Kaito and Akina slowly enjoyed dinner together, while Ai had long finished eating and couldn't take another bite.
Apart from worrying about her idol Yaichi, she also didn't want to continue watching her mother show off affection there.
Before the match, it was okay; at least her mother had some restraint.
But now, heh.
With that, Ai slipped away, preparing to go outside and check things out, including the situation at the inn.
Unfortunately, Yaichi had long been taken to the best hospital for treatment, and other visitors from the Shogi circle were also gradually leaving; no one wanted to stay in this heartbreaking place.
Today's battle, they did witness the unprecedented pinnacle of human chess, but they also saw Japan's Shogi shattered by China's Go player.
"Oh? Isn't that my future teacher's senior sister?"
Ai was about to go back when she saw a girl with ice-blue hair.
Naturally, she didn't recognize her at first, but thanks to many people introducing her in the afternoon, she later checked on her tablet and knew her identity.
Similarly, she was also Yaichi's senior sister; both were under Kousuke's tutelage.
Due to what happened this afternoon, Kousuke had spoken a lot to Ginko, then left her here while he went to check on Yaichi.
That's why Ginko hadn't left and was even standing on the path leading to the Hinatsuru Residence.
"Sister, are you going to my house?"
Ai thought for a moment, then went over to ask, and also wanted to know about Yaichi's condition.
In her heart, she wasn't ready to give up yet.
Although... she admired Kaito even more now.
"You are... right, the young lady of the Hinatsuru Family. Hello, my name is Ginko. I was formerly a disciple under Kiyotaki Kousuke. This time, I would like to visit Kaito-san. Could you help me?"
Ginko, who had been a bit hesitant, became resolute when she saw Ai.
She wanted to pursue her dream.
At the same time, she wanted to rely on Kaito's ability to cure her illness.
Only then...
Could she grow better, and finally... defeat Yaichi! And then...
What would happen after that, Ginko didn't know either, because her pursuit had never received any feedback from Yaichi.
It was like punching cotton.
Besides that, she had already graduated from her school.
Having left her former teacher's tutelage, she could only say she was formerly a disciple under Kousuke.
"You want to see Brother Kaito? Alright, follow me!"
Ai looked at Ginko. Remembering how Kaito suddenly stopped and said a few words to her when he left this afternoon, she also thought there was some deeper meaning.
Now seeing Ginko want to see Kaito, she naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Okay, thank you."
Ginko thanked her and followed behind Ai.
At the same time, Kaito and Akina had finished dinner and were sitting in the corridor of the pavilion holding tea.
While drinking tea, chatting, and enjoying the moonlight.
The atmosphere was very good. Kaito was willing to listen, and Akina was willing to talk.
"Mom, a guest has come to see Brother Kaito."
"Hmm? Okay, I understand."
Ai once again broke the good atmosphere. After Akina nodded helplessly, she looked at Kaito, who also curiously got up and came to the living room.
Upon entering, he saw Ginko dressed in a white dress, nervously waiting while holding a fan.
"It's you..."
Arriving in the living room, Kaito accepted Akina's kindness and sat in the main seat, while she sat beside him and brewed tea again.
Ginko sat opposite. Looking up at Kaito, she became even more nervous.
All the words she had prepared in her mind were completely forgotten.
She had to praise again: Kaito was really handsome. Even she couldn't help but want to look a few more times and deeply imprint him in her mind.
Only...
She wasn't a fangirl. Even if she felt a bit attracted to Kaito, that was just human nature.
Just like a man might also feel a flutter when seeing a beautiful woman.
"Hello, Kaito-san. I was formerly a disciple under Kiyotaki Kousuke. I have come today to ask Kaito-san to become my teacher and make me stronger!"
Ginko suddenly stood up from the sofa, then performed a kneeling bow in front of Kaito, requesting to become his disciple in the most respectful manner.
In her words, she had already indicated that she had left her former teacher's tutelage, so there was no problem in becoming Kaito's disciple.
"Kiyotaki Kousuke... he let you go, let you come to me, right?"
"Yes, Kaito-san."
"He is a good teacher. If you continued studying under him, you might ultimately stop just short of becoming a professional player. However, you would be the first female professional player."
This is from the original content.
In the later story, Ginko, after a hard-fought battle in the three-dan league, became the first female professional Shogi player in history.
Hmm, that's how arduous it was.
Her physical condition indeed wasn't very good.
"Perhaps that's why I stopped and looked at you."
Kaito signaled Akina to place the brewed tea on the table in front of Ginko, then looked at Ginko with a kind smile.
"Since you want to become my disciple... heh, coincidentally, I also want to witness the birth of the world's top female Shogi player."
"I will find a way to cure your illness, and as for your chess skills, I will also let you climb higher mountains."
"Rise, Ginko. Just raise this cup of tea and hand it to me. The extras are unnecessary."
This is the traditional Chinese apprenticeship ceremony, but this is the simplest.
Ginko had also researched it when she came, and couldn't help but blush, silently scolding herself for being too careless to come without preparing anything.
Well, actually, she hadn't planned to come tonight. She just followed her heart and stood on the path to the Hinatsuru Residence, then was discovered by Ai and followed her in.
"Sensei, please have some tea!"
"Hmm."
Ginko respectfully held the teacup with both hands and handed it to Kaito. Kaito took it, took a sip, placed it on the table, stood up, and took out a jade pendant.
This jade pendant...
Was actually still intended for Ai, still with the 'Hand of God' pattern.
Only the external carving had become a golden flowing 'Hand of God' inside.
Just like the golden deer jade pendant given as a birthday gift to Xiao Qi.
'Ai, you're a bit unlucky.'
'The first time I planned to give you a pendant, I gave it to Senior's daughter.'
'This second time, originally still intended for you, now, I'm giving it to your senior sister!'
"From now on, wear it close to your body. It will not only protect your safety but also serve as a symbol of being my disciple."
"You, too, prepare to follow me and see the broader world of board game culture!"