Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 5 - Chapter 3.2

  LABYRINTH

“……………… Where …………?”

With only the computer monitor for light in my room, I’ve been researching nonstop.

Ever since I felt I hit a wall trying to use the software to help me figure out the best move, I’ve been trying all sorts of things only to have them lead to even more dead ends. Day in and day out, over and over again.

It’s like I’ve gotten lost in some massive dungeon …

With no idea where the exit is …… Heck, I don’t even know where I am anymore.

If there is a Shogi god, all I want is some kind of sign. Some indication telling me I’m going the right way.

“…… If it’s effort you want, I’ll give as much as it takes ……”

No matter how much time I poured into it, there was a constant cloud of fear hanging over me that all of this was pointless …… 

That I’m going in the wrong direction … that if I don’t turn back now it’ll be too late.

All that fear and stress prevented me from making any progress at all … more like going around in circles in the same spot.

“…… Please, tell me ……… Somebody ………”

Some proof that I’m going forward.

I want to feel like I’m closing in on an answer.

I want someone to tell me I’m right.

All I hear is that same damn sound–––.

“………… All I can do is get stronger. I have to do it alone.”

Competitors are always on their own. The need to depend on others leads to weakness.

Keika, Big Sis, Master and the apprentice who unconditionally adores me …… It was so nice being around everyone.

That soft, warm atmosphere …… was slowly rotting me away.

–––I threw it all away. So I can get stronger.

My mind made up, I barely left my apartment at all and hadn’t had a square meal in ages.

That hunger is sharpening my mind and body. A constant supply of coffee and chocolate, pretty much anything with caffeine, and water has kept me going. Turning my smartphone off cut my last line the outside world.

Just once, I left my room to go stock up at a convenience store across the street. But when I did, there was something hanging on the door knob.

……?

There was a letter folded in half inside a bag.

To Yaichi. I made some of your favorite things. Please help yourself.

Keika’s handwriting.

Soft handwriting, the kind I’d seen since I was a kid, the kind that made me feel warm inside just by looking at these messages. I’d know these anywhere.

There was a Tupperware container full of food in the bag, too. Still warm. Just as the message said, it was full of my favorites.

But I don’t feel hungry at all …… And don’t feel like eating this much anyway. A full stomach would just make me sleepy and I wouldn’t be able to concentrate.

But more than that–––it reminded me of the warmth that I’ve put behind me …… 

I felt bad for Keika, but I stuck the food in the freezer and didn’t touch it.

The next day and the day after that, there was a bag outside my door … Each with a message from Keika.

To Yaichi. Are you eating everything?

To Yaichi. Take care of yourself, okay?

To Yaichi. Make sure to stay warm when you go to bed.

All of them were messages concerned with worrying about me written in those warm letters.

Each of them was short and never once mentioned Shogi. It’s like she was giving me a lot of breathing room …… The effort that went into each one came across so strong I could feel it. 

But yesterday’s message was different from all the rest.

To Yaichi. My match is tomorrow. I know you’re busy, but please watch.

……?

Something felt strange about that one.

It’s extremely unusual for her to ask anyone to watch her Shogi. She was never comfortable with friends or family watching her play and, even if she did invite someone, she’d say something more like: “I’d be happy if you were there to see.”

That little detail felt very strange.

That’s why … even though I had my own research to do …… I remembered her match was going on just after lunch.

“That’s right …… Today, the Mynavi ……”

First round of the Finals. She’s playing against Ms. Shakando.

I know that she’s a women’s title holder, but I don’t think anything in that match will be useful for a pro title holder like me. Watching that match won’t help me at all.

I’ve made up my mind. Anything that doesn’t make me stronger must go.

But–––.

“It’s Keika’s match ……”

I thought about it for a while but–––open the Mynavi Women’s Open official site and click on the Match Record Blog button.