Chapter 127 ⟴ A Master's Devastating Defeat

Many customers flocked to the newly opened shōgi parlor.

According to Keika, this shōgi hall was established by her master Rina Shakando, the chairwoman of the Women's Professional Shōgi Players' Association.

Her goal was to make more people discover shōgi's charm, uncover hidden talents, and guide them into the professional shōgi world.

The grand vision impressed Miku and the others, who already held the chairwoman's remarkable abilities in high regard even before meeting her.

"By the way, this is all thanks to Daiki-kun's patient teaching. Yesterday's shōgi study session gave me my first victory in many years. To be honest, I had almost forgotten what winning felt like." Keika remarked, her expression conflicted.

"Miss Keika, you're being too modest. With your shōgi talent, becoming an official female professional player is just a matter of time." That gaze made Ichika, standing beside her, feel a sense of unease.

She hurriedly consoled the woman, worried that she might become too fixated on Daiki.

As one of the direct beneficiaries of the Hundred Teachings ability, no one understood his special power better than her.

Yet the crucial point was that this special ability was too unorthodox — Daiki's teaching had only lasted two or three days before that morning incident occurred.

Now, whenever she saw him raise his hand, she instinctively wanted to bow in dogeza, stick out her ass, and await his instruction.

If Keika continued to pursue him, could this woman, who valued shōgi as much as life itself, really resist the temptation? There was no way to know.

"Hehe, if only that were true." Keika's eyes dimmed slightly as she shook her head helplessly.

She knew better than anyone whether she had talent or not.

If she truly had shōgi talent, her playing strength wouldn't have deteriorated over time, and she would have at least obtained the basic female professional player qualification.

"Oh right, my master and Ginko are over there. A shōgi master will appear soon — he's the strongest holder of the Meijin title, just one step away from becoming a Lifetime Seven Crown holder. They say only the Demon Emperor holder could rival him, but he has been missing for a long time."

{T/N: The Lifetime Seven Crown is for anyone who is a holder of the Ryūō, Meijin, Ōi, Ōza, Kiō, Ōshō and Kisei major titles (simultaneously). For the Demon Emperor, I really don't fucking now. I tried to search, even in chinese wiki. This is some tipy of title that the MC from the Ryuuou no Oshigoto series won in the Volume 14. If anyone ever read, help me out on this one.}

Under her guidance, they met Ginko and the highly praised chairwoman of the Women's Professional Shōgi Players' Association.

"Welcome, Daiki-kun. Ginko has told me about you." Rina's attire resembled that of a shōgi witch.

Her unique dress caught everyone's attention in the shōgi hall.

The sight of six vibrant beautiful girls surrounding Daiki drew subtle looks of envy and admiration from the professional players, who usually focused solely on improving their skills.

"Daiki-kun, Ginko tells me you're very skilled at shōgi. Why don't you play here at the hall? Since you're all Ginko's friends, I'll cover all the expenses today!"

At the mention of expenses, cold-faced Ginko's heart sank.

She remembered how she had lost all her years of earnings playing against Daiki.

He had received that enormous sum without reaction, never mentioning it — as if it had never happened.

"That would be troublesome." Daiki said with a nod.

Keika then led them to a special shōgi room, knowing full well his true identity as a Jujutsu Sorcerer.

❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊

The seating arrangement was thoughtfully planned.

Miku and the others took their places around the table, eagerly asking Daiki to teach them shōgi. They simply enjoyed learning the game, without using the Hundred Teachings ability.

Ginko joined them naturally, settling in for a game against Daiki.

The shōgi hall's convenience was enhanced by its on-site lunch box vendor.

The atmosphere electrified when the middle-aged Meijin title holder arrived. He stood as the player most likely to achieve the prestigious Lifetime Seven Crown title.

"Daiki-kun, your shōgi skills could take you far in this world." Ginko suggested carefully, "It wouldn't interfere with your duties as a Jujutsu Sorcerer. Would you consider becoming a professional player and facing the Meijin?"

Though she recognized Daiki's elevated status as a Jujutsu Sorcerer, she couldn't bear to see such exceptional shōgi talent go unused.

She had consulted her master Rina about Jujutsu Sorcerers.

To her surprise, many Jujutsu Sorcerers were shōgi enthusiasts, particularly devoted fans of this Meijin.

This revelation proved that Daiki's shōgi prowess wasn't connected to his supernatural abilities.

"Shōgi is best suited for passing time when bored."

Daiki's casual response left Ginko crestfallen.

After the Meijin performed the welcoming ceremony and ribbon-cutting, he turned to ask quietly, "Chairwoman Shakando, aren't there several shōgi matches scheduled?"

"Yes, is there a problem?"

"I'd like to substitute newcomers for the professional players in these matches. Like you, I'm interested in seeing shōgi's future talents."

Rina covered her mouth and smiled at the Meijin's suggestion.

"Of course, that's no problem. Actually, I just happened to discover a shōgi prodigy. He's Ginko's classmate, with talent that surpasses even hers, though he seems uninterested in shōgi. It would be wonderful if we could spark his enthusiasm."

The Meijin raised his eyes and smiled, "A genius who surpasses the Snow White of Naniwa? That's something I can't miss. Please introduce us!"

For a professional player standing at the pinnacle of the shōgi world, the playing styles and patterns of ordinary professional players were predictable.

With his strength, he could easily defeat them, but such games couldn't ignite his passion for shōgi. He preferred to clash minds with geniuses full of novel ideas — though their moves might be immature, their style possessed an otherworldly brilliance.

Rina nodded slightly and led the Meijin to where Daiki was.

"I apologize for the sudden visit, but may I have a game with you?" Without the arrogance of a professional player, he was warm and approachable.

Daiki looked at this peak shōgi player with slight curiosity.

Ryūō level skill versus the Meijin's skill — who would prove superior?

"Sure."

At these words, the Meijin couldn't help but show his joy.

He wondered what kind of surprise this genius's skills would bring him.

"Daiki-kun, would it be alright to broadcast this game to the people outside?"

After all, a game with the Meijin was quite attractive, but since Daiki wasn't a professional player, they needed his permission.

"Yes."

"Thank you very much."

Rina left the shōgi room to broadcast the game progress and arranged for special staff to provide commentary in the hall's public area.

Just as she thought this would spark Daiki's enthusiasm, the biggest upset in shōgi history occurred.

❊❊❊

T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

For just $1 you can access all the extra content, descriptive images, and the smuts (this one has a lot), costs only $2!

That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)

https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing