaint, knowing her. That’s all I’ve ever heard her say.

“Well, not that I really care.”

Flicking those black locks over her shoulder like a wing, Ai laughs through her nose.

“Less time that I have to spend instructing those brats.”

“Whaaat?! T-Today …… Are both of you going to give us instructional matches?!”

Ayano’s glasses nearly fall off her face in shock.

I told them that Ai Yashajin would be here as a guest beforehand, but Ayano must’ve assumed she’d never get to share the board with her.

Most likely, she was picturing Ten-chan and I playing practice matches while everyone else played their own next to us. This revelation had to have hit her like a bolt of lightning.

Satisfied that the surprise hit home, I turn to Kobe’s Cinderella.

“With the two of us here, it’s possible to have four simultaneous matches. That’s okay with you, right, Ai?”

“I don’t mind. So long as they don’t mind me playing simultaneously———”

Hands shoot up before Ai can finish that sentence.

“Yes, yes, yes! I would love for a chance to learn from you again, Ten-chan!”

“Cha, too! Cha wants to pway Shogi wid Ten-chan, too!”

“I-I also would like …… t-to learn from Yashajin-Dual Women’s Title ……! S-Side Pawn! I-I want to receive your Side Pawn Capture ……!! Haa-haa ……!!”

While I’m fine with Ayano and Asuka rushing up to Ten-chan and trying to get her to play against them first, Charlette literally just became my apprentice. She’s climbing into Ten-chan’s lap. Talk about mixed feelings ……

In the end, everyone agrees to draw straws.

Sitting down in front of two boards across from Ai Yashajin are Asuka and …… one other.

Seeing her brings out Ai’s impish grin.

“Oh? Are you sure you want me teaching you?”

“I would be honored.”

Keika, who once played against Ai in the Sub League with a handicap, lowered her head in a respectful bow.

“There’s plenty of value for me, even if you are doing two matches at once …… I believe your skill level is that far above mine. I’m honestly happy for an opportunity to learn from a Dual Title Holder.”

“……… I’m ready when you are.”

The metaphorical chip falling off her shoulder, Ai bows in kind. She must realize her pride wouldn’t let her do the same thing in Keika’s shoes. A painful realization, by the looks of it.

Pieces start snapping on all four boards right away.

“Cha, Cha want to pway an eben match!”

“I-I also want to play without a handicap! I know that’s rude to ask of a Dual Title Holder, but ……”

“Don’t worry. Hit me with everything you’ve got!”

I played with a six-piece handicap and with a two-piece handicap against these two at the first Grade Schooler Practice Group session. They’ve come a long way ……

Half the members have changed, but the group lives on.

That happens a lot in the pros, too.

———That’s what happens when you take it seriously. Sad, but true.

It’s also proof of your own growth. The people surrounding you change as your skill level increases.

What’s on the board, not sentiments, is everything for Shogi players.

“Heeeh …… Your early game needs refinement, but you have an interesting sense for Shogi.”

Ai Yashajin has never played Asuka before. Surprisingly, she gives some encouraging comments during their review session.

“I suppose that should be only natural, with the Worldly Maestro being your father. Your sudden jump in strength during the mid- and late-game stages reminds me of his playing style. I would’ve been in trouble had I let my guard down.”

“Well, of course. I mean, Asuka beat———”

Ai Hinatsuru playing Central Rook! — I was about to say but quickly swallowed my words because the mood in here will come crashing down the moment anyone mentions that name.

Ai Yashajin gives me a blank stare and presses.

“What?”

“………… Oh nothing. Just thinking blood is thicker than water.”

“That’s what I just said. Is your memory going? Are you about to kick the bucket?”

Our fun, fun practice session goes until the sun goes down. That’s when everyone chowed down on Keika’s curry, took turns taking a bath and came back for more Shogi.

Late into the night, nonstop.

The most adorable snoozing noises are coming out of the kid’s room on the second floor.

“Zzz …… Zzz ……”

“Mngh mngh …… Cha, Masta’s apwentice …… ♡”

“…… One Central Rook match …… Two Central Rook matches …… Three Central Rook matches …… He-he, today it’s …… Ranging Rook everywhere you look ……”

Charlette and Ayano played until they were completely exhausted. Asuka seems to be counting sheep, except they’re Shogi matches in a live broadcast. Yep, she’s a bit out there.

I bet they’re all having wonderful dreams.

Each of them looks happy and contented off in dreamland. How long has it been since I saw Ayano and Charlette look like that ……? My heart feels so full.

“Is that everything on your list?”

“Yes.”

Ai Yashajin, who is suddenly standing behind me, asks. I answer without turning around.

“Thank you for letting me be selfish today.”

“I don’t think it’s selfish at all.”

I wasn’t expecting her tone to be that gentle.

“We let our younger employees indulge themselves with women of their choice just like this before going out on long assignments. What are those places called again? Strip clubs?”

“A-All I did was play Shogi with some grade school girls at a practice session! And I’m not trying to indulge myself, but to keep promises I made to them———”

“I’m joking. Why are you getting so defensive?”

“……”

Cut that out. Girls your age shouldn’t be toeing that line ……

“Still, French Fry Goldilocks there is my younger sister apprentice now, isn’t she? Unlike a certain irresponsible older sibling of mine, I intend to do right by her.”

“…… Thanks.”

An irresponsible older sister apprentice———Ai Hinatsuru.

That name was on everyone’s mind today, but no one ever said it. Even Charlette was being courteous.

———Why did you say that without talking with me first, Ai?

Actually, speaking with my overeager first apprentice rushing to become a pro is still on my list ……

But I don’t have the right to approach her.

I mean, I turned down the perfect opportunity to mend bridges and chose to follow another path.

I follow Ai out of the house to where Akira is waiting with a car.

Usually, it’s to pick up her lady, but she had it prepared for someone else tonight.

“My Lady, how do you intend to return home?”

“A regular taxi will do. Akira, make sure Sensei makes it to his destination, and before he has a change of heart …… Okay?”

“As you wish.”

Opening the back door, Akira invites me out for an evening drive.

“Shall we, Kuzuryu-sensei?”

“…… Yeah. Let’s go.”

And so, I was whisked away from life as usual.

The dark place called the future is waiting for me up ahead.