May 02, 2026
Author's Commentary #32:
Time to talk about Chapter 32: World number one in the rain.
This chapter's special as it's based off a real event that happened at the 45th Chess Olympiad. For those who don't know, on the day of the 3rd round, Magnus Carlsen decided to go to the venue on his own, due to his team being unable to pick him up due to the weather. But in true Roronoa Zoro fashion, he got lost. He managed to get to the venue eventually, but didn't have his lanyard. Though luckily for him and Team Norway, he managed to get smuggled in and avoided a forfeit on time due to the round being delayed because of the weather. He later went on to win his game with a checkmate.
When I first saw the story, I knew I had to reference it. In fact, it was one of the first things that made me want to commit to an arc based off the Chess Olympiad. Originally, the tournament was going to be an individual one and serve as one of the penultimate arcs of the series. It would also take place in Stavanger, Norway instead of Budapest, Hungary. Though obviously, I went through with the Chess Olympics and as a result, the series now has lots more life to it.
As for the chapter itself, Magnus appears, but also doesn't. I feel as though since he's a real-life person, he'd appear in a manner similar to other real-life people featured in anime with him appearing, but his face not being fully visible. I guess this might serve as a spoiler that the gang won't face Magnus proper, but that's kind of the joke.
As for Okisato, he made it on time and brought Jadwiga with him. This was the right move as now the team can't be blamed for hindering Poland, though since Japan's women's team is playing Poland, it was all the more important Okisato brought Jadwiga with him. Though due to his delay, Ginji has now taken his spot at board 1 against Red Reaper, meaning he's stuck at board 2 against Diederich.
Round 3 looks to blow the other rounds out of the water in terms of the games, though I'd argue that's largely due to the Diederich one. If you remember Diederich's debut game back in Chapter 1, you know his game against Okisato will be a spectacle.
That's all for this commentary. I hope you enjoyed it.
