Volume 4 Chapter 41 Mother’s Unexpected Hobby
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
It was mid-August. Mother’s company had entered the Obon holiday, and we were returning to Mother’s family home.
”…You came,” Grandfather said in a blunt tone.
”Yeah. I’m home,” Mother replied.
”Excuse me for the intrusion,” Mitsuhisa-san said.
”Honestly, Maa-kun can just say ‘I’m home’ too, you know?” Mother chided gently.
”…I’m home,” I muttered.
Grandfather spoke in a brusque manner, but it wasn’t because he was angry or in a bad mood. Since this was my third time coming here, I had started to understand what kind of person he was. He was likely just a man of very few words.
”-Actually, your father was so restless since last month, wondering ‘Is Makoto-tachi coming? When are they coming?’” Grandmother interjected, exposing him.
”Wh-Hey…” Grandfather grumbled, his stern face scowling as Grandmother let the cat out of the bag. Regardless, I felt relieved knowing we were welcome.
Mother and I were not the only visitors. “Coming in!” Mio-san called out. “Pardon the intrusion,” Suzuki-chan said. “Excuse me,” Mitsuhisa-san added. “Au-ah!” “Ma-uu!” Mio-chan-tachi were here as well. Mother and Mio-san had been friends since elementary school, but it seemed Mio-san and Grandmother were well-acquainted. In fact, they seemed quite close.
(With Mio-san there to act as a bridge, I can’t help but wonder why Mother and my Grandparents were so estranged for so long… but even in a close relationship, another family’s business is their own. Mio-san had her own household, and she was probably busy having her first child, so she might not have been in a position to intervene.)
”My daughters are in your care,” Grandfather said to Mitsuhisa-san. “No, the pleasure is mine,” Mitsuhisa-san replied. Over there, Grandfather and Mitsuhisa-san were exchanging greetings. (I won’t give you Mother, okay? You have Mio-san, right? Is this an affair? …Well, it doesn’t actually feel like that kind of atmosphere. I just felt like I had to say it.)
So, the Totsuka family was joining us for this trip home. By the way, from the afternoon, we-the Yashiro Parents and Children-were scheduled to go together to Mio-san’s family home, the Momose residence, which was a three-minute walk away. Apparently, Suu-chan said she didn’t want to be away from me. (I’m secretly happy to hear that, but I can’t help but worry a little if she’ll be able to go to kindergarten smoothly after summer vacation ends.)
As for Suu-chan, her shyness was in full effect. She was clutching my arm and hiding behind my back while peeking at my Grandparents, whom she was meeting for the first time. “Come in, you lovely young lady,” Grandmother said. “…Nice to meet you. I am Totsuka Suzuki. Please treat me well,” Suu-chan said. She recited the greeting she had practiced beforehand and gave a polite bow.
”Maa-kun has already found himself a wife, I see! And such a cute, polite girl at that! I’m looking forward to seeing great-grandchildren soon,” Grandmother teased. “What a good girl,” Grandmother added, stroking Suu-chan’s head while saying things that were far too premature. However, Suu-chan’s mouth twitched and she looked like she didn’t mind the idea at all. Her shyness toward Grandmother was melting away a bit. I started to worry she might follow a stranger if they flattered her enough.
”Come in, come in. It’s hot out. I’ve bought some ice cream,” Grandmother said. Once the greetings were finished, Grandmother led us into the living room. First, we offered a prayer at the Buddhist altar. Since it was Obon¹, I gave a report of thanks, saying that I was living a fulfilling life every day.
However, what caught my eye was the object placed in front of the altar. The plastic model I had built with Grandfather when we visited during Golden Week was displayed-offered, really-inside a clear case. (I gave it to Grandfather as a present, and I’m happy he’s treasuring it, but… is it really okay to put it on the Buddhist altar? If I knew this would happen, I should have built it a bit more neatly.)
After finishing the greetings to the ancestors, Grandfather was making a difficult face while casting frequent glances my way. I could more or less guess why. Grandmother had just said he was looking forward to us coming. He had probably thought of various things to do to play with me, but since Suu-chan was stuck to me like glue, he found it hard to bring it up. Besides, Grandfather looked like he was terrible at dealing with children, especially girls.
Watching us, the adult women who were chatting and reporting on recent events gave wry smiles. However, they offered no help. “Grandfather, what are we going to play today?” I asked, deciding to bring it up myself. I couldn’t stand the awkwardness. “Hm? Oh, right…” Grandfather grunted. Maintaining an air of “I don’t really mind either way,” Grandfather began setting up a Shogi² board he must have prepared in advance. It was a magnificent one with legs-the kind where you could theoretically place a severed head if you flipped it over.
