Takashi Hayashida

As a dedicated instructor at the high school Rei recently joined, this shogi enthusiast spends much of his free time immersed in shogi magazines. While he was initially unaware of Rei’s professional status, mistakenly assuming they simply shared a surname, he has since become a supportive figure in the student's life. He maintains a warm, approachable demeanor and frequently checks in on Rei, showing genuine care whenever the young player seems isolated or lonely.