Yamashiro Ouka Title Match 3

Just thinking back on that Shogi event (?)—so unconventional it bordered on reckless—still sends chills down my spine.

Ai looks up at me and asks, “Will Naniwa Suji Shogi Street ever do anything else?”

“Well …… I wonder.”

It’s not like they weren’t well received, and you’d think the higher-ups in the Kansai Shogi Association would take advantage of Ai joining the Women’s League to sell some more merchandise.

But, yeah ……

“…… What about the other girls?”

“They said being on stage was fun but never want to do blind Shogi again!”

I don’t blame them.

Crowds love watching blind Shogi, so we do it at events quite a bit, but even pros have trouble handling that kind of pressure.

I feel that it’s my duty as the producer to make sure that if they ever go on stage again … they’ll have a song and dance perfectly prepared and ready to go.

“It’s hard to believe that all that happened less than a year ago and I can’t believe I have two apprentices in the Women’s League. I know you’re both my apprentices, but it’s still hard for me to believe.”

“I can’t believe it either ……,” says Ai shyly.

Maybe I was a bit hard on her when we were watching the title match this afternoon.

This girl is just so talented that I want to teach her everything at once, but …… She’s just 10 years old.

There’s still plenty of time. I can teach her things little by little.

“Well, there’s plenty I don’t know about the work Women’s League players do or how they prepare. This is a good chance for you to see how top Women’s League players do what they do with your own eyes. Learn what you can.”

“Y …… Yes!”

She nods happily and wraps her arms around my back in a big hug.

I want her to be able to fend for herself as quickly as possible, but …… That desire goes up in smoke whenever she gets clingy like this. She’s too damn adorable.

Once we’d finished walking around Shinkyogoku, Ai and I arrived at the hotel the chairman booked for us and went to bed right away.

It’s right in the middle of the city, so it’s not like there’s a hot spring to check out, and there isn’t any night-before party for people involved in the title match so that the players, exhausted after today, can get some rest. The party they had last night before Match Two counts as the one for Match Three as well.

I’ve got a room to myself and Ai will be staying in Ms. Oga’s room.

I said it’d be fine to share a single room with Ai since this was real short notice, but …

“I can’t demand that a title holder, especially the Ryuo, put up with such cramped accommodations. The fate of the Shogi world rests on your shoulders and it’s about time you realize that. You absolutely must not stay at a hotel with your preteen apprentice. Sharing a single room would be outrageous. Is that understood?”

I have to obey the chairman if he is going to be that insistent.

It’s not every day someone as laid-back as him speaks with that much force. This must be really important. I mean, I live with my apprentice, but even so …

I guess formalities mean a lot when you’re the Eternal Meijin. It’s time for me to watch and learn ……

“Yaaaaawn ………… After all that walking, I should be out like a light ……”

Most players tend to be night owls, but we spend so much time indoors that even the smallest bit of exercise zaps our energy.

I became the Elementary Meijin in third grade, turned pro in junior high and became the Ryuo while my former classmates were in high school. So, basically, I represent both the top Shogi players my age and the indoorsy Shogi players as a whole. I am the ultimate indoor person. What I’m trying to say is that my legs are killing me.

It’s not even 9 o’clock at night but I’m already sleepy.

I plug my phone in next to my bed to charge it.

Just as I was about to set the alarm, a message from Ai pops up.

“Sleep well, Master.”

It came attached with a picture of her and Ms. Oga in bathrobes. Seems like they’re getting along great so there’s nothing to worry about.

“Now then, it’s time call it a night ……”

I climb in between the covers knowing that I’ll be asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow–––.

Knock, knock, knock.

Someone’s knocking on a door.

Knocking on …… my door?

“Who would that be at this hour?”

Mentally preparing myself for a drunk Ryou Tsukiyomizaka to be on the other side, I turn the knob and–––.

Come face to face with someone I wasn’t expecting.

“…… Machi?”

“Care to join me for a stroll?”

“Huh?”

………… Come again? A stroll?

After sneaking out as quietly as possible to avoid being spotted by any association staff, I keep my distance walking behind one of the stars of tomorrow’s match and whisper as quietly as possible.

