Rei arrives at a hotel in Tokyo, where the first title match between Sōya and Shimada will take place. After Rei talks with Harunobu, Masachika ultimately decides to hang onto Rei's deposited prize money, seeing that Rei wanted to repay Masachika for adopting him. Masachika then wonders about Kyōko, hearing that she often stays at Rei's apartment. Rei wanders towards a koi pond and spots Sōya during a downpour, but Masachika quickly covers up Sōya and takes him back inside for the reception. Sōya is revealed to be the youngest professional shogi player to ever hold the title of Meijin...