Gekka no Kishi

Himuro Shousuke arrives without warning, declaring his ambition to become a professional shogi master. When informed that he must navigate the traditional ranks like everyone else, he produces a letter of recommendation from Mikami Sankichi, a highly revered figure in the shogi community. Shousuke claims to have trained directly under Sankichi in Kochi and insists he is prepared to bypass the foundational stages of the profession entirely, stepping straight into the elite tier. Naturally, the established players view this brash outsider with deep suspicion. Yet their doubts begin to waver when Shousuke is matched against seasoned competitors and proceeds to defeat them one after another. His sudden victories ignite resentment among those who spent years climbing the rigid hierarchy, sparking fierce resistance to his unprecedented ascent. As Shousuke continues to challenge the old guard, the story unfolds into a tense blend of high-stakes board matches and cutthroat internal politics. The traditionalists are determined to halt his rise, but stopping a player backed by such undeniable skill—and the endorsement of a legendary master—may prove impossible. What follows is a gripping exploration of ambition, tradition, and the ruthless world of competitive shogi.