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
: The daughter of Yaichi’s master and his "first love". Her storyline focuses more on the struggle of professional shogi, though she remains a significant figure in Yaichi's life. In The Ryuo's Work is Never Done
: 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. While Ai harbors an open and intense romantic
While Ai is the primary disciple, she faces significant competition for Yaichi's attention: : Yaichi’s second disciple
: 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.
: 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.
: 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.