Rei Kiriyama achieved professional status while still in middle school, placing him among the world"s shogi elite. Consequently he bears immense pressure from both the shogi world and his adopted parents. In search of freedom from his strained household, he rents a flat in Tokyo. At seventeen, living alone causes Rei to neglect his health, and his withdrawn nature isolates him from classmates and fellow players. Soon after arriving, Rei encounters Akari, Hinata, and Momo Kawamoto—three sisters who share a home with their grandfather running a traditional confectionery. Akari, the eldest, resolves to ease Rei"s isolation and his unhealthy habits by offering warm, motherly care. The sisters, scarred by past loss, provide Rei with a rare sense of family he has longed for. While juggling a demanding shogi schedule, Rei must learn to nurture himself and connect with others, confronting his deep inner turmoil. In the evenings, Rei reflects on his journey, recognizing that mastery of the board demands equal mastery of self; with the Kawamoto sisters" support, he rebuilds confidence and learns that true strength lies in community as much as in skill.
