While Ai is the primary disciple, she faces significant competition for Yaichi's attention:
: Their relationship begins when 9-year-old Ai approaches Yaichi to fulfill a forgotten promise he made to become her master. Despite initial reluctance, Yaichi is stunned by her aggressive and deep-reading shogi talent.
: Ai’s mother, Akina Hinatsuru, imposed a condition: if Ai does not become a major player/title holder by her middle school graduation, Yaichi must marry into the family and help run their hot spring inn. While Ai is the primary disciple, she faces
: Yaichi’s second disciple. She serves as a direct rival to Hinatsuru Ai both in shogi and for Yaichi’s affection, leading to a "Kobe’s Cinderella" vs. "Naniwa’s Snow White" dynamic.
: Beyond romance, they share a deep "shogi-first" bond. Ai often pulls Yaichi out of slumps through her own determination on the board. The "Romantic" Rivalries : Yaichi’s second disciple
: Ai is openly in love with Yaichi. This manifests as intense jealousy whenever he interacts with other women, often leading to "dark" or possessive personality shifts.
: Yaichi’s senior apprentice and childhood friend. In Volume 11 of the light novel, Ginko and Yaichi officially become lovers after he confesses his feelings to her. : Beyond romance, they share a deep "shogi-first" bond
In The Ryuo's Work is Never Done! ( Ryuuou no Oshigoto! ), the relationship between and her master Yaichi Kuzuryu is the central emotional pillar of the story . While Ai harbors an open and intense romantic crush on Yaichi, the series navigates this through a blend of "lolicon" comedy, extreme possessiveness, and a high-stakes master-disciple bond. Relationship with Yaichi Kuzuryu