Shogi Reborn: Mind's Gambit

Seeing Kuzuryu stumble in the early rounds of the C-Class Group 2 ranking tournament brings a sense of relief, but watching him climb steadily through the Ryuo Tournament finals makes me wonder if he's diverting all his resources toward the prize money from the Ryuo Tournament.

"It's odd to see him lose so early in the ranking tournament, only to advance so decisively in the Ryuo Tournament finals. It feels like some mysterious force is at play."

(How much money is Kuzuryu going to make? Winning the 6th Group Tournament gives him 1 million yen, followed by 400,000, 600,000, 800,000, 1.2 million, and 1.6 million yen in the finals, plus 4.5 million yen for the challenger decider. If he takes the Ryuo title, that's another 43.2 million yen.)

"Adding all that up comes to 53.3 million yen. Aren't you tempted, Master?"

(I'd hate to see the "Trash Ryuo" lose his title, so maybe I'll take it slow. I plan to lose to the Meijin in next year's Ryuo Tournament finals anyway.)

In the Ryuo Tournament finals, players receive match fees starting from the first round, and the amounts are publicly disclosed—tiny figures printed right on the tournament bracket. Kuzuryu is sweeping every match from the lowest tier, pocketing over 50 million yen in total earnings.

Meanwhile, I've been making my way through the Asahi Cup Rapid Chess Tournament and have remained undefeated so far in the preliminaries of the Ken'o Tournament. I've also started the Teii and Gyokza Tournaments with wins, so life as a professional shogi player is smooth sailing. My schedule is starting to get packed, but as long as I leave things to Ai, I don't feel any pressure.

(I really want the 10 million yen prize for the Asahi Cup.)

"What would you do with that money?"

(Dump it all into a high-end gaming PC for Apex Legends.)

"Your descent into degeneracy is progressing faster than expected. But hey, it's your call."

Currently undefeated, I'm on track to break the record for the longest winning streak of 28 games. I'm considering letting Ayumu beat me in the Teii Tournament, though. On the other hand, the Gyokza Tournament's reigning champion is the Meijin, and since the original story didn't delve too deeply into it, I might as well go all out.

But first, the Asahi Cup. I really want that 10 million yen prize. Honestly, who wouldn't? I might even aim for the Rookie of the Year title—it's my last chance to compete, and it likely won't impact the original story much. The Rookie of the Year prize is about 2 million yen, which is still a substantial amount.

"Do you really need to stick so closely to the original story?"

(For the last time, I want to interfere as little as possible. Surely, you understand the desire not to mess with the story of a favorite light novel.)

"Then at least turn down Kuzuryu's VS requests. Why are you helping to make the original protagonist even stronger?"

(Wait, is he really getting that much stronger?)

"It's almost certain that his skills are leveling up thanks to you."

While having this mental exchange with Ai, I play my matches for this month's ranking tournament. The dreaded C-Class Group 2 is unforgiving—one loss, and promotion is out of reach. However, all undefeated players advance to C-Class Group 1. Since I plan to stay undefeated, there's nothing to worry about.

Today's opponent was Tatsuou Zao, a 9th-dan player who defeated Kuzuryu in the original story. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that even if I played without Ai's help, I might still win. Zao seemed like he had something to say about my unhurried, instant moves, but Ai completely obliterated him, leaving him silent.

...Software-assisted play often relies on quick, aggressive moves, but Ai's strength lies in heavy, calculated attacks. She prepares thoroughly, then crushes the opponent under an overwhelming shield. The result? The opponent dies.

I didn't use even a minute of my allotted time today. Every move was instantaneous, thanks to Ai's incredible computational power. I had nothing to do but sit back. Even the match itself was uneventful—Zao made noticeable mistakes in the opening, middle game, and endgame, so there wasn't even a need for a post-match analysis. Despite being a ranking match, it ended before lunch.

(Alright, time to stop by Yod○bashi Camera on the way home.)

"Shopping for computer accessories again? Oh, and here comes Kuzuryu Yaiichi."

(What? Why am I running into him again? Also, how did his ranking match end so early too?)

"Yo, Kuzuryu. Done with your ranking match already?"

"Hey, Ogi. I was just taking a walk to clear my head."

"…Hey, if you become the Ryuo, treat me to yakiniku with your prize money."

"Haha… If I actually become the Ryuo, I'll treat you to all the yakiniku you want."

"You said it! It's a promise now!"

At this point in time, Kuzuryu was still advancing in the Ryuo Tournament finals, but the idea of him challenging for the title didn't seem realistic yet. He'd already lost early in the ranking tournament, killing his chances of promotion, and public opinion about him wasn't particularly high.

Winning the 6th Group Tournament had started to get him noticed among shogi fans, but that was it. Meanwhile, I was on a 23-game winning streak since going pro, and the media was starting to take an interest in me.

If things continue like this, my 30th match will be against Ayumu. I plan to lose then. If I break the record first and then lose narrowly to the next-generation Meijin, it'll boost Ayumu's reputation while leaving me in a favorable light.

"No, by the time you reach 29 wins, a shogi boom will likely erupt. Haruo Ogi's name will spread everywhere."(Ugh. I mean, it's nice, but it feels weird to get so much attention without even winning a title.)

"I also find it unfortunate that your hideous face will be exposed to the world."

(My face is normal! Sure, it's not as polished as Kuzuryu or Ayumu's, but calling it hideous is harsh—I might actually cry.)

After a brief chat with Kuzuryu, I went on my way. At this stage, it's still okay for me to be out and about, playing mobile games freely. This time, I firmly declined his VS request, though his obvious dejection left me feeling guilty. For now, I'll try to avoid getting too involved with Kuzuryu until he becomes the Ryuo.

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