Ryuuou no Oshigoto!

Ryuo

Ryuo. That is the highest title in the shogi world.

Currently, I am trying to take the title of history's

youngest shogi player to become Ryuo, as a 16-year-old.

One more move. Just one more move and I'll become Ryuo.

The grand prize of 42 million yen, the prestige, the promotion to 8th dan...

And my name will go down in history.

But the title of Ryuo comes with a lot of pressure.

All professional players are fighting for this title...

Proof that you're the strongest: the title of Ryuo.

The pressure is so insane, I can't even hold my piece properly.

If I don't go back soon, I'll run out of time...

Um...

Here's some water.

Thank you.

And then... I became a Ryuo.

Thread to fold cranes to wish for Kuzuryu Yaichi's downfall 108

It's getting longer...

How about this site?

Shogi

Sora Ginko

Kugui Machi

Tsukiyomizaka Ryo

Shakando Rina

Sainokami Ika

Everyone's doing so well...

Kannabe Ayumu

History's strongest Meijin God-like magic!!

History's strongest Meijin God-like magic!!

I'm Kuzuryu Yaichi, 16-years-old.

I became a professional shogi player in middle school.

Which means that I became a pro and didn't

continue onto high school and I'm working hard in the shogi world.

It's good that I took the title of the Ryuo with all the momentum and good luck, but...

It's been three months since then. I am currently in the middle of a slump.

I went to the research group at the shogi assembly hall again today,

but I can't seem to find a path to recovery.

I need to get myself together.

I need to become worthy of a Ryuo,

like that Meijin who's regarded as history's strongest player.

I'm back!

As if... no one's home, anyway.

What?!

Welcome home, Master!

Um...

Game 1: A Disciple Storms In

Yes!

Hey... Why are you in my room?

Yes! Um, K-Kuzur-r-ryu Ya—

She bit her tongue!

It hurts...

A-Are you okay? That sounded painful.

You are K-K-Kuzu...-sensei right?!

She gave up!

As we promised, I came to be your disciple!

Disciple?

Yes!

You?

Yes!

Promise? When did we make that?

Um... last year's Ryuo match...

Oh! That was you?

Yes! I am Hinatsuru Ai!

My father owns the inn that was the Ryuo match venue.

Hinatsuru Ai...

Do you not remember me?

I'm sorry... I don't remember at all.

So I told you that I'd make you my disciple?

Oh, no... Um, not exactly.

You said, "If I become Ryuo, I'll do anything you ask."

The promise was even worse than I thought!

And you want to be my disciple?

Yes!

I understand. I'll keep my promise.

Really?!

However, I'll have to test your skills first.

How old are you?

I'm nine. I'm in third grade!

From what she told me, she was in my room

because she thought people would find it suspicious if she stood outside.

She's thoughtful.

I'm amazed her parents gave her permission, but that doesn't matter.

I don't plan on making her my disciple in the first place.

My glory starts tomorrow.

I'm still only 16, so I don't have time to take care of other people.

I'll just fulfill my promise some other way, and I'll send her back after one match.

Let's have a good match.

Yes, let's have a good match!

Please go first.

Yes.

My glory starts tomorrow.

This is...

This position is a Double Wing Attack. It's the strategy I like to use often.

I used it when I took the title of Ryuo.

I've been underestimated.

It'd be mean to let this continue too long. I'll end it quickly.

This attack is a bit risky, but it's the end.

Here, then here.

Then there, and here.

And then this, then that...

Then this, then that...

Okay!

She went on the offense instead of defending!

Did she notice that my attack was forced?

A move that turns the table around.

In few moves, I'll be at a disadvantage.

If I'm not careful, it'll be checkmate.

How far ahead is she reading?!

She's seriously trying to defeat me.

At that moment, I got excited.

The excitement of being able to fight against a strong player.

Come at me.

I admit defeat.

I haven't had a stimulating experience like this since the Ryuo match...

Your shogi is really interesting. Every move was so intense.

Thank you very much.

No, I need to thank you. I haven't had fun like this in a while.

Do you use the Double Wing Attack often?

I wouldn't say often... Um, it's the only thing I know.

What?!

I-I started playing shogi after I saw how amazing your Ryuo match was!

I really want to be like you, so I've been copying you, sensei!

Wait a second! So wait. You only started playing shogi three months ago?

Oh, yes.

My grandpa loves shogi, so I read the books he had at home.

I borrowed my friend's tablet at school and played on shogi apps.

I can't believe it!

Despite being in a slump, I'm a Ryuo. I hold the highest title.

To think, a girl who just started three months ago managed to corner me in a match.

Um, Sensei.

Yeah?

M-My test... to become your disciple...

Oh, right.

I didn't really understand what happened, so let's play another match.

Yes!

Then we continued playing late into the night.

We were so absorbed that we forgot to eat.

You made all this?

Yes! I'm sorry that it's a simple meal.

It tastes really good! You're amazing.

You solved them all? The 100 shogi problems?

Yes. My grandpa had this book in his library.

100 Shogi Problems

By all, do you mean... um... this one!

You solved this, too?

Yes. 4-6 Ryu, 5-4 Gyoku, 5-5 Ryu,

6-3 Gyoku, 5-3 Ryu, 7-4 Gyoku, 7-3 Ryu, 8-5 Gyoku...

You remember all of the moves?!

Yes. I can't look at the book in class or while doing chores,

so I had to think in my head, even though it was difficult.

611-move Tsumeshogi... Even professionals have a hard time solving it.

And for her to solve it in her head...

This girl is insane.

Master, do you want seconds?

Talent. She definitely has the talent.

But for me to make her my disciple...

First of all, who knows what Sis would do to me

if I took a girl in grade school as my disciple.

Yes! Who is it?

Me.

What?

It's me.

What's up, Sis? What can I do for you?!

VS. We were supposed to have a one-on-one match today, remember?

You're absolutely right!

Hurry up and open the door. It's hot outside.

No, um... I'm a little busy right now!

Master, can you pass me the towel?

Hey, don't!

Did I just hear a girl's voice?

N-N-N-No, you didn't! No such thing!

Master, is there someone outside?

No! There's no one outside!

There's no one! There's really no one!

Yaichi! Open the door!

Master... you have a... female guest?

Whoa, she's scary!

Who is it?

Can you look me in the eye and talk to me?

No way! You're butt naked right now!

Naked? There's a naked girl in there right now?!

Wait...

Look at me!