Chapter 260

And Natsume-kun, according to what he said last time, had only played a dozen or so games in total…

This gap made the prospects for the second round seem quite precarious no matter how you looked at it.

It was only because his luck was excellent last time that he was matched with little Caixu, a "novice," otherwise he would have likely been "one-and-done."

Furukawa Masahiro's thoughts were different.

He had seen Natsume Chikage's shogi strength with his own eyes and knew that this boy possessed strength that was almost invincible below the professional level—after all, he had even easily defeated his own granddaughter.

Therefore, even if he was a bit "lax" before the match, it wouldn't matter at this stage; as long as he didn't encounter a professional player early on, he would basically win steadily.

But this couldn't go on forever.

Furukawa Masahiro felt that he had to do something; he couldn't let this rare, unpolished gem gather dust.

He had already made up his mind not to directly reveal his identity as the "former Long Wang" to invite him; that would be too beneath his status.

He had to find a more natural and clever way.

"Ahem, Natsume-kun."

Furukawa Masahiro wore a kind smile and patted his little granddaughter's back.

"What is it, Grandpa Furukawa?"

"It's like this," Furukawa Masahiro said gently, "Caixu, this child, has been talking about that game ever since she played against you last time, and has been wanting to play with you again."

"So I was thinking, if it's convenient for you, could you come and be Caixu's shogi sparring partner and perhaps give her some guidance?"

Natsume Chikage was a bit surprised:

"Guide little Caixu?"

Furukawa Caixu immediately nodded vigorously, her eyes shining:

"Mm-hmm! Caixu wants to play shogi with big brother! Wants to play all the time!"

Seeing that Natsume Chikage didn't refuse immediately, Furukawa Masahiro was overjoyed and quickly threw out the "bait":

"Of course, I won't let you work for nothing. How about 5,000 yen per hour, two hours each time, what do you think?"

In reality, in the shogi world, it was usually the disciple who offered tuition to the master, or even performed an apprenticeship ceremony.

But Furukawa Masahiro valued this seedling too much; common etiquette could be waived.

Not only that, he was even willing to pay out of his own pocket to invite Natsume Chikage—the Furukawa family wasn't short of that little bit of money.

Compared to money, he valued reputation and inheritance more.

Natsume Chikage's age, appearance, and talent were all top-notch; as long as he was carefully sculpted, in time, becoming the new generation's "Long Wang" would be almost a certainty.

By then, the story of "two Dragon Kings in one sect" would be spread far and wide—how glorious that would be!

As soon as Natsume Chikage heard "10,000 yen for two hours," his eyes lit up instantly.

For no other reason than that he was truly short of money.

Although his novel had been accepted, it would take at least a month before it was printed, hit the shelves, and he received royalties.

Once the coffee shop salary was paid, he had to pay rent, and he would inevitably be in a tight spot again.

It could be said that he had already prepared himself to endure another period of hardship with his sister.

Now, Furukawa Masahiro had taken the initiative to offer a part-time job as a "shogi instructor" with a generous hourly wage; it was truly like sending charcoal in the snow.

It wasn't that he hadn't thought about earning some extra money through shogi before, but he was troubled by having no rank and no fame; no one was willing to pay to have him provide guidance.

To profit from skill, one first needs fame or a qualification to "gild" oneself, otherwise, it's hard to gain people's trust.

And now, he only needed to play shogi with the cute little Caixu for two hours to steadily earn 10,000 yen.

This was much more cost-effective than the hourly wage at the coffee shop.

He couldn't find any reason to refuse.

"Okay!" Natsume Chikage agreed readily, almost without hesitation.

Furukawa Masahiro was overjoyed, and the smile on his face deepened:

"Good, then it's a deal."

Furukawa Caixu clapped her hands happily:

"Yay! From now on, I can play shogi with big brother often!"

Horikawa Kaori, who was on the side, was stunned.

Wait…

No matter how you look at it, my shogi strength is stronger than Natsume-kun's, right?

Why did Grandpa Furukawa choose him to guide little Caixu instead of me?

I'm at least a female shogi player with a rank; wouldn't it be more appropriate to guide a beginner?

And 5,000 yen per hour!

These terms are excessively generous!

I could totally handle this after work…

Woo, why didn't Grandpa Furukawa consider me…

But she realized it after a moment of thought.

Little Caixu lost to Natsume-kun, so she especially wanted to win back.

Or perhaps she simply liked playing shogi with Natsume Chikage.

From this perspective, little Caixu choosing Natsume-kun instead of her was quite reasonable.

Furukawa Caixu excitedly held Natsume Chikage's hand and continued:

"Big brother, I also have a senior sister! She's amazing; I'll introduce you to her later!"

Natsume Chikage didn't know who the "senior sister" she mentioned was, but he just smiled gently along with her:

"Okay."

After a while.

The venue broadcast sounded:

【The match is about to begin; please have the players for the second session follow the staff's guidance and proceed to the center of the venue in an orderly manner!】

【The match is about to begin; please have the players for the second session follow the staff's guidance and proceed to the center of the venue in an orderly manner!】

…

The broadcast echoed.

Hearing this, Natsume Chikage stood up and said to Furukawa Masahiro and the others:

"Then I'll head over first."

Furukawa Masahiro nodded with a smile, offering a shogi player's blessing:

"Mm, I wish you a triumphant return."

Furukawa Caixu clenched her small fists and said loudly:

"Big brother will definitely win!"

Horikawa Kaori also waved her fist and encouraged:

"Natsume-kun, good luck!"

Natsume Chikage looked at them, a gentle and calm smile appearing on his face, and responded:

"Mm, I will."

After saying that.

Natsume Chikage turned and left, merging into the flow of players, walking toward the center of the competition venue.