Ryū to Ichigo
is a Japanese shogi-themed manga series written and illustrated by. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Sunday since May 2020, with its chapters collected in 24 volumes as of January 2026.
Plot
At Fujigasaki Junior High School in Kitaese City, second-year student Ichigo Aida attacks a bullying classmate with a chair. School counselor Tatsuo Miyamura, a former principal, engages her in conversation while teaching her shogi, believing the activity will help her open up. Ichigo reveals she had no personal connection to the bullied student—she simply wanted a genuine fight, disgusted by what she sees as the artificial friendships and shallow emotions around her. During their game, Ichigo wagers her life on the outcome. Though initially humoring the novice player, Miyamura becomes alarmed as Ichigo demonstrates remarkable talent, nearly defeating him before losing to an illegal move. When Ichigo attempts suicide, Miyamura intervenes and later enters her in a local shogi tournament.Despite only two days of experience, Ichigo defeats seasoned players through raw talent alone. Her winning streak ends when professional player Izuru Kōdai, observing her matches, challenges her to continue from her final game's position and soundly defeats her. This first true loss ignites Ichigo's competitive spirit, and she resolves to pursue shogi professionally for a rematch with Izuru.