Seeing him, Yukima Azuma was a bit surprised.
He thought he wouldn't see this President again until after the next round of matches.
He didn't expect the other party to take the initiative to come directly to his door.
"Because I have a favor to ask. Waiting at the association would be a bit impolite."
President Tsukimitsu closed his eyes and smiled at Yukima Azuma.
Yukima Azuma stepped forward to unlock his apartment door.
He invited the president and his assistant inside.
The three of them sat down on the sofa in the living room.
"I've heard about the TV drama. President Tsukimitsu, you're here because of that, right?"
Yukima Azuma got straight to the point.
President Tsukimitsu nodded.
"That's right. I want to ask you to act in it."
He bowed deeply, performing a formal gesture of request.
Yukima Azuma quickly helped him up.
"There's no need, really. Since you've personally come all this way, how could I refuse?"
"Besides, President Tsukimitsu is only doing this for the development of the shogi worldI understand that."
Convincing Yukima Azuma to act in the drama
President Tsukimitsu wouldn't receive a single cent of compensation.
Yet he still came here himself.
The reason was simplefor the future of shogi.
"As expected of Azuma-kun, your vision is still as broad as ever."
President Tsukimitsu sighed in admiration.
"Recently, due to declining media coverage, the number of new registrations at shogi associations across the country has been decreasing."
"Shogi's rules aren't overly complicated, but there's still a certain threshold. If people don't understand them, many will hesitate and shy away from trying."
"If we can help more people discover and love shogi, the shogi world will gain new vitality."
"That's why, even though it's a bit of a stretch, I've come here to ask for your help. If you have any requests, I'll do my best to fulfill them as compensation."
Yukima Azuma shook his head but then realized the president couldn't see, so he said:
"No need, really. After all, I'm a professional shogi player."
Though, in truth, he didn't feel much professional pride.
But because this was someone who had helped him beforePresident Tsukimitsu
Of course, Yukima Azuma would accept.
In this era, everything required media influence.
Only with enough exposure could more people be drawn in.
If they remained silent and unnoticed, eventually, the entire community would wither away.
"In that case, on behalf of the entire shogi world, I sincerely thank you."
President Tsukimitsu stood up and bowed deeply to Yukima Azuma.
This time, Yukima Azuma didn't help him up.
Since he had decided to do it, this gratitude was well deserved.
President Tsukimitsu had a very simple reason for wanting Yukima Azuma to act in the drama.
Yukima Azuma had a striking appearance and was a true shogi prodigy.
His image was simply perfect.
A natural-born star.
The best way to draw attention to a profession
Was actually to create a star.
As long as there was one person who captivated the public's interest, the entire industry could gain massive attention.
If Yukima Azuma participated in the TV drama
With his image, just a little promotion would be enough.
Countless people would take notice of this shogi prodigy.
And if he won the Ryuuou title this year
The process of "creating a star" would become incredibly easy.
After chatting a little longer, Yukima Azuma saw President Tsukimitsu out.
The decision to act in the dramawas clearly set in stone.
As for the schedule?
When the time came, the production team would just have to adjust to his availability.
....
Two Days Later.
The first qualifying round of the Ryuuou Tournament.
32 players competing for 16 spots.
At the Kanto Shogi Association, Yukima Azuma encountered a familiar face.
Yamato Kajin 8-dan shogi player.
The result of this match held no surprises.
Yukima Azuma won four consecutive games, eliminating Yamato Kajin from the tournament. (Note: Phew, at least there wasn't any shogi.)
Four games, four completely different opening strategies.
Each game was an absolute crushing victory.
By the final game
Yamato Kajin's gaze toward Yukima Azuma had turned strange.
He felt that... the person sitting across from him was not the young prodigy he had played against in an official match before.
But rather
A true Meijin.
Too similar!
Way too similar!
Uncannily similar!
The feeling was exactly the same.
Being so effortlessly dominated, having every move overturned in a way that shattered his understanding
This kind of mind-breaking experience... was something only Meijins could inflict.
Identical.
After being eliminated, Yamato Kajin had only one thought:
This year's Ryuuou Tournament might already have its winner.
By the way, there was a major upset in this qualifying round.
Among all the participants in the official qualifying stage of the Ryuuou Tournament, the lowest-ranked player was Kawai Kenichi 1-dan.
