Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage hesitates to commit to attending the shogi tournament with Saionji Nanase and Fujiwara Aoi due to transportation costs and time constraints.
• The three exchange LINE contacts, with Saionji Nanase adding Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi, and Natsume Chikage agreeing to join the class group chat.
• After work, Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi share a late-night snack at an oden stall, where they encounter Kondo Miyuki.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows consideration for his financial situation and time management, and displays a slight delay in response time due to his increased "Spirit" attribute.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Reveals her love for food and excitement at sharing a meal with Natsume Chikage, also showing a hint of jealousy when Saionji Nanase easily obtains Natsume Chikage's LINE contact.
• Saionji Nanase: Displays natural charm and ease in social situations, successfully adding Natsume Chikage's contact and inviting him to the class group chat.
• Kondo Miyuki: Shows a moment of pause and admiration upon seeing Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi together at the oden stall.

Significant Themes

• The impact of increased "Spirit" attribute on Natsume Chikage's physical condition and appetite.
• Social dynamics and interactions among classmates, particularly the competition for Natsume Chikage's attention.
• The contrast between Fujiwara Aoi's excitement and Kondo Miyuki's quiet observation, highlighting their different approaches to expressing their feelings.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: Share a friendly and casual conversation, with Fujiwara Aoi showing enthusiasm and Natsume Chikage being more reserved but agreeable.
• Natsume Chikage and Saionji Nanase: Exchange LINE contacts, with Saionji Nanase displaying confidence and ease, while Natsume Chikage is more hesitant.
• Kondo Miyuki and Natsume Chikage/Fujiwara Aoi: Kondo Miyuki observes the pair from a distance, showing a moment of admiration for their dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi enjoy oden together after work.
• Matsuo Yuka, their editor, witnesses their intimacy and leaves in a huff.
• Kondo Miyuki, Natsume's aunt, sees them together and joins them briefly.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows kindness and consideration towards others (Kondo Miyuki and Fujiwara Aoi).
• Fujiwara Aoi: Develops feelings for Natsume; remains energetic despite disappointment.
• Matsuo Yuka: Feels jealous and upset after seeing the couple's intimacy.
• Kondo Miyuki: Hopes for a good match between Natsume and her daughter; feels pained seeing Natsume with another girl.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Fujiwara Aoi's feelings for Natsume, Kondo Miyuki's hope for a match between Natsume and her daughter.
• Jealousy: Matsuo Yuka's feelings of jealousy and upset.
• Kindness and consideration: Natsume's actions towards Kondo Miyuki and Fujiwara Aoi.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi: Share a intimate moment, with Aoi wiping broth from Natsume's face.
• Natsume Chikage and Kondo Miyuki: Natsume offers to treat Kondo Miyuki to oden as a return for her previous kindness.
• Matsuo Yuka and the couple: Witnesses their intimacy and leaves in a huff.
• Kondo Miyuki and the couple: Joins them briefly, hoping Natsume and her daughter could share a good match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage politely declines Kondo Miyuki's money, not wanting to owe her favors.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi walk home together after work, with Aoi excited about their time together.
• Chikage walks Aoi to her apartment, and they plan to meet the next day.
• Chikage returns home, brings oden for his sister, and they spend the evening together.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows maturity and responsibility by declining Kondo Miyuki's money to avoid owing favors.
• Fujiwara Aoi's crush on Chikage is evident in her excitement about their time together.
• Natsume Ruri's affection for her brother is clear as she looks forward to spending time with him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of debt and favors, with Chikage not wanting to owe Kondo Miyuki anything.
• The theme of family and sibling love, shown through Chikage and Ruri's affection for each other.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Kondo Miyuki have a brief interaction where Chikage declines her money.
• Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi walk home together, with Aoi expressing her happiness about their time together.
• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri spend a peaceful evening together, with Ruri looking forward to hearing about Chikage's day.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage puts his sister to bed and reflects on their living situation.
• He realizes he needs to win the Rising Shogi Tournament to afford rent and daily expenses.
• He decides to obtain three special equipment pieces, including his sister's bracelet if necessary.
• He plans to finish his novel, The Devotion of Suspect X, within a few days.
• He receives late-night LINE messages from Saionji Nanase and Sakai Shion.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows responsibility and care for his sister, Ruri.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking and determination to secure their financial stability.
• He reveals his ambition and desperation to complete his novel for potential high earnings.

