> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ichigeki.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ichigeki.app/getting-started/how-it-works.md).

# How it works

ICHIGEKI is a thin, honest layer between your wallet and Derive's options exchange. You sign; Derive matches and settles.

## The flow

```
Robinhood Wallet / any EVM wallet
              │
              ▼
      ICHIGEKI interface
   (strike ladder, countdown,
    premium / max loss / fees)
              │
              ▼
     order signed by YOU
              │
              ▼
   Derive Exchange order book
      (matching, liquidity)
              │
              ▼
   Derive Protocol settlement
        (Derive Chain)
              │
              ▼
  your self-custodial Derive
          subaccount
```

At no point in this flow does ICHIGEKI hold funds, keys, or positions.

## Who does what

**ICHIGEKI handles:**

* Wallet connection
* Funding and bridge orchestration (two visible legs — see [Funding](/getting-started/funding.md))
* Instrument selection: the nearest daily BTC expiry, strikes with live quotes
* The simplified strike-and-direction interface
* Quote presentation: exact premium, fees, max loss and breakeven before you confirm
* Order signing prompts — the signature is always yours
* Order, position and settlement display
* Risk disclosures and geographic controls

**Derive handles:**

* The options instruments themselves
* Order matching
* Market-maker liquidity
* Margin calculations and collateral accounting
* Oracle-based marking
* Expiry and cash settlement in USDC

## The three chains involved

| Chain           | Chain ID | Role                                 |
| --------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Robinhood Chain | 4663     | Optional funding entry (USDG)        |
| Arbitrum        | 42161    | Bridge waypoint (USDC)               |
| Derive Chain    | 957      | Where options live and settle (USDC) |

The option is a Derive Chain position. Robinhood Chain is where your funds can start, not where the contract settles. ICHIGEKI does not describe these as Robinhood Chain-native options, because they are not.

## What this buys you

* No ICHIGEKI liquidity pool, market-making desk, or custody wallet to trust
* An existing, live order book with professional market makers on the other side
* Cash settlement at a fixed, published time: 08:00 UTC daily

## What it costs you

* Dependence on Derive's operated services — see [Risks](/security/risks.md)
* A two-leg funding route rather than a single deposit — see [Funding](/getting-started/funding.md)
* Only the strikes that are actually quoted — see [Liquidity](/product/liquidity.md)


---

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