At that moment, the giant screen above the venue became the center of everyone's attention.
The director keenly switched the camera to Table 77—the pairing of Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo, who stood out sharply in this arena dominated by middle-aged men.
Natsume Chikage needed no introduction. His exceptional looks shone among the crowd like a pearl.
As for Furukawa Ayuo, what drew attention was her young age, which seemed utterly out of place amid the atmosphere of the venue.
In this tournament, which had gathered masters from across the country, children daring enough to take the stage were exceedingly rare.
At the commentary desk, veteran commentator Inoue Masami saw the scene through the monitor and could not help sighing to his female partner, Nanjo Maiko:
"I've been commentating shogi matches for years, but this is the first time I've seen such a handsome young player."
The beautiful commentator Nanjo Maiko's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly in agreement:
"That's true. With that face, he'd absolutely be a top star even in the entertainment industry."
Inoue Masami stroked his chin and analyzed with interest:
"He certainly looks outstanding, but I wonder how good his shogi is?"
"After all, good looks can't buy you victory in this arena."
Nanjo Maiko noticed Furukawa Ayuo sitting opposite Natsume Chikage and widened her eyes in surprise:
"...There's actually such an adorable little player competing in this tournament?"
Inoue Masami also looked astonished:
"She's so young, yet she dared to enter the tournament. She must be quite confident in her shogi skills, no?"
Nanjo Maiko covered her mouth and chuckled:
"A handsome young man and an adorable little girl—this is certainly quite an interesting matchup."
Inoue Masami nodded in agreement:
"Indeed."
"But Nanjo, who do you think has the better chance of winning?"
Nanjo