Chapter 1: I know where Sai is

"I'm sorry, Hikaru, I've got a really bad headache. I don't think I can come to the salon today. And I think I need to rest in order to be ready for our game this Friday."

"It's alright. I'll see you on Friday, Akira. Bye."

Hikaru switched off his cell phone, and sighed lightly to himself. He had looked forward to having a casual game with Akira in their good old Go salon. They are both superstars in the Go world, with Hikaru bagging the Honinbou, Kisei titles while Akira has the Meijin and Ouza. With their incredibly busy match schedules, it has been difficult for them to find time for their friendly matches at the Go salon.

Not having anything else to do for the day, Hikaru was about to go home, when a man suddenly approach him.

"Hello Shindou Honinbou. My name is Kiyoshi Morimoto. Can I have a game with you?"

Hikaru studied the man in front of him curiously. He looked like he was in his thirties. Tall, dark, and skinny, and nothing much out of ordinary. Except for his eyes. Hikaru did not know how to describe them - they appeared to belong to an old man... a really really old man who had been through a lot in life.

"Erm... sure. How many stones would you like to put down?" It is not uncommon for Go fans to approach Hikaru for a teaching game, and he is happy to oblige when he has the time.

"Well... this is our first game. Let's nigiri to determine who starts first."

Hikaru was slightly taken aback. This man clearly knew who he is. To come up to the Honinbou title holder and ask for an even game is almost unheard of. Hikaru tried to recall if he had ever seen the man before - in a tournament, or in the newspapers - but to no avail. Not wanting to be rude, he agreed, and grabbed a handful of stones.

"I'm black". The man said, without any emotion, and placed his first stone.

Hikaru responded. Almost instantly, his opponent made his next move. And for the next 20 moves, Kiyoshi had placed them down without any delay, as if in a great hurry. Hikaru found himself getting annoyed.

"Hey... we are not playing speed Go here. You can take some time to consider your move."

"That's alright. You can take your time. I am rather in a hurry, as you can see."

Now Hikaru was really annoyed. "Who does this guy think he is? Let me teach him a lesson." And with that thought, Hikaru started to attack his opponent's territory...

"I resign..." muttered a shell-shocked Hikaru 2 hours later. If they had been keeping time, the clock would have shown that Kiyoshi had taken just 5 minutes. "Who are you?" Hikaru cannot help but ask.

"You will know soon enough. But let me first tell you something that should be of interest to you." the man replied, almost mischievously. "I know where Sai is."