The Ryuo's Work is Never Done!

The Ryuo's Work is Never Done! is a TV anime adaptation of the light novel series by Shirou Shirotori, produced by project No.9 under the direction of Nobuhiro Yanagi, with series composition by Fumihiko Shimo. The story follows Yaichi Kuzuryu, a 16-year-old shogi prodigy who holds the prestigious Ryuo title, whose life is turned upside down when 9-year-old Ai Hinatsuru arrives at his door determined to become his apprentice and a professional female player. Blending comedy and slice-of-life warmth, the series offers a charming look at the world of competitive shogi through the unlikely bond between a champion and his spirited disciple.

In the fiercely competitive world of shogi, Yaichi Kuzuryu made history by claiming the prestigious title of "Ryuuou" — the Dragon King — at just sixteen years old, becoming one of the youngest top-ranked professionals the game had ever seen. Yet behind the glittering achievement lies a quiet struggle: a losing streak that chips away at his confidence, leaving him uncertain of his place at the summit. His solitary battle takes an unexpected turn when a young girl named Ai Hinatsuru, still in elementary school, appears at his door. Far from an ordinary child, she carries with her a remarkable gift for shogi and an earnest passion that is impossible to ignore. This story unfolds against the backdrop of Japan's ancient board game tradition, exploring what it means to compete, to mentor, and to rediscover one's own drive through an unlikely encounter.