Gakuto Sakurai

Age 30. 7th dan. Known for his striking appearance and graceful demeanor, he has the highest drawing power in the shogi world. He plays a traditional orthodox ranging Rook strategy. He competed against Shimada in the deciding match for the Ki-Shou title challenge but was defeated, disappointing Yanagihara, who had hoped to draw attention to his own title match. He enjoys mountain climbing and often invites fellow players he likes to the mountains, unintentionally increasing his followers without any malice, as he's naturally well-meaning. His match against Shimada is depicted as a contrast between Sakurai who passionately talks about the charm of mountain climbing, and Shimada who has no interest in the mountains since he grew up doing agricultural work there as a child.