In mid-July, after the end of the rainy season, at a time when the "Keika-san problem" was also supposed to have been settled, the day of Ten'ai's Challenge Match in the Mynavi Women's Open finally arrived. Consequently, I headed to Tokyo accompanied by the Kiyotake Disciples.
In fact, the Kiyotake Disciples and the Gekkou Disciples (the Chairman of the Association) are connected by a master-disciple relationship (in Shogi). Both the Gekkou Association Chairman and Kiyotake-san were classmates (disciples of the same master) and have a close bond. However, my relationship with the Association Chairman is merely a formal master-disciple relationship (on paper only), so my relationship with Keika-san (the Chairman's sister) appears somewhat vague and delicate.
「Tomorrow is the third match in the Kitei (Shogi Emperor) tournament, and today is the day of the pre-match ceremony (Zeniya-sai). Will you be able to go to Tokyo and make it in time?」 (Kuzuryū)
「Rest assured, I intend to become unwell today and miss the pre-match ceremony.」 (Ōki)
「How rude! You can't possibly do that!」 (Kuzuryū)
「Just kidding, just kidding. I've scheduled my time so I'll arrive exactly at the very last moment.」 (Ōki)
Kuzuryū asked me if I would make it in time for the pre-match ceremony. I replied that I would arrive at the last moment, yet I might not even make it then. But it's fine; I must be allowed some delay. There are some professional players who appear at the ceremony for only a few minutes before quickly leaving.
I departed Shin-Ōsaka Station early in the morning aboard the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). During the commute, I began giving Ten'ai some instructions on how to behave during the tournament.
「Since this is your first time participating in a championship, I must tell you: if your opponent makes the forbidden moves of two Pawns or two consecutive moves, raise your hand immediately. Also, be careful, as there are people who were recorded as losing due to a violation of the rules and then died.」 (Ōki)
「... Losing by rule violation leads to death?」 (Ten'ai)
「It's the age limit. Didn't I tell you that this tournament is the fastest route to becoming a professional Shogi player? For this reason, passionate candidates gather here, and some are nearing the maximum age limit (for joining the Apprentice Association). Even those individuals might lose due to committing a (technical) rule violation. And after such a loss...
... (It marks the end of their Shogi career, which makes them feel as if they have died professionally). Therefore, do not take your eyes off the board. Be extremely cautious; that is what I mean.」 (Ōki)
In amateur tournaments, it is not uncommon for violations to occur frequently every day. Even professional players sometimes commit offenses such as the two Pawns violation, two consecutive moves, or the illegal piece drop. Therefore, it is only natural for these errors to occur in amateur tournaments.
The most malicious individuals are those who deliberately incite a violation. For example, they might guide the board into a position that leads to the two Pawns violation, and in the worst cases...
「It is natural for them not to point out that the opponent forgot to press the Shogi clock, but there are some who also attempt to incite the playing of two consecutive moves. These players exploit the moment the opponent forgets to press the clock and is preoccupied looking away, by taking a captured piece they hold (Mochi-Goma) and making a loud, resounding noise by placing it in its position (as if they had played a move). Because of this sound, the opponent thinks they have already played. When the opponent looks at the clock, they find their turn is not yet over. If they play at that point, they will have been tricked into committing the two consecutive moves violation—that is the scheme!」 (Ōki)
「Do people really do such things (to that extent)!? No, but honestly, people who have no other chance would probably do it...」 (Ten'ai)
In this rapid match format, which allows 15 minutes plus 30 seconds for each move before time runs out, no one takes their eyes off the board except players with excessive self-confidence, and my disciple Ten'ai is one of those confident individuals. Therefore, I will now teach her some knowledge related to violations. It should be noted that even some advanced amateurs fall into the trap of this trick concerning playing two consecutive moves, so one must be cautious.
It is always best to remind players of these things on the day of the tournament itself, as the information is more firmly fixed in the mind. Solving Tsume Shogi puzzles or memorizing opening sequences now will only marginally increase one's playing strength.
