Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 9 - Chapter 3.4

  THE GRATEFUL CRANE

Standing in front of the doorway, so many emotions pass through my voice as I whisper, “I never thought …… I’d be coming back here like this.”

The second Queen Title Match is on the north coast.

I had a historic battle of my own right here just six months ago.

Just like back then, I rode the Thunderbird Express train from Osaka all the way up here only to be greeted by the woman who runs this inn.

“We have been waiting for you.”

A voice I’ve heard many times before, courteous and yet full of overwhelming pride, says hello.

That’s right.

The second match will take place at one of the top onsen hot spring spa inns in Japan–––the Hinatsuru.

Since I have the strongest connection to this place out of our group, I take it on myself to speak for everyone and say.

“It is nice to see you again. Thank you so much for agreeing to accommodate our demanding schedule.”

“It’s what anyone would have done.”

The owner––Ai Hinatsuru’s mother—answers with pride.

“The Kuzuryu Shogi family has graciously accepted my daughter, making us as good as in-laws. Therefore, there is no more fitting location for this title match than the Hinatsuru Inn. Please, do make yourselves at home and play to the best of your Shogi abilities.”

Mrs. Hinatsuru turns to face the stars of the match, Ai Yashajin and Big Sis, and politely lowers her head.

“……”

Both of them bow but don’t say a word. Neither side feels like trying to be friendly, so they keep smiling but don’t bother thanking Mrs. Hinatsuru themselves.

Picking up on the awkward vibes, I push the conversation along.

“Thank you. Unfortunately, Ai couldn’t make the trip with us ……”

“That is no problem at all. We came to a family decision that the only time Ai will spend a night within these walls will be for her own title matches. Her father and I have decided to wait patiently until then to see her in person.”

“You did? But, Mr. Hinatsuru was in Osaka just a few weeks ago and saw her ……”

“Yes. My husband is presently in the basement, reflecting on his broken promise. He will therefore be unable to meet you at this time. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

…… Basement?

I’m beyond curious but thinking about what could be down there scares me too much to ask. Maybe a gaming arcade? (Playing stupid.)

“Everyone. I know you’re tired after your long journey, but if you would please accompany me for the inspection and a press conference before you retire. Many media outlets have already sent representatives and are waiting to conduct a photo session,” says Mrs. Hinatsuru as she guides our group into the building.

“…… She’s a pro at this.”

“…… Our Shogi family ‘n the association got a valuable friend in her. Countin’ on ya, Yaichi. All jokin’ aside, the future of Shogi as a whole is restin’ on yar shoulders,” says Master Kiyotaki with all seriousness. He’s along with us because he was chosen to do analysis for the match.

That’s just his way of telling me to make Ai Hinatsuru into women’s title holder, for sure.

“…… Of course. I’m already putting pieces in place to make that happen.”

“…… Uhh, I don’ know ‘bout puttin’ piece in place, but too soon’d be a crime, yeah? Wait on that …… ’Kay?”

“……?”

Master and I go back and forth in hushed voices as we follow Mrs. Hinatsuru down the hall.

“We have arrived.”

What is this, like an auditorium? I take one step inside and see–––.

“Whoa?! Wh-What is this place?!”

A room that goes beyond my wildest dreams opens up before me.

Mrs. Hinatsuru starts explaining as I stand there with my mouth wide open in pure amazement.

“This here? But of course, our Shogi Museum.”

Hold on just a second.

“This isn’t Shogi so much as ……”

An Ai Hinatsuru museum.

Pictures of her right after she was born all the way up to now, the Shogi puzzles she secretly worked on while helping out around the inn, the original Women’s League entrance certificate that she and I signed, even the pens themselves are in their own custom glass cases. That certificate is supposed to be on file at the association, so what’s it doing out here ……?

“…………”

All the media people who’ve joined us look like they were just ushered into some foreign country’s art museum and are huddling together for safety.

But it’s a display in the middle of the room that really draws attention with its overwhelming presence.

“Women’s League Certification Ceremony.”

It’s a photo of Ai in a white kimono and me wearing a family crest blown up to a massive scale and hanging on the wall.

And, put up like an afterthought right next to it, is a picture of me playing against the Meijin as well as the pieces we used for that match.

“…… Just what were you doing during that pivotal match in the Ryuo Title defense ……? You’re so ……”

The only member of the Kiyotaki Shogi family tree not to be there that day, Ai Yashajin sounds completely revolted. Yeah, I bet she is ……

Which reminds me, the other person not on that trip, Akira, is also absent for this one.

As was the case with the Mynavi Preliminaries, Ai Yashajin doesn’t like having people she knows well around during big matches.

Akira sent me a short message saying kintsuba, and I responded with K. I’m sure she wants me to get her some of those bean pastries Kanazawa is known for. The inn’s gift shop has them, no doubt.

As for Big Sis, she does a quick loop through the displays before looking me square in the eyes.

“……………… Tsk.”

Did she just snap her tongue at me?

The group of Kanto journalists come after that, so it’s time for the press conference and photo session.

It’s underway …… but, um ……

“…… How are we supposed to do interviews like this ……?”

“…… No kidding. Can’t even get a yes or no out of them no matter what we ask ……”

“…… It’s like their faces are glued in place ……”

The players are so uptight that even the journalists and cameramen are whispering among themselves.

After letting her guard down and losing due to a rule violation in the first match, I can understand why Ai Yashajin is sitting straight up and keeping her face as serious as possible: so she doesn’t show any weakness.

What I don’t get is why Big Sis, who always smiles and interacts with journalists as is expected of her as a title holder during these press conferences, looks like she’s about to rip someone’s head off. This never happens.

