It’s the final match of the Kishou Championship and the honorary title of “Eternal Kishou” is on the line for Yanagihara, the eldest active Class A player. As the shogi game approaches the final stage, Shimada is dominating. Yanagihara reflects on how he has been entrusted with countless metaphorical “relay sashes” from friends who had given up the professional shogi world before him. Despite the immense pressure, Yanagihara continues to play, as if he is making his way through the burning field.
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