Chapter 12: Resolution

Shindou Hikaru was an endless enigma, and normally Akira would have been driven insane because of his curious nature. Akira hated unsolved mystery but somehow when it was Hikaru, ignoring the unsolved riddle was a cheap price for their friendship and rivalry. Beside he had seen how crazy people could get about Sai and Kou's game and Hikaru was right about he was happier and safer ignorant. Ogata-san of all people was the most dangerous. Akira didn't really get what going through the 9-dan player's mind when it came to Sai and Kou, it as if here was an unfinished business with them. With Hikaru he got it, but Sai? It as if playing Hikaru's master was on the same level as his ultimate goal to beat Kuwabara-sensei.

Speaking of Kuwabara-sensei, Akira wondered what possessed Ogata-san to strike that stupid bet. Akira admitted since he saw how Ogata-san acted around Kou (Hikaru) he realized he didn't know Ogata-san as well as he thought. Ogata-san was a pleasant person most of the time, albeit he was so confident to the point of arrogance and too competitive sometimes. However Akira started to see an almost twisted competitive streak in him when Kou and Sai were involved, and it scared Akira.

Especially when Ogata-san boldly approached them in Ki'in after the first day of prelim, and dared to nonchalantly spoke one line that shook Insei's confidence to the core. It was unfortunate Waya Yoshitaka and his friends weren't a wise lot, perhaps they wanted to warn their fellow Insei but it did more harm than good. Isumi Shinichirou was a prime example they came across, a good player who was intimidated so badly to the point he played too cautiously and less than his best. Akira was sure he would be a better opponent if he could get a hold of his emotion.

In short the harm was done and Akira started to understand why Hikaru avoid Ogata-san like a plague. So he didn't understand why a few days after their disastrous run with the Insei, Hikaru decided to accept the long standing invitation to his father's study session.

"You stays at my house almost as much as at your own house, and I never step a foot at yours." Hikaru said pointedly, "Wasn't that what you told me few months ago?"

Yep, he did but didn't they decide it was asking for trouble? Few months ago the idea was appealing but not with Ogata-san involved. "But Ogata-san…"

Hikaru rolled his eyes, "I will deal with him."

Akira didn't dare to ask what Hikaru meant with dealing with Ogata-san. "No bodily harm involved, I hope?" Ogata-san was an adult but Akira knew he was not exactly fit, a smoker, almost in his thirties and spent most of his time taking care of his fish and playing Go. Heiji-san who taught Hikaru aikido was confident when he said Hikaru could take a middle sized man. Akira hoped that proud statement from Heiji-san wouldn't be tested against Ogata-san.

"As long as he doesn't invade my personal space…" Hikaru promised.

"No open hostility?" Akira added.

Hikaru nodded, "Not from my side, and I will do my best to be civil."

That covered most of his worries, Akira supposed.


Touya Residence

His mother was a perfect wife and mother, and a perfectly normal woman. At least until the news that his best friend was coming to visit their house was announced.

"Shindou-kun is coming! My! Why didn't you inform me sooner Akira-san?" His mother gushed as she handed him his bowl of rice. "And when? Will he stay over? He should as you stayed over his house every week! What should I cook? What his favorite food?"

Akira opened his mouth but he had lost track of his mother's chattering.

"Akiko." The Meijin interrupted. "One by one… you confuse our son."

His mother blushed, "This is the first time Akira-san brings a friend to our house! I am so excited!"

Akira felt he was not supposed to feel offended because that was the truth, and Ashiwara-san who was the closest person to a friend he had before Hikaru apparently didn't count as a friend in his mother's book and a study session was not a visit.

"He is coming for study session tomorrow."

His mother looked like she was struck by thunder at the announcement. "But I… I have an appointment until afternoon tomorrow!"

The next study session was one of rare morning sessions for Meijin's study group, while usually it was at night.

"Okaa-san." Akira tried to sooth his mother, "It's not going to be the last time for Hikaru to visit our house, I promise I will invite him again after the pro exam is over."

His mother seemed to like the idea, "Of course! And perhaps one of these days we should come to visit the Shindous! I mean… you have stayed over his house pretty often since winter! We should have greeted them properly…"

"Eeh…"

"Beside… come to think of it, they feed you when you stay over! I should cook something for lunch tomorrow before I leave the house!"

It was official, his mother was enjoying Hikaru's visit more than Akira himself. Then again since they became friends Akira hardly away from Hikaru, so the idea of Hikaru coming to his house was not really novel anymore. He was almost practically living in Hikaru's house with how much time he spent there anyway.

"Akiko, we have made order for lunch delivery tomorrow from Gosyen tomorrow." His father interrupted his mother, "And you are leaving very early tomorrow morning, you don't have time to cook lunch."