“Where are we going so late at night? A convenience store?”

“So-me-pla-ce ni-ce♡”

She grins at me, her lips curling up like one of those Fushimi Inari foxes as she responds.

Machi won’t tell me where we’re headed no matter how many times I ask. I’ve got a bad feeling about this ……

Now a good distance from the hotel, we start walking side-by-side.

Passing through where I was with Ai in Shinkyogoku earlier this evening, Machi leads me toward Shijyou Ohashi Bridge.

There are a lot of people out and about at this hour because of all the bars in the area.

I have a really bad feeling about this.

“…… We’re not going out for drinks, are we?”

“What’s this, Ryuo-san? Do I appear to be such a bad girl?” says Machi with an evil grin on her lips.

Actually, she looks pure evil. Seriously, where are we going?

But, my fears were quickly put to rest.

“Observe.”

Leaning over the bridge’s guardrail, Machi points across the river to where a bunch of people are sitting in a line and speaks like she’s performing in a play.

“Those souls be the famous Couple Intervals Sitting at the Kamo River Bank!”

“……………… Oh!”

I knew this place was a well-known dating spot …… But is this the kind of thing a player would sneak out of their hotel the night before a match to see?

“But yeah, they really do line up like that. Is there a rule to it?”

“Rules do not exist when it comes to romance.”

Machi flips her hair back with a satisfied “Hmph ……,” as if she’s said something profound. It’s been a while since she struck a nerve, but that did it.

I’m heading back already.

“…… And? You woke me up just as I was getting to bed and made me sneak out of my own hotel room just to show me this?”

“Ryuo-san. But of course you had a chance to explore Kyoto with your apprentice in the afternoon, yes? I thought this would be a good opportunity for you to experience the adult side of the city. To see the real Kyoto.”

“I got my fill this afternoon. The Kamo River is pretty famous, sure, but compared to Arashiyama and Sagano’s Bamboo Grove …… Yeah?”

“Mhh ……”

Machi puckers her lips–––.

“The location was at fault for why I couldn’t play to my potential in today’s match.”

Well, that came from out of nowhere.

“Tenryuji Temple is as away as away can be.”

“Away?”

“Very much so.”

Nothing she says is making any sense. All I can do is tilt my head.

She’s from Kyoto, so how could she be away ……?

Machi must’ve noticed the doubt in my eyes because she jumps right into a full rant.

“Were you aware that Tenryuji Temple was built by Shogun Takauji Ashikaga for the sole purpose of appeasing the spirit of Emperor Godaigo? A barbarian stormed in from Kanto and built it all to seal away the emperor. The disadvantages to playing a match in such a place should be as glaring as an inferno.”

“I …… guess so?”

I get the feeling some details are getting twisted ……

“Sagano has never been a part of Kyoto proper. It simply grows vegetables for the city and serves as a place for Kyoto’s citizens to make day trips to stretch their legs. Playing Shogi in such backwater countryside would surely produce moves as inspiring as potatoes!”

“…………”

Well, I sure hope that never gets back to the people of Sagano ……

It might be because she lost, but Machi rarely gets this riled up.

I thought she’d move past the loss and successfully flipped the switch at the press conference, but it seems that was all an act to hide how upset she was from the rest of us.

The whole reason she dragged me out here for a stroll is because she’d keep reliving today’s Shogi if she were alone in her room.

She must think she can force the switch to flip by talking with someone else.

That’s an important technique for competitors.

“All right. Fine.” My shoulders slump as I say, “I’ll stick with you until you’re satisfied, just please tell me where we’re going.”

“To survey tomorrow’s arena.”

“Oh yeah …… Match Three happens on Kamo River’s riverbank, right?”

“Yes. The arena is being constructed on the bank as we speak.”

Machi offers an explanation that sounds more like hometown pride.

“The riverbanks of the Kamo are known for the Noryo-doko scenery in summer, but staging kabuki performances here has been trendy as of late. As such, a kabuki stage has been rented for the next Ouka Title Match. The spotlight shall be much larger than the day before.”