Significant Themes

• Financial struggle and the need for immediate income.
• The importance of family and responsibility towards loved ones.
• Ambition and determination in pursuing personal goals.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with his sister, Ruri, showing care and affection.
• He exchanges LINE messages with Saionji Nanase and Sakai Shion, indicating ongoing relationships with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage is added to the class group chat by Saionji Nanase.
• He decides to mute the class group chat to focus on writing.
• Natsume Chikage exchanges messages with Saionji Nanase and Sakai Shion before going to bed.
• The next morning, Natsume Chikage ensures his sister doesn't find out about his participation in the Rising Star Shogi Tournament.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage shows responsibility and consideration for his sister's feelings, deciding not to tell her about the tournament to avoid causing her worry or anger.
• Natsume Ruri displays her dependence on her brother and her diligence in managing their household finances.

Significant Themes

• The siblings' strong bond and mutual concern for each other's well-being.
• The struggle to maintain a balanced life between work, school, and personal goals (Natsume Chikage's secret shogi tournament participation).

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Natsume Ruri's affectionate and protective relationship is highlighted as they wait for their respective trains.
• Natsume Chikage's brief exchanges with Saionji Nanase and Sakai Shion show his polite and respectful demeanor towards his seniors.
• Yukimura Suzune's confusion and disbelief at seeing Natsume Chikage on the wrong platform foreshadows her future interactions with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage arrives at the massive Tokyo Shogi Hall for the tournament.
• He discovers there are several hundred participants and multiple divisions (A, B, C, D).
• The tournament is divided into morning, noon, and afternoon sessions, with Natsume's match scheduled for the afternoon.
• Natsume and Horikawa Kaori register and receive their contestant badges.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains calm and composed despite the large number of participants.
• Horikawa Kaori reveals she is a women's first-dan and has studied shogi for many years.

Significant Themes

• Luck plays a significant role in the tournament, as opponents are assigned randomly.
• Natsume Chikage's humble background is hinted at, as he wears his school uniform due to lack of decent casual clothes.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Horikawa Kaori reunite in the competitors' queue and exchange pleasantries.
• They discuss their respective match schedules and express relief at not being paired against each other.
• Horikawa Kaori learns about Natsume Chikage's family circumstances when he explains why he's wearing his school uniform.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horikawa Kaori and Natsume Chikage attend a shogi tournament.
• They encounter Fukuda Tsukasa, a skilled player who targets newcomers.
• Horikawa Kaori warns Natsume Chikage about Fukuda Tsukasa.

Character Developments

• Horikawa Kaori: Shows concern for Natsume Chikage's well-being in the tournament.
• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and composed despite the intense atmosphere.
• Fukuda Tsukasa: Reveals his tendency to target and bully newcomers.

Significant Themes

• The competitive nature of shogi tournaments.
• The skill gap between ranks and genders in shogi.
• The importance of stamina in prolonged games.

Character Interactions

• Horikawa Kaori and Natsume Chikage: They study separately but share a tense atmosphere due to the tournament.
• Horikawa Kaori and Fukuda Tsukasa: They have a history of playing against each other, with Fukuda often winning.
• Fukuda Tsukasa and Natsume Chikage: Fukuda sees Natsume as an easy target and looks forward to potentially playing against him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Rising Star Shogi Challenge begins, with a unique single-elimination format and generous prize money.
• The first-round matchups are to be decided by an on-site drawing.
• Horikawa Kaori, a friend of Natsume Chikage, competes in the first round.
• Natsume Chikage meets Furukawa Masahiro and his granddaughter, Furukawa Ayuo, who are excited about the tournament's prize money.

Character Developments

• Horikawa Kaori shows nervousness but determination before her match.
• Natsume Chikage demonstrates understanding and support for Horikawa Kaori.
• Furukawa Ayuo displays enthusiasm and excitement about the tournament's prize money.

Significant Themes

• The importance of luck and favorable matchups in competition.
• The impact of prize money on player motivation and viewer excitement.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Horikawa Kaori exchange words of encouragement before her match.
• Natsume Chikage meets Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo, engaging in polite conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Furukawa Ayuo, a young shogi player, expresses her desire to win the tournament for her grandfather, the former Dragon King.
• Natsume Chikage, a handsome and talented contestant, declines an interview with a TV crew despite the opportunity for fame.
• Other contestants express disappointment at not being chosen for the interview but are secretly pleased when Natsume Chikage declines.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Ayuo: Shows determination and respect for her grandfather, aiming to make him proud.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Initially hesitant to reveal his past glory, he considers revealing his identity after his granddaughter's success.
• Natsume Chikage: Displays humility and a preference for privacy, declining a chance at fame.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the impact of aging on one's career (Furukawa Masahiro).
• The desire for fame and recognition versus personal preference (Natsume Chikage).