In the first round of the qualifiers, he faced off directly against an 8-dan player.
Almost everyone thought Kawai Kenichi would be eliminated immediately.
But
After losing the first three games, Kawai Kenichi took a short break to use the restroom.
When he returned
It was as if his pressure points had been unlocked.
His moves were godlike, his spirit energized, completely shaking off the sluggishness from before.
He came back from 0-3 to win 4-3, defeating the 8-dan player and advancing to the top 16.
People began calling him "The Potential Man."
Two Days Later.
The round of 16 to determine the quarterfinalists.
Yukima Azuma's opponent this time was a 6-dan player.
Nothing much to say.
See them off.
Meanwhile, Kawai Kenichi 1-dan
Faced one of the only two 9-dan players competing in this year's Ryuuou Tournament.
Everyone sighed:
It's over. There's no way there's another miracle this time.
But
Kawai Kenichi won again!
With a 4-1 victory, he directly eliminated the multiple-time title-winning 9-dan player from the tournament.
After this victory, Kawai Kenichi was promoted from 1-dan to 2-dan on the spot.
After his match, Yukima Azuma heard about this from an interview with reporters.
"Yukima 7-dan, in this year's Ryuuou Tournament, Kawai 2-dan has unexpectedly risen as a phenomenon, becoming the biggest 'dark horse' of the tournament."
"Right now, many people have high hopes for Kawai 2-dan, with some even believing he has a real shot at competing for the Ryuuou title."
"In a recent interview, Kawai 2-dan mentioned that his transformation was inspired by your encouragement. Could you tell us more about that?"
At this moment, Yukima Azuma, who was already quite used to handling reporters, couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.
He thought for a long time before he finally remembered who Kawai 2-dan was.
After a bit of reflection, he connected the name to the young man he had once "encouraged" during the preliminary rounds.
At that time, Yukima Azuma felt a little awkward.
Awkward because his words were just casual encouragement, nothing significanthow did it turn into this?
"Umu, I met Kawai 2-dan during the preliminaries."
"I thought his skills were quite strong, and his shogi style was uniquea potential man."
"Although I was fortunate to win, after that match, I also had a bit of admiration for him."
"I suppose those words must have reached him and became his motivation... probably."
...
Short chapter ( "")
Chapter 177: The Hinatsuru Familys Hot Spring
Chapter 177: The Hinatsuru Family's Hot Spring
Yukima Azuma's response immediately made the reporters on-site sense a hot scoop.
"Excuse me, if you face Kawai 2-dan again next time, will Yukima 7-dan be confident in securing victory?"
The reporters hoped Yukima Azuma would throw out some bold words.
Something like: "Nah, I'd Win."
That way, the Ryuuou tournament would have enough material for a story.
A 1-dan player suffers defeat in the qualifiers.
Stimulated by a shogi genius, he resolves to break through his limits.
Then, in the following rounds, he overturns the situation and defeats the genius opponent who once crushed him.
A classic shounen storyline.
The only issue was that the age gap between them was a bit odd.
The one launching the counterattack was a young man in his twenties, while Yukima Azumathe one standing at the topwas still just a high school student.
It lacked the thrill of "taking down someone above you."
But that didn't matter.
As long as Yukima Azuma was willing to say a few arrogant lines,
The news would explode instantly.
The youngest 7-dan player in history.
A genius like that must surely be arrogant, right?
The reporters eagerly awaited Yukima Azuma's next answer.
"I will do my best."
Yukima Azuma answered seriously.
The reporters were utterly disappointed upon hearing this.
After that, a few other reporters attempted to ask sharper questions,
Hoping to extract a sensational quote from Yukima Azuma to make headlines.
Unfortunately, Yukima Azuma's responses were too smooth, leaving almost no room for misinterpretation or misleading edits.
Just as the reporters were about to try one last time,
There was no need for Yukima Azuma to signal them to stop.
The Shogi Association staff had already stepped forward, concluding the post-match interview.
This was the Shogi Association under President Tsukimitsu.
Of course, they wouldn't let Yukima Azuma be at a disadvantage.
Though reluctant, the reporters were ultimately persuaded to leave by the staff.
...
Next was the quarterfinals.
Yukima Azuma's opponent was another 7-dan player.
The result was unsurprising.
