Before the second round of the "Electronic Brain War" (Shogi Denou-sen), the first round of the "Queen" title match will take place at the Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka. The challenger facing the titleholder, Sora, is Tenai—a scene that seems to reenact the original story in appearance only.
However, the substance is entirely different. Sora is not a 3-dan in the Shoreikai; she remains a 2-dan. Meanwhile, Tenai, thanks to my influence and training, has currently reached the rank of 1-dan.
I had assumed their levels were close, but "Ai" believes that Tenai has already surpassed Sora by a slight margin. Nevertheless, this slim margin is so fragile that it could be completely overturned by the difference in title match experience.
As a precaution, I emphasized to her multiple times to mind her sleeves, solely to avoid losing by foul as happened in the original story. Well, I would like to believe that the content of the match will differ, and thus the specific arrangement of pieces that led to the foul will not easily recur.
The pre-eve party is being held at "Spa World." A minor friction occurred with Sora during the inspection of the match venue, but I believe things went better than in the original story. When Tenai complained that the lighting in the Tsutenkaku hall was dim, additional lighting was added. And when Sora chose the White pieces (which are harder to see), Tenai did not object this time.
However, when it was decided to use an exceptionally thick Shogi board, Sora provoked Tenai by saying: 「How about we fetch a child's chair for you?」 so the atmosphere is a bit charged. Still, in the original story, tension had reached its peak by this stage, so the current situation is better. Probably.
『It is good that Tenai said nothing about "farsightedness" or hating the color white when Sora chose the White pieces.』 (Ai)
(Tenai has no need to direct hostility towards the current Sora. This time, she has realized more than anyone that isolation brings defeat.) (Ōki)
『...Records of matches in the Shoreikai do not usually leak outside. But opponents remember. Thanks to Tenai's improved social relationships, information has flowed to her regarding how Sora Ginko has evolved, and what her weaknesses in Shogi are.』 (Ai)
In the commemorative calligraphy segment, Sora wrote the word 「Elimination」, while Tenai wrote 「Challenge」. Isn't "Elimination" slightly more merciful than "Extermination" (which she used in the original)? Or are they the same?
「Well, it seems the general atmosphere does not allow for them to be friends.」 (Ōki)
「The senior disciple (Sora) is just one step away from the title of "Eternal Queen," so she is nervous or something of that sort...」 (Kuzuryu)
「...Did you come to cheer for Sora, Kuzuryu?」 (Ōki)
「That is one reason, but I will also handle the commentary for the first, third, and fifth rounds.」 (Kuzuryu)
「Hmm. So you believe it will reach the fifth round?」 (Ōki)
「...In what sense do you ask that?」 (Kuzuryu)
「Nothing, I just assumed Kuzuryu would not doubt for a moment that Sora would achieve three consecutive wins (and end the tournament).」 (Ōki)
Kuzuryu and "Ai" (the disciple) are present at the party, and they will work hard tomorrow on commentary and game recording. As for me, I will do absolutely no work during these two days. My plan is to enjoy "Spa World" and cheer on my disciple as she gives her best.
After the competitors' greetings concluded, the Q&A session began, but Sora disappeared after just 15 minutes, leaving Tenai to face the questions alone bravely. To anyone who knows Tenai's true personality, it was clear she was "feigning innocence and kindness" spectacularly. In the charity auction for signed boards, Tenai's board bearing the word 「Challenge」 sold for 180,000 yen.
...In the middle of the auction, Akira-san came to me and said: 「Master Ōki! Lend me 100,000 yen!」 so I lent her the amount as requested, and she succeeded in winning the damned auction. The final bidding was a fierce contest between only two people, so I feel the price rose unnecessarily. Incidentally, she could have just asked her to write one directly. Tenai might soon agree to write one for free for her family and close associates.
It seems that the challenger's board selling for a higher price than the titleholder's is unforgivable to Sora's fans, so the price of Sora's board also rose to reach the same level. This demonstrates just how overwhelming Sora's popularity is.