”I thought Shogi might suit Makoto since he’s clever,” Grandfather said. (Is he planning to teach Shogi to a four-year-old? It feels a bit too early, but maybe that’s how people who are good at it start.)
”-Come to think of it, Akari, you used to play Shogi when you were little, didn’t you? You chose Shogi for your elective recreation class in elementary school,” Mio-san noted. “Well, just a little,” Mother replied. “Two boys who liked Akari followed her and chose the same class, but they were both so weak. In the end, Akari just ended up playing with the Teacher all the time,” Mio-san laughed.
(…Oh?)
The conversation between Mio-san and the others reminiscing about the past hit my ears. I didn’t know Mother played Shogi. (She’s strong at Reversi, so I thought she might be, but we don’t have Shogi at home so I never knew.) Mother modestly said “just a little,” but if she chose it for an elective, she must have liked it quite a bit. In that case, I had to do it. It might be fun to play Shogi with Mother too.
When I said I wanted to try, Grandfather handed me a chart of the piece movements. (Oh, are we going to jump straight into something like a match?) I wasn’t completely ignorant of Shogi. (That said, I only know the very basics: how each piece moves and that you win by taking the opponent’s King. I have no idea about openings or strategies.) Since I showed interest, Suu-chan also became curious and received the lecture from Grandfather alongside me.
Then, declaring that nothing beats a real match, the game began. Grandfather played with a nineteen-piece handicap-meaning his only piece was the King. On the other hand, I had a full set. (…Grandfather. No matter how much of a beginner a four-year-old is, isn’t this a bit much? Though I look like this, the time I’ve accumulated is longer than your daughter’s, you know?)
Well, I could tell Grandfather didn’t intend to have a close battle from the start. Even I could see he was trying to let me get used to Shogi while learning the moves. Even though we weren’t using the difficult promotion rules this time, it should be impossible to win with just a King. (…It’s impossible, right?)
Regardless, I decided to accept the challenge. I moved the Pawn in front of my Rook to let the Rook move. It was a piece that moved in straight lines-forward, backward, left, or right-like some energetic kid. There shouldn’t be any piece more troublesome than this one. At my decision, Grandfather rested his elbows on his crossed knees and touched his chin, looking impressed. Meanwhile, Suu-chan was observing the board with a serious face next to me.
(I can’t play embarrassing Shogi in front of Mother and Suzuki!) …With that thought, I did my best to attack. It took about ten moves, but I finally called Checkmate. Even with the massive handicap, I thought I’d take the King immediately, but the old man kept dodging and weaving… If I stepped in carelessly, my pieces would be taken, so I couldn’t use brute force. I ended up having to bring out my other straight-line specialist as well.
(I feel like I’m being given a taste of my own medicine from the Cops and Robbers games at the kindergarten. Maybe if I learn Shogi, I can apply it to Cops and Robbers…?) “Makoto might have talent,” Grandfather said happily. I felt a bit guilty because I was cheating a little with my prior knowledge. “Suu-chan also want to try?” I suggested, thinking she might be bored just watching. However, Suu-chan shook her head. “I’ll watch Maa-kun play,” she said.
(Suu-chan is actually quite smart, isn’t she? She remembers what she’s taught immediately, and she’s always been good at observing things. Maybe she’ll learn Shogi easily, and in three years, I won’t be able to stand a chance against her…)
Afterward, we played about three more matches with Grandfather having a ten-piece handicap. Suu-chan observed intently the whole time. Occasionally, I’d ask her, “What would you do, Suu-chan?” When focusing like that, time passed surprisingly quickly, and before I knew it, it was lunchtime. (This might be more dangerous than the plastic model during Golden Week if I get too hooked. I won’t be able to do anything else. Maybe that’s why Mother stopped playing…)
After filling our stomachs with delivery sushi, the time to move to Mio-san’s family home approached. “Do you want to take it with you?” Grandfather asked Mother. “Is it okay?” Mother asked. “Yeah. No one at home to play with anyway,” Grandfather said.
While checking for forgotten items, I saw Grandfather suggesting Mother take the Shogi board home. “What do you want to do, Maa-kun? Do you want to play Shogi at home too?” Mother asked. Since I could play with Mother, I gave a firm nod. “Ah, but when we come back here…” “Don’t worry about it. I’ll buy a smaller one by the next time you lot come over,” Grandfather said. “I see. That’s good, Maa-kun,” Mother said.
It didn’t look like we’d have to bring the board back and forth every time we visited. “Then let’s practice with Mom until next time and surprise Grandfather, okay?” I said. “Yeah,” Mother replied. I thanked Grandfather and left Mother’s family home behind, carrying the Shogi board with me.