“Has she recognized Ai Yashajin’s talent ……?”

However, this level of hostility is a nightmare from a public relations standpoint.

Looking for something, anything to break the ice, one cameraman makes a request.

“Excuse me, miss …… You’re the match recorder, correct? Would you join them in the photograph? Please!”

“No. I’m still in training, so–––.”

The girl looking to find an excuse to turn down the journalist is also wearing a school uniform like Big Sis.

Except hers is a high school uniform.

If I remember right …… Karen Noboryou Sub League 1-kyu.

Her tanned skin gives her this beautiful, healthy aura.

She’s currently a second-year high school student where she lives in Hachijyo Jima Island. I don’t know her that well at all because she is registered with the Kanto Association, but Ai Yashajin defeated her in the Mynavi Finals.

She was ranked at 2-kyu at the time, but beating her is still really impressive.

“Ohhh, don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud. You only get to wear a school uniform for so long, so it’d be a waste not to show it off,” says a very bubbly woman as Ms. Noboryou froze up at the idea of participating in the photo shoot.

It’s the big board commentator for the second Queen Title Match, Tamayo Rokuroba women’s 2-dan.

“R-Rokuroba-sensei …… I couldn’t!”

“Let’s get everyone together for one big group picture☆”

The whole press conference brightens with Ms. Rokuroba and Ms. Noboryou up there as well.

Both participants in this match live in Kansai.

Since it’s pretty rare for a match like this to take place on the north coast, the association expected there to be tons of fans at the opening night party and to come watch the big board commentary.

Therefore, the association deployed their full arsenal for this battle.

Asking an up-and-coming female Sub League member to work as the match recorder and calling in one of the most popular Women’s League players over here from Tokyo to do the commentary is proof enough of that.

And, the person they got to be the observer for this highly anticipated match is–––.

“Hi, hi! It’s me!!”

Jin Natagiri 8-dan.

The Switch Hitter, who recently secured his position in the A League, bursts into the press conference and looks to be in an extremely good mood.

The choice makes sense, considering this guy is more neutral than the Swiss. He’d never show favoritism among Women’s League players. Men, on the other hand, are a different story.

“So sorry I’m late, Yaichi. It’s been forever since I put on traditional clothes and it took more time than I thought. Sorry.”

“That’s nice.”

“But, they’re great because you can slip out of them in a jiffy!”

“That’s nice.”

I respond the instant he stopped talking and avoid making eye contact at all costs.

Only recently have I figured out how to interact with this guy.

He loves getting reactions out of people, so it’s best to just ignore whatever he says. Do the verbal equivalent of scrolling by something on social media.

“Ahhh, Jin! Thanks fer comin’!”

Unfortunately, Master Kiyotaki doesn’t understand that and walks right into the trap.

“Agreein’ to help out at the last minute …… I’m too grateful fer words. Not only have ya helped out as an instructor at the Kiyotaki Classroom, now yar workin’ as the observer for a match between my apprentice and granddaughter apprentice ……”

“My, my …… There’s no need for all this fuss. We’re friends, aren’t we, Kiyotaki-sensei?” says Mr. Natagiri was a big, friendly smile. “Why, I consider myself a pea in the Kiyotaki Shogi family pod. No matter how abnormal the request, I’d come with bells on!”

“Oh …… Ohhh? Never heard it put like ’at before, but I’m happy ya think so.”

The press conference keeps going as the three of us don’t really pick up on what the others are saying.

It started off dead silent, but now some of the media people are laughing and having a good time.

The one who has made their job substantially easier and brought the whole place to life is Ms. Rokuroba.

Understanding the role that has been thrust upon her, she’s executing it to perfection.

“Tamayo has become so dependable,” remarks Mr. Natagiri, who trained Ms. Rokuroba as his own apprentice. Watching his precious student (?) lighten up the event by wedging her way between the two players giving off nothing but hostile vibes with gentle warmth in his eyes, he adds, “Back when she first came out of Numazu, she would’ve been just as uptight as young Noboryou right about now.”

“I can’t even imagine that now.”

A younger, unsophisticated Ms. Rokuroba …… Actually, I could see it.

Just picturing her not knowing what to do with those glorious boobs that she now wields like weapons during matches, wow ……

“This is the first time for me to meet one Miss Ai Yashajin, and from what I’ve heard, her Shogi skill is only matched by her overwhelming popularity. Is that so?”

“Yes, that’s true. She had record numbers of private sponsors during the preliminaries, so I’d say she has quite a few fans already.”

“You should hear what Tamayo says about that when she’s tipsy. Losing to some little girl in popularity, too? That settles it, I’m an old lady, so would someone please put me out of my misery? It’s a sorry sight.”

“M-Ms. Rokuroba …… Is she holding a grudge ……?”

She used to be the unquestioned number one star of the Women’s League.

Then, when Big Sis showed up on the scene, she became the unquestioned number two.

On the other hand, Big Sis went into the Sub League so she almost never shows up for Shogi events. Ms. Rokuroba still held an overwhelming popularity edge over everyone else until …… Ai Hinatsuru and Ai Yashajin’s appearance knocked her out of the top three overnight.

Her professionalism keeps her smiling and bubbly as ever, but I’m sure she’s got more than a few things she’d love to say.

After all, she doesn’t want to lose at anything, not just Shogi.

That’s just how pro Shogi players are.

“Perk up now, you two☆ Smile, smile! You’re cute already, so play to all those cameras, okay?”

“……………”

Ai stays completely silent while Big Sis glares at her with contempt, but Ms. Rokuroba isn’t fazed at all.

–––She’s a true pro ……

Ms. Rokuroba’s voice could be heard throughout the opening night party that followed the press conference.