Character Interactions

• Furukawa Ayuo and Furukawa Masahiro: The affectionate and supportive relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter is evident.
• Natsume Chikage and the TV crew: Natsume Chikage's polite refusal of the interview highlights his humility and preference for privacy.
• Other contestants and Natsume Chikage: The other contestants' reactions to Natsume Chikage's refusal of the interview reveal their desire for fame and recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage meets Furukawa Masahiro and his granddaughter Ayuo at the shogi tournament venue.
• Natsume Chikage takes photos and videos of the venue, including selfies with Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo, to prove his attendance to Sakai Shion.
• Sakai Shion receives the photos and videos, confirming Natsume Chikage's attendance at the tournament.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows politeness and consideration towards Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo. He also demonstrates responsibility by sending proof of his attendance to Sakai Shion.
• Furukawa Ayuo: Exhibits confidence in her shogi skills and politeness towards Natsume Chikage.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Reveals his pride in his granddaughter's shogi talent and his own indifference to fame.
• Sakai Shion: Shows concern for Natsume Chikage's attendance and follows up on his whereabouts.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Natsume Chikage takes responsibility for his actions by sending proof of his attendance to Sakai Shion.
• Pride and Talent: Furukawa Masahiro's pride in his granddaughter's shogi talent is highlighted.
• Politeness and Respect: Both Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo demonstrate politeness and respect towards each other.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage interacts with Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo, showing politeness and consideration.
• Sakai Shion and Natsume Chikage maintain a teacher-student relationship, with Sakai Shion showing concern for Natsume Chikage's actions.
• Yukimura Suzune shows concern for Natsume Chikage's whereabouts, hinting at a possible friendship or interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage is absent from school, sparking curiosity among his classmates.
• Sakai Shion, the homeroom teacher, vaguely explains that Natsume took leave for personal reasons.
• Kondo Miki and Akita Sana overhear classmates discussing Natsume's absence and share their thoughts.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: His classmates are concerned about his absence, and rumors about his gaming habits resurface.
• Sakai Shion: She maintains professionalism while handling students' questions about Natsume's absence.
• Kondo Miki: She shares her past observations and suspicions about Natsume's gaming habits with Akita Sana.

Significant Themes

• Gossip and rumors among students.
• The impact of gaming habits on school attendance and academic performance.
• The contrast between Natsume Chikage and his studious younger sister, Natsume Ruri.

Character Interactions

• Sakai Shion and the students: The teacher maintains professional boundaries while addressing students' questions about Natsume's absence.
• Kondo Miki and Akita Sana: They share their thoughts on Natsume's absence and his gaming habits, with Kondo Miki revealing her past observations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The shogi tournament continues, with commentators focusing on professional players' matches.
• Natsume Chikage observes a professional player's match, predicting the amateur opponent's defeat within a few moves.
• Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo watch the same match, with Masahiro providing Ayuo with strategic insights.
• Mido Orihime calls Ayuo, telling her to give her all in the next match, which seems unusual to Masahiro.
• Horikawa Kaori returns victorious from her match, and she, Natsume, and the Furukawas have lunch together.
• The third session of the tournament begins.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage demonstrates his shogi prowess by predicting an amateur's defeat against a professional.
• Furukawa Ayuo shows eagerness to learn from her grandfather, Masahiro.
• Horikawa Kaori expresses romantic interest in Natsume Chikage, despite their age difference.

Significant Themes

• The gap in skill between professional and amateur players.
• The importance of thorough analysis and vigilance in shogi (and by extension, life).
• The tension and excitement of competition.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Horikawa Kaori grow closer as they spend time together and share a meal.
• Furukawa Masahiro and Ayuo bond over watching and discussing shogi matches.
• Mido Orihime's mysterious call to Ayuo hints at potential future developments in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Furukawa Ayuo, a young girl, participates in her first official shogi competition, feeling nervous yet excited.
• Her grandfather, Furukawa Masahiro, supports her, and they meet Horikawa Kaori, Natsume Chikage, and Fukuda Tsukasa at the venue.
• Fukuda Tsukasa, a Reward Association player, mocks the group, particularly Ayuo's inexperience.
• The group proceeds to the competition area, where Ayuo is accompanied by Natsume Chikage due to her grandfather's request.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Ayuo: Shows determination and excitement for her first competition, displaying a mix of nervousness and confidence.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Proves to be a supportive and caring grandfather, showing pride in Ayuo's participation but maintaining modesty.
• Fukuda Tsukasa: Reveals his habit of bullying newcomers and his lack of respect for weaker players, displaying arrogance and contempt.

