Conclusion

On Sunday morning, the owner of the Shinsekai game parlor discovers the door unlocked.

Inside, the President of the Ōgi Kansai Association sits at the back table—the one where the mathematics professor used to play.

Twenty-four moves have been made on the board.

“Have you been here since last night’s ceremony?” the owner asks, worried.

The President smiles gently, without looking away from the board.

“The door was open.”