Match 4: Kosemura

"I'm sorry for leaving so soon and putting you in such a position Kosemura-san," Amano said as he walked with the smaller man to the elevator. "But Touy-Meijin inspired me to retire. I must say I feel younger from it."

"No worries Amano-san. Actually I'm glad you did. Without you retiring I wouldn't have been able to be at the Hokuto cup, you would have," The smaller man sighed as he remembered yesterday. "It was amazing. To think Japan had players other than Touya-kun that could stand up to Korea."

"Yeah, Shindou-kun really surprised people." Amano lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. It was beginning to become a habit. He seemed to light a cigarette every time Shindou was mentioned around him. "I was talking to Kurata-san earlier and he said white could have won."

"Oh! Really!"

"Yeah, however even the managers didn't notice at first."

"Shindou-kun, Touya-kun, Hon Suyon, Ko Yongha, Yashiro-kun, Ochi-kun, Waya-kun, even Isumi-kun. The Go world is evolving." Kosemura's face lit up with the thought. Maybe his choice of a job wouldn't be so dull.

"Yeah, it does feel like it." The walked out of the elevator. "Oh! Kosemura, I heard that Hon Suyon's uncle owns a Go Salon near here. Now would be a good time for you to get an interview."

"Sounds like a good idea." Just then the warmth of outside hit Kosemura. It wasn't exactly hot, just different from the relative coolness of the building.

The streets of Tokyo had changed over the years. They were still cluttered with people walking to and fro, but the sidewalks were clean. The new litter fine the Governor had passed had really cleaned the deeper parts of the city. It was a beautiful day, and it showed on the smiles of those the two men passed. The attitude of the day didn't change when they walked into the Go Salon.

"Welcome!" A Korean man called at the two guests. "Oh! Amano-san, Kosemura-san. It's an honor."

"Good afternoon. I was hoping to get your words on Hon Suyon's performance in the Hokuto cup yesterday."

"I don't know if my words will be very useful Kosemura-san." He then pointed at the young Korean sitting at an empty Go board. "Why don't you ask Hon Suyon after his next game."

"His next game? Who is he waiting for?"

"Shindou Hikaru, Beginner Dan, is to play him next. The match was scheduled for noon, but Shindou-kun is 10 minutes late."

Amano cursed silently as he readied another cigarette. It was turning into a bad habit.