Significant Themes

• Nervousness and Excitement: Ayuo's feelings represent the mix of emotions one experiences when facing a new challenge.
• Support and Belief: Furukawa Masahiro's support for Ayuo emphasizes the importance of belief and encouragement from loved ones.
• Arrogance and Contempt: Fukuda Tsukasa's behavior highlights the negative aspects of overconfidence and disrespect for others.

Character Interactions

• Furukawa Masahiro and Furukawa Ayuo: Their interaction shows a strong bond between grandfather and granddaughter, with the grandfather providing support and belief.
• Fukuda Tsukasa and the Group: Fukuda's interactions with the group, particularly his mocking of Ayuo, create tension and highlight his arrogance.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo: Natsume's willingness to look after Ayuo demonstrates his kindness and willingness to help others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fukuda Tsukasa, a skilled amateur, hopes to avoid professional players in the early rounds to secure easy wins.
• The tournament's first round draws professional fourth-dan players Akechi Sogo and Hino Hiroya against each other, causing a stir.
• Natsume Chikage draws table 77, while Furukawa Ayuo, the youngest contestant, draws the same table, setting up a match between them.

Character Developments

• Fukuda Tsukasa reveals his strategy to crush weaker opponents for fun and money.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo remain calm and unfazed despite the high stakes and unexpected matchup.

Significant Themes

• The role of luck versus skill in competition.
• The gap between amateur and professional players.
• The pressure and expectations on professional players.

Character Interactions

• Fukuda Tsukasa expresses regret at not drawing Natsume Chikage or Furukawa Ayuo as his first-round opponents.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo acknowledge each other before their match, showing respect and sportsmanship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo, who had been encouraging each other, find themselves as opponents in the first round of the tournament.
• They are seated at board number 77, having both drawn the same number.
• The match is important for Natsume Chikage, who cannot afford to go easy on Furukawa Ayuo.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Ayuo, despite her young age and lack of offline match experience, is confident in her skills due to her rigorous training under her grandfather and Senior Sister Mido.
• Natsume Chikage is determined to give his best in the match, respecting both his opponent and his personal beliefs.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the game and the opponent, regardless of personal relationships.
• Confidence in one's abilities, backed by rigorous training and experience.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo express their determination to give their best in the match, respecting each other's skills and the game.
• Furukawa Masahiro and Horukawa Kaori discuss the match, with Furukawa Masahiro expressing confidence in his granddaughter's victory due to her extensive game experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The tournament begins with Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo's match drawing attention due to their youth and appearance.
• Commentators discuss the players' ages and experience, favoring Chikage's chances due to his longer study time.
• The match starts with Ayuo winning the first move by guessing even correctly.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage is introduced as an exceptionally handsome young player.
• Furukawa Ayuo is revealed to be a young, confident girl with a grandfather who believes in her genius.
• Commentators Inoue Masami and Nanjo Maiko show bias towards Chikage based on his age and experience.

Significant Themes

• The role of age and experience in shogi.
• The expectation and pressure on young, talented players.
• The excitement and anticipation of the tournament.

Character Interactions

• Chikage and Ayuo interact briefly before the match, with Ayuo showing confidence and Chikage respecting her choice.
• Commentators Inoue and Nanjo discuss the players' prospects and favor Chikage.
• Ayuo's grandfather, Furukawa Masahiro, watches anxiously, believing in his granddaughter's talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the rules and pieces of shogi, a Japanese strategic board game.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo begin their shogi match, with Ayuo playing first using the Static Rook strategy.
• The game progresses rapidly, with both players making moves in quick succession, using the chess clock to limit their thinking time.
• Ayuo starts to notice something unusual about Chikage's playing style, as he seems to anticipate her moves and guide her into disadvantageous positions.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Ayuo: Initially confident and focused, she becomes increasingly unsettled and worried as she realizes Chikage's unusual playing style. She starts to doubt her ability to win the match.
• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and expressionless throughout the game, making quick and precise moves that seem to anticipate Ayuo's strategies. His playing style suggests a high level of skill and foresight.