Akira quickly promised his somber mother that he will invite Hikaru to stay over very soon, even before pro exam began. It seemed his mother had gotten it to her head to give Hikaru the so called mother's cooking.

The next day…

Sometimes Hkaru regretted the day Akira found out about his direction challenged mind, because frankly at the rate they were going Akira wouldn't let him wandering anywhere outside of his house without supervision. He was also sure normally a friend didn't pick you from your house up to go to his house in fear you will get lost.

Ani-ue was not helping as he also voiced the same concern as Akira. Their biggest concern once he became pro? It was the possibility of him getting stranded in foreign place since pro often had a match outside of their region. Hikaru could imagine Akira talking to Ki'in staff about keeping him to job inside Tokyo area for as long as possible.

'It's a valid concern." Sai-aniue said with a grin.

"At this rate Akira won't let me going anywhere on my own without chaperone." Hikaru grumbled as he tied his hair.

'Hikaru… he blinked and you were gone when you two went to that Go convention. You even called him one hour later and asked 'Where am I' to him.' Sai reminded his brother.

"Well! That just one time!" Hikaru flushed red at the reminder of his idiocy.

"You also lost on your way to Chemistry lab once. It's a thirty feet long corridor as Akira-kun said, and yet you got lost…" Sai reminded him. He groaned, lately his aniue took a sadistic pleasure in taking Akira's side all the time.

Hikaru rolled his eyes, "A good thing aniue will be with me for the rest of my life, I give up on map!"

Sai tensed a little at that, 'Always… if only I can promise you that…'

"Aniue?"

"Hikaru!" Heihachi's voice called out. "Akira-kun is here!"

Hikaru rushed out of the room, almost forgetting his bag in his haste. "Coming!" He replied his grandfather, 'Let's go, aniue.'

'Hai~' Sai replied cheerfully as he trudging along.


On the way to Touya's residence

"The Net-go is still on riot lately because of our absence." Hikaru said with a chuckle.

Akira laughed softly at that, "Speaking of Net-Go, I did some searching for your online kifu…"

Hikaru blinked in confusion, "You could just ask for it directly from me."

"I know… I just did it out of curiosity since online Go community is so into you and your teacher." Akira said with a smile. "I also curious of how much they know about you."

"Oh…" Which meant Akira found out about that it seemed.

"I was surprised to find that compared to Sai-san's kifu, yours are scarce." Akira said with thoughtful face, "You also didn't play as much as your teacher from your records and majority of it are private game." Then he added, "Your play style sometimes also pretty random… I didn't see you play like when you play father and Sai-sensei a lot either…" Not enough for people to see it as a standard Joseki for Kou, in fact it was hard to pinpoint Kou's play style aside from his mix of old and modern joseki, and the Shusaku's influence.

Hikaru nodded, "Well… I started few months after my sensei did and that time was the peak of his popularity… so a lot of players thought I was imitating him, so it takes a while for me to gain reputation and I like to play experimentally online and still do. The joseki I used to play your father and my teacher is one I reserved to play against players that much stronger than I am… it's pretty useless against player around my skill level and below."

Akira recalled about the first games they had and how he skillfully dodged Hikaru's trap, simply because he didn't see it. "I see…"

"Beside…" Hikaru sighed exasperatedly. "I get private game challenge a lot because high level players are curious of me but they didn't want to get outclassed badly by a kid broadcasted online."

"So Ogata-san…"

"A private game too." He rolled his eyes. "So no worries about me recognized as Kou, Ogata-san recognized me because of the joseki I used against Touya-sensei is exactly like one I used on him. I am sure people can still notice distinct mix of old and modern joseki in my Go and Shusaku influence… but don't worry."

Akira shot his friend an amused look, "You will just bluff them again…" He shook his head, "For someone who spent most of his life as a shut in, I wondered how you get to be so good at fooling people."

Hikaru sent a discreet glance at his master who was hovering around his left shoulder. "I have a good teacher."

'Shindou Hikaru! I didn't teach you how to lie!' Sai shrieked in horror.

'No, you did not but I have to be good at this because aniue is my biggest secret.' Hikaru said, smirking inwardly.


Touya Residence

Ashiwara was the first student who arrived to the study session and Touya Kouyou regretted informing his youngest student about Shindou-kun. He always knew Ashiwara was eternally a child in heart, but now his young student was fidgeting on his seat at the prospect of meeting Akira's friend and rival. Thank God Akiko was not in the house. He hoped Shindou-kun would come more often so the novelty of his visit would wear off soon.

He felt sorry for Akira that everyone made a big deal of his very first friend.