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Summary:
The Yashiro family, accompanied by the Totsuka family, visits Makoto’s grandparents for the Obon holiday. Makoto discovers that his mother used to be quite a Shogi player in her youth. Grandfather teaches Makoto Shogi, leading to a series of handicap matches where Makoto’s natural strategic talent begins to shine.
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Trivia:
- The plastic model from Golden Week is on the Buddhist altar.
- Grandfather is actually very fond of Makoto despite his brusque exterior.
- Suzuki-chan is already being called Makoto’s ‘wife’ by his grandmother.
- Mother’s Reversi skills likely stem from her Shogi background
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Character Insight:
Makoto’s grandmother is the emotional core of the family, acting as the translator for Grandfather’s silent affection. Mother’s hidden skill in Shogi suggests she has a strategic mind that she usually keeps modest.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
Obon is a time for family reunions and honoring ancestors, which explains the visit and the prayer at the altar.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Grandfather – Akari’s father. A tall, lean man with short graying hair and deep wrinkles on his face. He wears chinos and a diamond-patterned sweater. He has a gruff, stoic personality but is trying to connect with his grandson.
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa, 33, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, is a giant‑physique father of three (Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan, Kyo‑chan) married to Mio. On modified childcare leave he’s protective, doting, play‑acting with his daughters, feeling neglected by the eldest but favoring the twins, distant with Akari, dark‑bantering with former teammate Makoto, and unsettled by his influence. Also known as Mitsuhisa‑san, father of the Totsuka family, on work‑from‑home leave, theatrical when his daughters prefer Makoto, and enjoys playful competition.
• Maa-kun – A young boy in the Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten. He is highly intelligent, capable of second-grade math and multiplication. He is described as calm, stoic, and helpful, often acting as a ‘handler’ for more energetic children. Akari’s son, nearly five years old. An extreme polyglot and polymath who secretly studies news, martial arts, and multiple languages. Highly sensitive to his parents’ moods. Also referred to as Makoto-kun. Narrator’s son in the Rabbit Group. Popular with other girls but maintains distance. Previously protected Suu-chan during the ‘April Incident.’
• Grandmother – Akari’s mother. She has shoulder-length dark brown hair, a youthful appearance, and wears a simple pantsuit. She is polite but possesses a gentle, mellow aura.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class student, 93 cm, 13 kg, in a white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn. Calm “Boss” who hands out hand cream, mediates fights, protects Suu‑chan, earns respect. Dry narrator in the Rabbit Group, uses logic and coin tricks. Known as Akari’s son, nicknamed Maa‑kun, popular Middle Kids student. Target of Suzuki’s affection and Mitsuhisa’s teasing.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, a doll‑like five‑year‑old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes and pink rain boots, is Mio and Mitsuhisa’s eldest daughter. A model student with uncanny intuition, she calls herself Editor‑in‑Chief of Makoto’s photo records, reads clocks to track his arrival, clutches a pink candy tin, and clings to his arm, proclaiming herself his girlfriend. Shy around strangers, she’s fiercely devoted and jealous.
• Mio – Mio‑san, chairperson of the Totsuka council and mother of Suzuki, is a recently postpartum, stylish gray‑clad figure with a baby‑faced charm and G‑cup silhouette. Playful yet grounded, she guides Makoto, Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan and Kyo‑chan, bakes with them, encourages Shiho’s hobbies, serves as Akari’s confidante, films and teases the children, cooks for her family, manages the household, mentors Maa‑kun in hair‑drying while protecting UV, and is Akari’s childhood friend and neighbor.
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio is the wife of Mitsuhisa Totsuka and mother of Suu-chan. She is a hardcore gamer, part of the neighbor family that supplies hand‑me‑down consoles to the protagonist’s household. Mio attends parent‑teacher conferences and worries about her daughter’s growing dependence on Makoto.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Totsuka Suzuki – Totsuka “Suu-chan” Suzuki is a doll-like 4-year-old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots. A model student and Makoto’s fiercely possessive, self-proclaimed girlfriend, she is quiet, helpful, and competitive in word games. Daughter of Mio and Mii-kun, she is clingy, affectionate, and often clutches a pink candy tin while navigating life with quiet grace.
• Akari – 28‑year‑old single mother of Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun. Long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup, poised and observant. Estranged from parents, loving yet strict. Full‑time IT worker who cherishes quiet mornings, monitors Makoto’s health via private reports. Drives a black light‑compact car, lives beside best friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos, uses bank‑service finesse in parent circles, quietly grieves missing the party, mischievous side hidden under a polished exterior, recently switched jobs for stability. Calm, modest, outwardly shy about her shogi skill but secretly proficient.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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