“A kabuki stage …… for Shogi?”

“Just as kabuki originated from the Kamo River banks, Kyoto’s own Ohashi family brought Shogi into existence. Pieces still in use today were developed by Kyoto’s noble houses as well.”

I remember hearing about that from Master and other veteran pros.

Shogi came from Kamigata, the Kansai area.

That’s why Kansai players consider themselves the true Shogi players.

Now that I think about it, Shumai-sensei mentioned that there were two sects of Banshi board makers: the Gosho-ha were from the Kamigata area while the Oshiro Go descended from people in the Tokyo area when it was called Edo.

“Was your family involved in making Shogi pieces back then, Machi?”

“As a side business when food was scarce is what I heard. Making Shogi pieces, making karuta playing cards.”

“So, your ancestors made pieces to help support themselves. Huh, that’s interesting. How long ago was that?”

“The Edo Period, if memory serves me.”

So, about 300 years ago then. Kyoto’s noble families run deep ……

“They also dabbled in pillow books.”

“Pillow books?”

“What we would refer to today as adult comics.”

Huh? R-rated stuff?!

“Differing from Edo’s ukiyou-e wood prints, Kamigata’s nikuhitu-ga–––each was painted directly onto the sheets of paper. It was just that refinement, which made producing them the perfect side business for those of higher standing.”

“Oh, I see. That’s why you have such a filled-out bod …… [cough, cough!!] That’s why you’re so talented when it comes to writing and photography. But I think it would’ve been fine for them to draw normal things rather than lewd stuff.”

“Material of a certain persuasion sells well no matter what era.”

A certain persuasion ……?

I let that slip because, while I’m not exactly sure what she means, it’s better not to ask. I get our conversation back on track.

“B-But, can we see the stage from here?”

“It’s further upriver, in the Sanjyo Ohashi vicinity.”

“So, one main street away?”

“It’s not far from the Ponto-cho Kaburenjo theater. It’s hard to see from here because the sun has already set.”

“Well? Should we walk?”

Sanjyo is only a station away on the train. It wouldn’t take that long.

“Yes. We shall.”

With that, Machi takes hold of my arm and pulls it right into her body.

Pressing up against …… whoa, whoa, whooooa?!

“Hey! Huuuh?! W-What do you think you’re doing?!”

“The route requires us pass through the Kamo River riverbank. Manners insist that we behave as a couple would. It’s proper etiquette here in Kyoto.”

It is?! Is all of Kyoto like this?!

The problem is that the city is flooded with Shogi Association staff members. I bet a few of them are just up the street drinking right now.

If anyone saw us like this ……!

Or worse, told Ai or Big Sis about it ……!!

“We’re …… just going to survey the area, right?! Like a preview?!”

“A preview, yes, a preview~,” says Machi like she’s having the time of her life as she guides me down toward the riverbed with my left arm pinned between her immense boobs.

Down on the riverbank, Machi happens to see a spot open up when another couple leaves just as we were getting close and comes to a stop.

“Now, have a seat♡”

“Whaaat?”

Tugging at my arm, she plops down like it’s the next logical step.

Huh ……?

“Wait, what? Sit down? …… Why?”

“Hmm …… Because I’m tired?”

“We haven’t even been outside for 30 minutes yet!”

And, I’m pretty sure you just pulled that excuse out of thin air!

“We’re going to look around tomorrow’s stage, right?! That’s why we left the hotel in the first place!!”

“Think of that as a little something to look forward to tomorrow.”

“Then what the hell are we doing out here?!”

Suddenly yelling at the top of my lungs, all the other couples around us glare at me like I’m getting in their way.

“What’s going on?”

“A lover’s spat?”

“Shouting at his girl like that, what a prick ……”

Ngh ……!

Hey, I’m the one getting strung along here …… I’m the victim … me ……!

“Ryuo-san. Speaking so loudly will only disturb the other people gathered here. Now, sit down and enjoy a nice conversation with me♡”

“………”

I grudgingly take a seat.

Let me be clear, I’m not doing this because I want to, okay?