Significant Themes

• Foresight and anticipation: Chikage's ability to predict Ayuo's moves and guide her into disadvantageous positions highlights the theme of foresight and anticipation in both shogi and life.
• Confidence and doubt: Ayuo's initial confidence gives way to doubt as she struggles to understand Chikage's playing style, emphasizing the fragility of confidence in the face of uncertainty.

Character Interactions

• The interaction between Chikage and Ayuo is primarily through their shogi moves, with Chikage guiding Ayuo's pieces and Ayuo trying to adapt and counter his strategies. Their dynamic highlights the tension and anticipation of a strategic game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the match between Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo, which is being watched by Horikawa Kaori and Furukawa Masahiro.
• Ayuo, despite her grandfather's confidence, is struggling in the match, surprising Furukawa Masahiro.
• Horikawa Kaori, unable to see beyond a few moves, misjudges the position, believing Ayuo has the advantage and Natsume is destined to lose.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Masahiro's confidence in Ayuo is shaken as he realizes she's at a disadvantage.
• Horikawa Kaori's limited shogi skills are revealed, as she can only see a few moves ahead and misjudges the game's progress.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience and careful consideration in shogi, contrasting with Natsume's seemingly reckless playstyle.
• The difference in shogi skills and perspectives between experienced players (Furukawa Masahiro) and those with limited experience (Horikawa Kaori).

Character Interactions

• Horikawa Kaori and Furukawa Masahiro watch the match together, with Horikawa misjudging the game and Furukawa becoming increasingly concerned about Ayuo's performance.
• Furukawa Masahiro calculates the game's progress, while Horikawa Kaori can only see a few moves ahead, leading to a disconnect in their understanding of the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Furukawa Ayuo struggles against Natsume Chikage in their shogi match, with Chikage responding instantly to her moves, causing Ayuo to feel immense pressure.
• The match's broadcast is switched away from their game, causing Furukawa Masahiro, Ayuo's grandfather, to become anxious.
• Ayuo is defeated in 33 minutes, while Chikage uses only 58 seconds. Ayuo breaks down and cries, acknowledging her loss.

Character Developments

• Furukawa Ayuo: Realizes the vast difference in skill between her and Chikage, leading to self-doubt and a breakdown after her loss.
• Furukawa Masahiro: Becomes anxious and disbelief when he sees Ayuo's defeat, questioning his granddaughter's skill and Chikage's identity.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of competition and the impact of losing one's first official match.
• The disparity between one's self-image and reality, as seen through Ayuo's self-doubt.

Character Interactions

• Furukawa Masahiro and Horikawa Kaori: Masahiro becomes anxious and questions Kaori's assessment of Ayuo's skill after the match.
• Furukawa Ayuo and Natsume Chikage: Ayuo struggles against Chikage's skill, leading to her defeat and emotional breakdown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage wins his first match against a young girl, Furukawa Ayuo.
• The commentators and audience pay little attention to their match, deeming it unremarkable.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo leave the venue, with Ayuo crying over her loss.
• Natsume Chikage is congratulated by staff and meets Furukawa Masahiro and Horikawa Kaori.
• Fukuda Tsukasa, another contestant, expresses eagerness to face Natsume Chikage in the future.
• Furukawa Masahiro invites Natsume Chikage to dinner, but he declines. Instead, Furukawa Masahiro offers his help and gives Natsume Chikage his business card.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage remains humble and polite despite his victory, showing consideration for Furukawa Ayuo's feelings.
• Furukawa Ayuo is upset over her loss but is comforted by her grandfather.
• Furukawa Masahiro reveals his desire to take Natsume Chikage as a disciple, hinting at his status as a former Dragon King.
• Horikawa Kaori is disappointed that she can't have dinner with Natsume Chikage or have someone else treat them.

Significant Themes

• The random nature of matchups in tournaments.
• The contrast between professional matches and amateur ones.
• The desire to learn and improve in shogi.

Character Interactions

• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Ayuo: Natsume Chikage shows kindness towards Ayuo despite defeating her.
• Natsume Chikage and Furukawa Masahiro: Furukawa Masahiro hints at his desire to take Natsume Chikage as a disciple.
• Natsume Chikage and Horikawa Kaori: Horikawa Kaori expresses disappointment over not being able to have dinner with Natsume Chikage.