Chapter 10: Sora Ginko Thoughts

Chapter 10: Sora Ginko Thoughts

Today was Saturday.

Yukima Azuma planned to go for a run in the morning, take a shower, and then board the Shinkansen to Chiba.

The distance from Tokyo to Chiba wasn't far, and taking the Shinkansen only took a little time.

So, even though it was early in the morning, there was no need to rush.

However, Yukima Azuma hadn't expected Sora Ginko to travel all the way from Chiba to Tokyo.

Was she afraid that he might make a promise and then "abandon" her?

Sora Ginko observed Yukima Azuma, who seemed happy just because of her arrival.

Her cold face was no longer as serious as before.

However, she still didn't seem friendly towards him.

She cast a glance at Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was standing next to him.

Having known each other for many years, Yukima Azuma naturally understood what Sora Ginko meant.

She was asking about Kasumigaoka Utaha.

"Ginko, this is Kasumigaoka-senpai. Senpai, this is Sora Ginko, my Shogi senior sister. You two must have met before."

Yukima Azuma acted as the mediator and introduced them.

"Kasumigaoka-senpai is my current tenant. She just moved in recently. Ginko, you know that I rent out an apartment."

"Ginko is here to take me to the shogi club in Chiba. There's an official match today, and I plan to participate."

After hearing Yukima Azuma's explanation, Sora Ginko let out a small sigh of relief.

Although she didn't like the idea of this "fat girl" living in Yukima Azuma's house, as long as they didn't suddenly rekindle their relationship without informing her, Sora Ginko could accept it.

When Yukima Azuma spoke, Kasumigaoka Utaha's gaze wavered slightly.

Shogi, huh?

Of course, she knew Yukima Azuma played shogi, and he had even been a prodigy in the shogi world before.

But three years ago, suddenly...

However, now he was starting again with shogi. Could there be a special meaning behind it?

Anyway, Kasumigaoka Utaha was genuinely pleased that Yukima Azuma was willing to explain things to her.

Yukima Azuma didn't really need to explain any of this to her.

In just a few short sentences, the two seemed to have settled things between them.

Yukima Azuma went into the bathroom and quickly showered.

Afterward, he changed into clothes he had already prepared and went to the door with Sora Ginko.

"I'm heading out."

Suddenly, Yukima Azuma turned back and said to Kasumigaoka Utaha.

Kasumigaoka Utaha nearly reacted instinctively: "Safe travels."

When she realized what she had just said, Yukima Azuma and Sora Ginko had already left the apartment.

Her ears turned slightly red.

"I'm heading out" and "Safe travels."

These were common phrases exchanged in Japan when someone was leaving—part of the customary communication in the culture.

(note: ittekimasu, itterasshai)

And these words were typically spoken only by family or those with close relationships.

"That was calculated ahead of time."

Kasumigaoka Utaha mumbled to herself.

...

After stepping outside, Yukima Azuma felt a bit of tension in the air.

"Tch!"

Sora Ginko shook her head in dissatisfaction.

"Hey, Ginko, are there any tough opponents in this official match?" Yukima Azuma directly changed the subject.

Although he knew Yukima Azuma was trying to change the topic, Sora Ginko reluctantly continued the conversation.

"Yeah, there's one guy who's pretty difficult."

Sora Ginko continued, showing her concern and worry about Yukima Azuma returning to shogi after three years.

"The opponent in this official match is someone with a range of skill from beginner to professional level," she looked into Yukima Azuma's eyes and continued.

"There's one person who's especially tough to handle, the strongest one in this match."

"That person is Yamato Kajin, eight-dan, the strongest in this match. He's been training under 'Meijin.'"

"Eight-dan?" Yukima Azuma exclaimed, his voice showing surprise.

In the world of shogi, players are clearly ranked.

Ignoring amateur levels, players must attend training sessions to pass exams, and after that, join a training association to enter the professional world of shogi.

Ranks in the training association range from F1, F2, up to S, and to move up in rank, players must continuously participate in matches and accumulate win/loss points.

Among them, ranks from C1 and above have the right to take the exam for the Promotion Association.

The Promotion Association is where truly professional players are trained.

Even the lowest rank in the Promotion Association is rank 6, which must be stronger than C1 in the Training Association.

Once in the Promotion Association, players must accumulate win/loss points through official matches to level up.

From rank 6 to rank 1, then beginner level, level 2, level 3, and the highest level, level 4.

Sora Ginko was currently at level 2 in the Promotion Association.

And only when a player reaches level 4 in the Promotion Association are they considered a professional player, which is equivalent to achieving a 4th professional rank.

As for Yamato Kajin, he was already at eight-dan.

He was nearly at the peak of the shogi world, belonging to an extremely rare group.

Not to mention, this opponent was also studying under "Meijin."

Sora Ginko looked at Yukima Azuma's expression but couldn't read anything from it.

With her thoughts spinning, Sora Ginko suddenly grabbed the hem of Yukima Azuma's shirt, causing him to bend down slightly.

To Yukima Azuma's surprise, she extended her arms and wrapped them around his neck.

"It's alright! You're the strongest shogi player I've ever met"

"I'm sure if you were still active in the shogi world, you would have surpassed eight-dan long ago!"

"With you, no matter who the opponent is, you would win!"

"Stand proud, you are strongest!"

Yukima Azuma blinked at her words.

In reality, he wasn't worried or scared at all.

As long as he didn't face 'Meijin,' he was confident against any other opponent.

The previous exclamation was just admiration for the strict ranking system in shogi.

However, he couldn't say that now, or else Sora Ginko's feelings would become a joke.

Yukima Azuma gently returned the embrace.

Her small frame gave him an oddly tender feeling.

"Nah, with your encouragement, even 'Meijin,' I would win to prove it to you!" Yukima Azuma said.

Upon hearing this, Sora Ginko face immediately flushed red.

She pushed Yukima Azuma away, lowered her head, and quickly walked off.

"Go, go... you'll be late if you don't!" she muttered.

From behind, the girl's ears had also turned a soft shade of pink.

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I'm not sure if the author meant it that way but I made it a jjk reference