There aren’t any thoughts going through my head like Wow, I’m sitting with the couples along the Kamo River or Oh, I’m with one of the cutest girls here! I’m a big shot now, aren’t I or Machi, aren’t those a bit too big ……? No, not a single one.

She takes a sterling silver bottle and a cup out of her tote bag, pours some tea into the cup and holds it out to me. This has turned into a picnic.

“Go ahead, partake of some tea.”

“…… Thanks.”

I was just starting to get thirsty, so I take the gulp without complaining.

Just as that liquid touches my lips–––.

“……! This is good …………”

I’m just so stunned that those are the only words that come out.

It’s so cool and crisp that all the strung-out nerves in my body feel quenched all at once.

I-Is this really tea?! Is tea supposed to be this good?!

If this is what real tea is supposed to be, then the colored water served up by Sub League members during matches at the Kansai Shogi Association belongs in the sewer.

Everyone always says the tea is much better in Kansai than in Kanto, but …… Compared to the tea in my hands right now, it’s like comparing a Rook to a Pawn.

In fact, calling it tea seems a bit too casual ……

It’s a royal taste worthy of being called His Excellency, Lord Tea ……!

“But of course. I prepared it myself at the hotel. Made from the same renowned water drawn at the heavenly Karasuma Shrine for the great Michizane Sugawara’s first bath and the finest Uji tea leaves.”

“Well, no wonder ……”

I take another sip of Machi’s ceremoniously brewed tea.

There is a hint of a sweet, yet full flavor within the bitter overtones while leaving behind a refreshing aftertaste.

Not to mention it’s cold and goes down smooth.

“It’s pretty good cold, too.”

“Actually, cooling it quickly preserves both the aroma and flavor. Heat only speeds up the oxidation process.”

Sharing her expertise, Machi starts taking even more things out of her bag.

“These are fried onigiri rice balls that I prepared at my hotel’s kitchen.”

“Y-You sure went all out ……”

“Indeed. I am a woman who lives to serve,” she says with a smile, extending the rice ball encased in aluminum foil out to me and nods before saying, “I have neither Ai’s desire for exclusivity nor trying personality quirks like Ginko. I’m simply satisfied being close by. A rather convenient woman, if you will.”

“??? What are you talking about?”

“Hehehe. I wonder.”

Machi laughs like she’s insinuating something and then rests her head on my shoulder.

Her smooth, silky hair brushes against my cheek and there’s a really good smell in the air …… My heart’s jumping around my chest like a bucking bronco.

“H-Hey …… That’s too close ……”

“Eeeeeveryone’s doing the same. Not a soul cares what transpires beside them. Dark as it is, some venture into more risqué territory–––.”

M …… more risqué?! Say what?!

My head snaps toward her in a knee-jerk reaction–––.

“Hehe♡ Yes ……?”

“………No. N-Nothing ……”

Ulterior motives are written all over that grin.

There are only two years between us, but Machi’s so much more grown up than I am.

–––She’s toying with me, plain and simple ……

“…… May I … have some more tea?”

“And help yourself to more onigiri, too♡”

I bet we look like some college girl pestering her high school-aged boyfriend to anyone else around us: public display of affection.

One of those PDA couples for sure.

But, as a guy who’s always been looking after younger girls, having someone take care of me has kind of a new thrill to it ……

There’s a lot of assertive younger girls in my life at the moment, like Ai Hinatsuru, Ai Yashajin, the Grade Schooler Practice Group, and Big Sis, and Big Sis, and Big Sis.

I’ve always felt that way about Keika, but I might be into older women after all …… I think to myself looking out at all the city lights reflecting in the Kamo River.

A few moments pass without either of us saying a word–––.

When suddenly, I hear Machi say, “…… I have always, always been beneath O-Ryou.”

“Be …… neath?”

“Do you recall the Elementary Meijin Title Match?”

“Of course I do. It was the first time the four of us met.”

I was in the third grade and Machi was in fifth. It’s already been eight years since then.

The semifinal matchups were–––

Ayumu Kannabe (5th) vs. Yaichi Kuzuryu (3rd)

Ryou Tsukiyomizaka (5th) vs. Machi Kugui (5th)

“Thinking back, those were great matchups, and everyone says two girls making it to the semifinals almost never happens.”

“Not to mention the eventual winner was a boy in his third year of elementary school and the youngest in history to take the title.”

“Yeah, but Big Sis took it as a second grader the next year, so ……”

A girl and the youngest ever.

She smashed my record like it was nothing, so of course no one remembers what I did. Yep, she’s been a roadblock and one serious pain in the neck pretty much all my life ……

“I was defeated by O-Ryou in the semifinal and broke down in tears at the back of the studio …… Where one Yaichi came to console me.”

“But, Machi-cha …… You were bawling your eyes out ……”

Keika always told me, Are you listening, Yaichi? When a girl cries, it’s the boy’s job to cheer her up.

So, basically, I was just doing what she said.

Then again, most of the time it was to console Big Sis when she was throwing a tantrum after I beat her in a match, but …… It also turned out to be how I met Machi.

“After that, I went right into the Sub League and you joined Kansai’s Practice League, right Machi? We used to bump into each other at the association all the time. Ryou would drop in when she was on field trips, too. With Ayumu joining Kanto’s Sub League, the four of us became friends and rivals at the same time. It was like we had a strange connection–––.”

“Not the four. Only three.”

“Huh ……?”

“I was on the outside looking in as I never took part in the Sub League.”

There’s quite a bit of pain in her voice. I sure wasn’t expecting that.

–––That’s how she felt about it ……?

It’s true that, of the four of us, Machi is the only one who never played in the Sub League.

Then again, Ayumu and I are the only ones who made it through to the pros ……

“O-Ryou entered the Sub League. Though she was forced to bow out in the end …… She made a valiant attempt.”

Once Ryou qualified to become a Women’s League player, she put it on hold when she was a second-year junior high school student and entered the Sub League ranked at 5-kyu. That kind of thing was allowed at the time.

But, she must’ve really struggled in the Sub League.

For someone as fiery as she is to be forced out after one year ……

“However, I never attempted to take that step.”

Looking at the opposite bank of the Kamo River …… No, someplace much further away, Machi continues.

“While partially due to my family and Master’s objections, they are but an excuse. In the end, I lacked confidence in my own ability.”

“…… That doesn’t mean joining the Sub League would’ve been the right choice. Everyone has their own way of getting stronger–––.”

“That’s a lie.”

“……”

“One must battle strong opponents under the harshest conditions. No other way of becoming strong exists. Ginko is living proof. Should she fail in her attempt to become a professional and thus participate in all Women’s League matches, she would lay claim to all six Women’s League titles … at which time I shall be discarded.”

“B-But, Machi …… You have so many talents! You’re a skilled journalist and made it into college. I didn’t even go to high school.”

“Attending college, writing articles. All were ventures I undertook because I didn’t believe in my talent on the Shogi board. My parents constantly badger me to quit Shogi and seek employment with a newspaper if I insist on involvement with Shogi. I am simply using that as an excuse to create escape routes for myself ……!”

Her voice starts out small but grows more and more powerful with each word.

Almost like …… she hates who she is right now.

“Today’s loss was inevitable. O-Ryou refused the other paths and wholly committed herself to Shogi. Meanwhile, I’m restrained by so many lifelines that my Shogi suffers for it.”

“That’s not true at all …… Sure, you lost today, but you’ve done a great job protecting the title, yeah? You’ve left some fantastic match records behind, too, don’t you think?”

Hmff! She almost snorts.

“Women’s League match records have no value. Tell me, has a single Women’s League match been considered memorable? If a Shogi player’s purpose is to leave match records behind while furthering our understanding of Shogi theory …… My presence has no meaning within the Shogi world. Am I wrong?”

“…………”

“Adorned in pretty clothes and put up on a fancy stage to be viewed by the masses, my concentration suffers and results in a plethora of mistakes on the board. Surely you’ve heard the claim: Women’s Shogi is fun to watch because of the twists and turns? That’s not a proper match! It’s a show, nothing more! Look no further than the Yamashiro Ouka title and all its theatrics for definitive proof!!”