『In a little while, Kuzuryu will dance naked; will you participate?』 (Ai)
(Impossible. I will leave the task of caring for the drunks to Kuzuryu, and I will play video games in my room.) (Ōki)
『...That is the thinking of high-class scum, isn't it?』 (Ai)
(Today is a complete holiday! Recently, matches and events have been so frequent that I feel I might die from exhaustion.) (Ōki)
『It is said that the "Meijin" adhered to a schedule even more grueling than this, you know?』 (Ai)
(Do not compare me to a non-human entity. That person is called a monster and the like, and that includes his endurance as well.) (Ōki)
I ignored the drunkards' feast and quickly retreated to my room. ...Kuzuryu is supposed to dance naked, but will he do so with "Ai" present at the party, unlike in the original story? In either case, there is no reason for me to stay long, so withdrawal is the solution.
During my retreat, I saw reporters surrounding Tenai, so I intervened and dismissed them on the grounds that it would affect her fatigue tomorrow. Since I usually humor them, they understand my position at times like this.
「Tomorrow is your first title match, so get very nervous, agreed?」 (Ōki)
「...Aren't you supposed to say: "Don't get nervous"?」 (Tenai)
「No human stops being nervous just because they are told "don't be nervous." Furthermore, there are no situations in life that induce more nervousness than fighting your first title match. If you don't enjoy this tension, you will miss out on a lot.」 (Ōki)
Tenai showed no signs of fatigue, but she was slightly tense. Her ability not to show it is impressive, surpassing the level of an elementary school student.
「Did you also get nervous in your first title match, Master?」 (Tenai)
「Well, just a little. Actually, in my first match for the "Kio" title, the opponent was more nervous than I was.」 (Ōki)
「You mean Shinokubo (8-dan). ...He was still young and it was his first title defense battle; unfortunately for him, his opponent was you, Master. Truly pitiable.」 (Tenai)
After escorting Tenai to her room, I returned to mine. The new high-spec laptop I bought is expensive, but it is worth it, running massive games smoothly despite being portable. It was very pricey, but I have no regrets.
After that, I stayed up almost all night, and in the morning, I met Kuzuryu, who looked as though he hadn't slept either. Behind him, Master Kiyotaki staggered with a hangover, and Master Zao appeared normal despite having drunk more than Kiyotaki. Old Shogi players are truly terrifying.
"Ai" (the disciple) also appeared in a kimono to perform the role of game recorder. As the daughter of an inn proprietress (Okami), the kimono suited her strangely well. However, Tenai's appearance in a reddish-black Furisode (long-sleeved kimono) and deep crimson Hakama was beyond magnificent; she was terrifyingly beautiful and perfectly suited to the match's atmosphere.
『Stop staring at her, you "Lolicon" (lover of young girls).』 (Ai)
(Shut up. Even the reporters were stunned by Tenai's overwhelming aura. If my reaction makes me a "Lolicon," then everyone here is one.) (Ōki)
It seems "Ai" helped Tenai dress in the kimono. Akira-san could do it too, but there was a risk the expensive kimono might get stained with her nosebleed (from sheer admiration), and "Ai" appears more skilled at it. Tenai entered the match hall first and sat in Seiza before the thick Shogi board. ...The eight-sun thick legged board (about 24 cm) clearly looks too large for Tenai.
I warned her multiple times about her sleeves, so I don't think she will lose by foul as in the original story, and even if she doesn't lose by foul, the sleeves might scatter the pieces. Well, that is unavoidable. This board is Master Shumai's masterpiece, a priceless item that cannot simply be replaced.
Facing Tenai, who is fighting her first title match, Sora sat on the opposite side looking accustomed to the atmosphere. Her composure, or perhaps her field experience, is a significant factor. Both sides prepared well, and the result of this first round will be decisive. Will Sora receive her first defeat in a title match? The game began with a thinking time of 3 hours for each side.
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