The LOLI Rating Function
“...... So it lived up to its impressive billing? This Awaji.”
“Yes. There’s no mistaking that it uses deep learning software.”
A rental space in the middle of Tokyo.
I―――Ai Hinatsuru, am meeting with professional Shogi player Mirai Futatsuzuka 4-dan and Women’s League player Machi Kugui-sensei to exchange information.
We’re here instead of my home, the HinaTsuru, or the Editing Room in the basement of the Shogi Association because Futatsuzuka-sensei wanted it this way.
“I brought my own software as well, and there was quite a discrepancy between the two for suggested moves and overall rating. The time it took to produce results was also extremely short. I have no qualms at all about calling it Shogi from 100 years in the future.”
Kugui-sensei, who is here as the Shogi reporter Mato, looks more tense than I’ve ever seen her when she plays Shogi.
“Miss Yashajin claims to have used Awaji to derive a solution to Shogi and even create a way to overcome the standards and assure victory. I doubt it was a bluff ......”
“Okito-sensei has kept me somewhat abreast on this matter. Her method seems rather similar to the anticomputer strategy that was popular in the distant past ...... If that is true, that would make it exceedingly difficult to defeat because it is such a simple method.”
“If it’s machine power you need, why not use an American cloud service―――”
“The financial resources required to do so would be astronomical―――”
Futatsuzuka-sensei and Kugui-sensei have done all the talking ever since we got here. I’m only understanding about half the words that are going back and forth in front of me.
―――...... Why was I invited?
Do they want to ask me specific questions about Ten-chan? But I haven’t seen her since I left Osaka and she never, ever mentioned making software before that ......
“Miss Hinatsuru.”
“Whaaa?! Y-Yes ......? Futatsuzuka-sensei.”
Hearing my name out of nowhere almost made me jump out of my skin.
“How familiar are you with Shogi software? Do you use it often?”
“To be honest, not much ......”
“That’s no good. I guess senior Kuzuryu didn’t teach you those ropes.”
He sounds just like a teacher in school.
“Are you aware that current Shogi software runs on a CPU while deep learning versions use a GPU?”
“Yes ...... I know that much. Most professionals use the CPU version, right?”
“You are correct. And, current Shogi software generally refers to a single program.”
Nearly all professionals are using a software program that’s available for free. No one knows who made it, which sounds really fishy ......
Futatsuzuka-sensei says that’s also true for Shogi software developers.
“Chess software from overseas has been localized for Shogi searches, but the important part is the rating function.”
“Rating ...... function?”
“Think of it like a person’s ability to see the big picture. If this element is flawed, no other aspect of the program will allow it to acquire Shogi strength. And one particular prodigy had a breakthrough that revolutionized the rating function.”
The rating function was announced almost five years ago, but no one could use it until deep learning software caught up with it.
“The Low Output, Low Input rating function, or LOLI for short.”
“Was the creator messed up in the head?”
“Yes, their creation was so far ahead of its time, they could be called crazy.”
That’s not what I meant ......
“The program’s size was not only miniature, but lean and swift when it came to calculation. That is why it is so accurate even on home computers. In fact, LOLI has been localized into overseas chess software for just that reason―――”
His enthusiasm nearly knocks me out of my chair.
B-But what do I do ......?
This is very important information ...... but I can’t focus with him saying loli loli all the time!
“The one problem with LOLI was that it always performed best in its original state, no matter what modifications were made. It was complete the moment it came into the world. That means it has an incredibly low ceiling.”
“Then deep learning program software, on the other hand, has room to grow because, while upgrades cost money, they get results. Correct?”
Kugui-sensei checks with him, but Futatsuzuka-sensei puts both his hands up.
“That was my theory, but with the world’s fastest supercomputer behind it, I have a feeling that Awaji is the pinnacle.”
“............”
The air in here just turned heavy.
Kugui-sensei said that Ten-chan is planning to let people who listen to her use Awaji so that she can take over the Shogi world.
―――Would Ten-chan really do something like that?
Even if she said she was trying to crush Sora-sensei, that’s not the Ai Yashajin I know.
Shogi players usually are only interested in things that make them stronger.
That’s especially true with Ten-chan. She didn’t even want to talk with other people. Actually, she prioritized getting better at Shogi to the point that she wasn’t willing to share the results of her research ......
At least, up until now.
――― But ...... What if she got so strong that she couldn’t get any stronger?
Did Ten-chan change when she hit that point?
Something changed about Master after he used Awaji.