It would be easy to just say it’s not like that.

But Machi is so much smarter than me. She’d see right through whatever I say and end up feeling even worse.

So I don’t say anything.

Because I know players don’t feel validated just because someone recognizes their ability.

Winning is the only thing that will do that.

Shogi will tell us whether our own ideas and effort were worth it or not by wins and losses. Another person’s words are worthless.

Winning matches is the only way to prove our existence has meaning.

But–––.

“…… Defensive Shogi chisels away your longevity. My body and heart are already beaten to a pulp …… As if pinned behind a crumbling anaguma ……”

“Well ……”

It’s not just the agony of today’s defeat getting to her.

She’s been playing Shogi since she was a little kid and fighting against monsters the whole time. Machi’s got to be running out of steam.

It’s true that playing defensively takes a lot out of you, like my Master for example.

People often refer to him as tempered iron, but he’s ground away his molars during all that time under pressure and now it’s to the point where dentures aren’t an option for him. He even looks so old compared to his older brother apprentice Chairman Tsukimitsu who plays offensively: it’s hard to believe they’re the same age.

It’s true that pro Shogi player life expectancy is shorter than the average person.

As for me, people tend to know me for my defensive skills. They see how thin my King’s defenses are and appreciate all the intricacies I put into claiming victory.

But from my point of view, it’s the rush that comes stopping my opponent by a hair that I enjoy. I’m not purposely trying to defend.

Offensive and defensive styles make no difference to me. Everything about Shogi is a blast.

Having the mindset to not anguish over defense is more of a personality trait rather than a technique.

Even if you can keep up appearances, fundamentally changing your personality is much harder. And, I think most of that is set in place at birth anyway.

If she’s hurting this much right now …… It’ll never get easier for her.

So long as she keeps playing Shogi, that pain will last forever.

“But, I must admit ………… No matter how much I stew over it, no matter the agony …… I cannot distance myself from Shogi.”

“Because …… you love it?”

“…… In a sense.”

Machi turns to look at me and says, “My own Shogi …… is purely headstrong. I despise how it lacks any trace of talent whatsoever. Those with talent, however … that I love. I love their Shogi.”

“It’s the same for me. I’m sure anyone, no matter who they are, wants whatever it is they don’t have.”

I don’t know how I should put what I’m about to say, but–––.

I decide to go with this.

“To be honest, I wish I was just as headstrong as you, Machi.”

“…… Headstrong is hardly a compliment for a lady.”

“Sorry.” I give a little bow before looking her directly in the eyes and say, “But, I love it, Machi. I love your Shogi.”

“……!”

That constant cool older sister vibe of hers crumbles away.

Her face returns to the one I remember in elementary school, that crying girl –––Machi-chan’s face, for just a moment.

Then her cheeks flush red as she turns away and whispers, “………… And whose fault do you think it is I cannot distance myself ……?”

“Huh?”

I can’t make out any of her mumbling. The river’s flowing waves are too loud.

Staring at the ground, Machi suddenly looks up with a burst of energy.

“That’s enough of my story! Now it’s your turn, Ryuo-san!”

“Come again?!”

“You entertained O-Ryou with a story of yours, yes? Therefore, not doing the same for me would be unfair. Perhaps I shall inform the match committee?”

“Huh? Buuuut––– ……”

I hate to fight over something as pointless as that.

Machi presses those massive boobs right up against me and says, “Come on, now. Entertain me.”

“I-I suppose I can. Alright–––.”

Machi is under so much pressure to do her duty as a title holder right now that she’s getting crushed.

In that case …… I want to tell her an inspirational story.

Something that will at least take her mind off the situation while she’s listening.

A story that will let her forget about Shogi for a moment and make her smile.

I want her to laugh and make fun of me like she always does.

Getting control of my beating heart, I think back through my own memories and recall the first time I carried out my own duty.

My duty as a title holder, as the Ryuo and my first job that didn’t involve Shogi–––.