Chapter 4: Introductions

Akira studied his fellow spectator for a while. He appeared to be just as absorbed in the game, but he had noticed Akira's approach. As Akira looked up towards him, the man smiled. Akira smiled back, but had no idea who the man is. Though in the midst of the bizarre circumstances that brought him here, Akira learnt to take all strange events in his stride. His attention went back to the game.

He soon understood the reason for Hikaru's rash move. Hikaru was clearly behind, by 6 moku at least. And if he does not encroach into white territory, he had no other hope. White's bastion on the left side looked almost impenetrable, but as Akira tried to predict subsequent moves, he realized the situation was a lot more murky and complicated than he first thought. White had no obvious way to kill off black, but black had no clear path to survival either.

Sure enough, the game was no more decided after a few more moves. But what struck Akira was that while Hikaru pondered each move carefully, his opponent appeared to need almost no time at all. Yet, each white move seemed to struck right where it hurt most. Akira could not think of a better way for white to respond. And after three more moves, Hikaru resigned. Akira sighed lightly.

Suddenly, both Hikaru and his opponent looked up at Akira.

"Touya! What a great surprise! How did you find your way here?" an excited Hikaru ran forward to hug his long time rival. Akira blushed.

Now the tall and thin man also stood up, and extended his hand, "Welcome to my abode, Touya Meijin. I am the God of Go, but you can also call me Kiyoshi Morimoto."

"The God... God of Go?" Akira was about to shake his hand, but froze in surprise. He looked at Hikaru.

"You lie!" Hikaru retorted agitatedly, "How can a God stoop so low as to imprison an innocent man, and resort to such despicable tactics to get me to play."

"Well, who are you to tell a God how to behave, mortal. And before you beat me at Go, you better show me more respect than that." Kiyoshi spoke in a calm voice, seemingly unruffled by what Hikaru just said.

"And who is that?" Akira pointed to the man in white robes, trying to find a way to defuse the situation.

"Tou... Touya, you can see him?" Hikaru appeared mildly shocked.

"Yes I can. What's the matter? He seems friendly, though with a sad expression in his eyes. And he has not spoken yet." All three of them turned to face the man perched on the tree. He raised an arm, as though waving to Akira. But his initial smile was gone, replaced with sadness.

"Touya." Hikaru spoke suddenly, in a solemn voice, as if to begin a major speech, "Touya, have you ever wondered how I could have beaten you at the Go salon in our first game so many years ago, when it seemed clear that I could hardly hold the stones properly. Did you wonder why my strength seemed to fluctuate so greatly, playing like a title holder one moment and then like a novice the next. Have you been speculating about my relationship with Sai, the internet Go legend, who defeated your father in that Earth shattering match. It is now time, Touya, for me to tell you everything."

Touya, if you keep chasing after my shadow, one day the real me will catch up to you.

Akira stared at Hikaru, brimming with anticipation.

"Touya, let me introduce you to Sai. Fujiwarano Sai."