「Excuse me, I'll go to the restroom first. I will also buy some drinks and food from the convenience store (Konbini). You can go ahead to the registration area.」 (Ōki)
「Ah, maybe I will just buy a drink too. Do you want any drink, Ten'ai?」 (Kuzuryū)
「Afternoon Tea (Gogo no Kōcha).」 (Ten'ai)
「Understood, alright. Of course, one feels like having a sweet drink during the match.」 (Kuzuryū)
After arriving in Tokyo, I also separated myself as soon as Kuzuryū walked away. At this very moment, Kuzuryū is being pinned down by Saijin. I strongly wish to see that.
I entered the convenience store to buy two bottles of "Afternoon Tea," and here, Kuzuryū was lost. Wait? We entered the same store, didn't we? It's too long a duration for him to be in the restroom, so has he actually left already?
I searched the dark area around the tournament hall and looked everywhere, but Kuzuryū was nowhere to be found. I went into the hall once, handed the "Afternoon Tea" to Ten'ai, and when I asked Ai and Keika-san if Kuzuryū had returned, they answered no.
I climbed another flight of stairs near the convenience store, where I found Kuzuryū and Saijin just talking. Had this idiot been hiding in the restroom this whole time?
「Hey Ichi, it's been a while! Have you thought about what we discussed?」 (Saijin)
「What brought you here? You're only supposed to be participating in the next First Preliminary Round.」 (Kuzuryū)
「That doesn't matter at all. The important thing is, answer quickly. Will you go out with me?」 (Saijin)
「... I told you repeatedly. I refuse your request.」 (Kuzuryū)
I see her after some time, and regardless of anything else, Saijin's figure is truly outstanding... her figure only.
「Her mind, of course, remains extremely radical. The scary thing is that her condition has slightly improved thanks to the online Shogi site I introduced her to, Master.」 (Ai)
(Nevertheless, her obsession with Kuzuryū himself has not changed. Currently, 80% of her discourse towards Kuzuryū is pure admiration, which is why he seems so flustered.)
I was listening to their interaction while hiding the entire time, but it was difficult to hear their conversation because they kept moving. Eventually, Saijin waved her hands and left, though she did not go so far as to bite Kuzuryū's neck this time. Ah, and she didn't lick his eyes either. However, she had pushed him to the ground.
As soon as I confirmed Saijin's departure, I stepped out to find Kuzuryū standing there with a scowl on his face.
「You should have come sooner!」
My apologies; I didn't want to ruin your atmosphere.
「In any case, is Ten'ai alright? That maniac (Saijin) was targeting Ōki's disciple as well.」 (Kuzuryū)
「There is nothing to worry about. If anything happens, actual Yakuza would draw their guns. Ten'ai's escort, Akira-san, is very strong despite her calm appearance.」 (Ōki)
「... Ten'ai seems like a spoiled, high-class girl, but what family does she come from?」 (Kuzuryū)
「For the time being, she is the granddaughter of an honest businessman.」 (Ōki)
Kuzuryū is worried about Ten'ai, but in reality, if Ten'ai were to be harmed, Saijin would be in greater danger. While Ten'ai's family is currently associated with an honest businessman, a short time ago, they were...
In any case, I hope that Saijin's obsession with Kuzuryū is stronger, and that she directs her attention towards Ai if she decides to target the disciple of one of Kuzuryū's opponents. As for Ten'ai, with Akira-san always by her side, the feeling of safety is entirely different.
We returned to the tournament hall, where the Rankings and Draw had been announced.
Fortunately, Ten'ai, Ai, and Keika-san were all placed in different groups. However, coincidentally, all of them will face professional Shogi players in the first round.
This Challenge Match in the Mynavi Women's Open is a tournament where professional players meet amateurs, but the number of professional players is small. Therefore, it is unfortunate that any of them would be drawn against a professional player in the first round; however, for Ten'ai, there is no problem with that.
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