Another overwhelming 4-0 victory.
The Ryuuou semifinals were not held at the Shogi Association in Osaka but took place in Iwate Prefecture.
This was a first-tier administrative region in northeastern Japan.
Its specialty was hot springs.
The main estate of the Hinatsuru family was also located here.
Since the Hinatsuru family had long sponsored shogi tournaments,
In a previous official match, Yukima Azuma had also stayed at the Hinatsuru family's ryokan (inn) for competition.
This time, both the semifinals and finals of the Ryuuou tournament would be held at the Hinatsuru Ryokan in Iwate Prefecture.
Right after the quarterfinals concluded, the Hinatsuru family sent a convoy to pick up Yukima Azuma.
Allowing him to settle in early, familiarize himself with the environment, and adjust his state of mind.
At this time, Yukima Azuma had no other engagements.
So, he did not refuse the goodwill of the Hinatsuru family.
Bringing Hinatsuru Ai along, he boarded the Hinatsuru family's car, heading to Iwate Prefecture.
Upon arrival,
Someone immediately stepped forward to open the car door for them.
And outside the door,
Two rows of people stood neatly in greeting.
On one side was Hinatsuru Akina, with young women in kimono behind her.
On the other side was Hinatsuru Takeshi, with young men in black suits standing behind him.
As Yukima Azuma stepped out of the car, both sides simultaneously bowed.
"Welcome home, Yukima-sensei, Hinatsuru Oujou-sama."
This reception was indeed a bit extravagant.
Even the eldest daughter of the main family,
Hinatsuru Ai, was momentarily stunned as she stepped out of the car.
Instinctively, she tightened her grip on Yukima Azuma's hand.
But Yukima Azuma remained unfazed.
Holding Hinatsuru Ai's small hand, he stepped forward to Hinatsuru Akina.
"Hinatsuru-san, isn't this a bit much? There's no need to be so formal."
Hinatsuru Akina glanced at their intertwined hands,
And couldn't help but smile an "Okaa-san" smile.
"This isn't all that formal. After all, sensei is Ai's master."
"If we don't put on at least this much decorum, wouldn't others look down on you?"
"The Hinatsuru family would never do such a thingwe deeply respect Yukima-sensei."
As they conversed, Hinatsuru Akina led Yukima Azuma and Hinatsuru Ai inside the ryokan.
The interior of Hinatsuru Ryokan was not overly extravagant.
Many areas, though made with valuable materials, exuded an air of elegance and humility rather than ostentation.
On the contrary, this only emphasized its long-standing history.
The ryokan business had existed for over a thousand years.
The Hinatsuru family had always used ryokans as their foundation,
Passing it down through generations, making them an old and distinguished family.
Perhaps they weren't as wealthy as Japan's four major financial conglomerates.
But in terms of historical legacy, they were no less prestigious than the three ancient families among the four great conglomerates.
Passing through the front reception hall,
Exiting the corridor, a vast courtyard appeared before them.
A stone-paved pathway, with a rock garden on one side and a koi pond on the other.
Looking further, a bamboo grove came into view.
The bamboo swayed in the wind, producing rustling sounds.
"Behind this is the Hinatsuru family's main residence. This garden was designed by a renowned feng shui master."
Hinatsuru Akina explained casually.
Hearing this, Yukima Azuma couldn't help but be surprised.
"Feng Shui master?"
It didn't seem to be called that in Japan.
Here, most people referred to them as Onmyoji.
Seeing Yukima Azuma's confusion, Hinatsuru Akina explained:
"That's right, the ancestors of the Hinatsuru family once invited a Feng Shui master from China."
"We have quite a fondness for Chinese styles."
Hearing this, Yukima Azuma couldn't help but sigh in realization.
So that's how it was.
No wonder during the last official match, there were calligraphy scrolls written entirely in Kanji at the Hinatsuru inn.
Moreover, they contained the opening chapter of the Dao De Jing. (note: Scripture of the Way and its Virtue)
At that time, Yukima Azuma had thought that the owner of this inn had quite a refined aesthetic.
Furthermore, the Hinatsuru family rarely participated in politics.
Despite being such a prestigious and influential family, Hinatsuru Akina herself had never even run for a position in the provincial council.
"Yukima-sensei, you"
Hinatsuru Akina hesitated slightly.
