Synopsis
In "The Flowers of Hard Blood," middle schooler Shion Yasuoka is building a reputation as a promising professional shogi player while navigating the challenges of her life. Having lost her family and her voice due to trauma, Shion finds comfort and drive in her adoptive family and the shogi community. Her extraordinary skill catches the eye of Satoru Hani, a wealthy businessman and brother of the reigning "Meijin," Japan's top shogi champion. Satoru organizes an open tournament for both professional and amateur players, regardless of gender, and encourages Shion to enter. However, his deep familiarity with Shion's tragic past and his suspicious actions spark concern in Shion's friend Ayumi Saitou and the police, who are still investigating the deaths of Shion's family. As the tournament nears its end, Shion begins to recall the events of the night she lost everything. To overcome her opponents and uncover the truth behind the tragedy that befell her, she must demonstrate her mental strength.