He always looked like he was in so much pain whenever he reached a higher level too fast ...... It hurt so much watching him, too. At the same time though, I was so happy being at his side to support him.
There was something magical about the time we spent getting stronger together. I treasure those memories so much I’d say learning to play Shogi was worth it just to get them.
Finding an answer to all of Shogi or a way to guarantee a win would make someone happy in the moment but ...... what happens after that?
Now that Ten-chan lives in a world without the pain or sense of accomplishment that comes from growing through effort, what will she want to do?
If I were in her shoes ...... What would I do ......?
“Now, if Awaji were to have a weakness.”
Futatsuzuka-sensei and Kugui-sensei have been talking the entire time I was lost in thought.
“I can only think of one person on the planet who could identify it.”
“That being?”
“The one who created LOLI. Which brings us to today’s main topic.”
Futatsuzuka-sensei drops his voice down low.
“I would like to give both of you access to the deep learning software that Okito-sensei and I developed. It should prove crucial when the time comes to combat Yashajin. I hope it serves you well.”
“Are you certain?” Kugui-sensei asks in surprise.
“There are two reasons. One being to exact revenge on Yashajin for what she did to Miss Sainokami. Putting aside her transgressions, she is still the daughter of my mentor and training partner.”
“You want us to fill that role?”
“Yashajin’s next target is the very title you hold, Yamashiro Ouka, yes? And, Miss Hinatsuru, should that tournament proceed as is―――”
“Yes. I will play against Ten-chan in an official match for the first time.”
We’re part of the same Shogi family tree, so we don’t get matched against each other without an important reason. In fact, tournament organizers make sure that we’re in different blocks in the Preliminaries.
That’s how the Yamashiro Ouka Tournament is different―――
“Ouka has no Preliminaries and no efforts are given to prevent Shogi families from colliding. Apart from the top four from the last season, even title holders have flat odds during the seeding process. Nothing short of a tournament of hardship.”
Kugui-sensei, whose full title is Queen Yamashiro Ouka, says by recalling the Ouka Tounrnament.
That’s why unusual things happen in that tournament ...... Players registered in the East and West matching in the first round, new professionals playing against title holders ...... I’m sure it’s fun to watch, but the Yamashiro Ouka Tournament makes every player anxious.
“Why not take this opportunity to obliterate one another, Ai-chan?”
“Ah-ahahaha .......”
That sounded like a joke but ...... Her eyes are serious ......
Ten-chan and I won’t hold anything back.
That means that I have a chance to test and see if she really has found a way to guarantee victory in Shogi.
But ......
“...... Thank you for the offer, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to use information generated by deep learning software. Kugui-sensei probably could, but me ......”
“You have nothing to fear as far as that is concerned, Miss Hinatsuru. You have a world-class expert in your court.”
“Huh?”
“The man who developed LOLI and completed Shogi software as we know it. He is actually a senior of mine from our college days. Haven’t you figured out who I’m referring to yet?”
Then, Futatsuzuka-sensei says the name.
The second I hear it ...... I scream.
“WHAAAAAAAAT?!”
“Judging by that reaction, I would say you were in the dark on this particular matter.”
H-He ...... is a world-class expert ......?
Yes, knowing he’s around is reassuring but ...... Whaaat? I still can’t believe it.
“You stated that there are two reasons earlier. May we hear the second?” Kugui-sensei asks.
“Oh, yes. The second one is actually more relevant. This may be taboo for a developer of Shogi computer software, but―――”
Futatsuzuka-sensei gazes off into the distance for a moment, grins for the first time, and looks right at me.
“You see, I was originally a Ranging Rook player. And your match with Usui-sensei was nothing short of inspiring.”
“Ah ......”
“So I would like to entrust you with the future of Shogi.”
The match that Usui-sensei and I played is about as far from computer Shogi as you can get. At least, I thought so while playing it.
But it led to me being given brand new Shogi software.
It sure was a winding path ...... But taking on Usui-sensei’s System strategy head-on rather than avoiding it is what opened this path.
“Thank you very much! I’ll, um ...... take good care of the future you senseis have created.”
―――Destiny. Out of my way.
I’ll keep those words in my heart and press onward.
They ring even truer to me now.
That’s when my phone starts to vibrate on the table, letting me know I have a message.
“Uwhaaa? ...... From Tamayon-sensei?”
A short message shows up on the screen, but it sets off explosions deep in the pit of my chest.
They’re getting louder and louder, like cannons closing in.
It took me a second to realize that it is my own heartbeat.
“You know what just got decided. Get to the association, asap.”
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