(Spoiler Alert)
I’ll be talking about plot points here. If you haven’t read the story, I highly recommend waiting until you finish it to read this section.
First, I need to make an apology.
The rules and regulations that govern the Shogi world in this book differ slightly from the actual rules.
For example, a process for a Professional Entrance Exam already exists in the real Shogi world and Women’s League players are permitted to take it if they meet the criteria.
A story arc for Ai Hinatsuru’s battle to establish one was in the back of my mind from the beginning, so I never touched on that test until I started the Ais’ battle again.
The Nyugyoku Victory Declaration in this book also differs from the actual process.
While it’s true that the number of declaration victories are increasing in computer Shogi, the rules for stalemates and declarations for amateur, pro and computer Shogi are not standardized. Since explaining that in the story would just make things more confusing, I simplified it into one overarching set of rules.
In addition to those points being left vague up to this point, the fear of becoming so focused on expanding the themes of artificial intelligence and Shogi’s solution, things that I don’t fully understand myself, and losing the core human element to the story has been eating at me …… I’ve been grappling with it for a long time now.
However, thanks to the human story that I’ve built up over the previous 17 books, I feel like I was able to use those themes and push myself to write the story I wanted to write. Yaichi and Ayumu, Ika and Ginko, and so many others. I feel that it was thanks to their support that this book barely came together in the end.
Then, there’s Ai and Ai.
Their names come from the A.I. of artificial intelligence. Ai Hinatsuru has late-game prowess, which surpasses human intellect, and Ai Yashajin possesses overwhelming skill in the early-game. The two girls, born of two aspects of Shogi software, have become the ultimate sword and shield.
They came into the story to face each other as rivals.
But as they gained stronger personalities throughout the story, their relationship has peaked as you have already seen in this book. Light novels have been called an art form, but writing these two Ais makes me feel like I’m only on the starting line when it comes to being an author.
Now, for gratitude.
In addition to Saiyuki’s input, I interviewed computer Shogi developer Tsuyoshi Kanda (HN Rainmetaru) and Shogi puzzle creator Masahiro Kishimoto (HN kisy) for countless hours to make this book.
Rather than just putting their wisdom directly into the book, I took some creative liberties to make the story more interesting. However, I believe my fake additions have made it nearly unreadable for experts in the field.
I take full responsibility for that and offer my most sincere apologies. I may have reached the starting line as an author, but my lack of ability is really starting to hurt.
And lastly, an announcement.
The Ryuo’s Work Is Never Done! will finish after two more installments.
I still have plenty of ideas, so I’m certain I will publish a few side stories here and there, but the main arc will conclude with Volume 20.
With the ending in sight, I’m more motivated than ever to bring you thrilling stories that will have you on the edge of your seat until the final page!