"Ashiwara." Sasaki called his junior. "Calm down, I am sure you can make Akira-kun's friend feel welcome."

Ashiwara grinned giddily, "Uhm! So, are we having a welcome party for Akira's friend?"

"No." Okita, his other older student said. "You will scare the boy."

It seemed there was a misunderstanding that Akira's friend was a shy and introvert boy. Apparently they were under impression Shindou-kun was another Akira, a shyer one. At the first glance you would think Shindou-kun shared a lot of Akira's character but from constant stories Akira shared that was not the case. Shindou-kun had great love and dedication for Go, and socially awkward when interacting with his peers like Akira, but the resemblance stopped there.

Shindou Hikaru had mischievous side Akira didn't possess, which was shown in his Go. The child in spite of his age was a walking enigma with magnetic quality that drew people to him, Akira, Ogata, Kuwabara-sensei and Kouyou himself. Akira was more mature than children his age, Shindou-kun was not just more mature. According to Akira, he had seen his friend sometime looked so old, as if he had lived for a very long time.

"Tadaima." Soft voice of Akira echoed from the hallway.

Ashiwara looked like he was going to leap from his seat when he heard Akira's voice.

Then the door slid open to reveal Akira, and Shindou-kun stood on his left. Shindou-kun was still wearing the odd combination of modern and traditional clothing like one he wore when Kouyou met him for the first time. Kouyou asked once why the boy wore such a unique choice of clothes, and Akira mumbling something about raided wardrobe and how Hikaru didn't care of what he wore. Thankfully no one commented Shindou-kun's sense of fashion.

However Kouyou also noted the last time he saw the boy, he was not fully blond. Kouyou chose to not ask as he was sure it was the least of his concern.

"Ohayou." Akira greeted, "Everyone, this is Shindou Hikaru… he is also taking the pro exam with me this year."

Shindou-kun gave them a graceful bow, "I am Shindou Hikaru, thank you for the invitation…"

Kouyou smiled at the boy, "It's been a while Shindou-kun."

"It is, I am looking forward for your guidance… Touya-sensei." He gave them a genial smile, "From everyone too."

Ashiwara stood up and approached the blond boy, "I am Ashiwara Hiroyuki! So you're Akira's best friend." Akira flushed a brilliant red at that. "Nice to meet you too, Shindou-kun!"

"Nice to meet you too, Ashiwara-san." Hikaru returned.

The rest of the study group quickly introduced himself to Shindou-kun, and Kouyou could see they already put 'as polite as Akira' on their first impression of Shindou Hikaru-kun. Kouyou wondered when they would notice Shindou-kun was very different from Akira.

After pleasantries were exchanged the study session began even though missed a member. Ashiwara asked about Ogata and Sasaki informed them that Ogata had to buy a new filter for his aquarium this morning. His student found it broke when he woke up and rush to get a replacement before his pet died. Ogata was very dedicated in everything he did, including taking care of his fish.

When the discussion began Kouyou was mildly disappointed that while Shindou-kun displayed good insight as expected, he didn't voice even a peep of detailed emotional analysis Kouyou heard so much from Akira. It seemed the young player deemed it was not something he wanted to show to anyone in fear he would be seen as abnormal. Kouyou couldn't blame the boy, as he had to admit it would normally disturbing to know someone could read so deep into you from your Go alone.

The discussion was over and Ashiwara opened his mouth, "Ne, Shindou-kun would you like to play…"

TING TONG~

"That must be Ogata-kun." Kouyou guessed.

Akira was about to stand up to get the door but Sasaki was faster, "I will open the door for him." He offered before disappeared to the hallway.

Kouyou saw Akira tensed and he guessed that was because his son was not sure how Ogata would react to Shindou-kun's presence. Shindou-kun himself was unperturbed, and he was patting Akira on the back as if it was his son who needed the comfort. It didn't take long for Sasaki to return to the study room with Ogata in tow.

"Shindou?" Ogata breathed out in shock.

Shindou-kun beamed at his student, "Konichiwa, Ogata-san!" He greeted Ogata too cheerfully for someone who had brushed his student so coldly when they met before.

And then Kouyou realized it was game time, what a time for Ogata to arrive.

"So you know Ogata-san?" Ashiwara chimed in, "At any rate now we have even number of people, Shindou-kun! Play me please!"

Ogata was visibly annoyed at Ashiwara for so casually asked a game from Shindou-kun, "Excuse me, I think I want to smoke first…" He murmured as he turned around, his back facing them.

"I would love to Ashiwara-san." Shindou-kun replied with a smile, "But I would like to ask Ogata-san first."

"EH?"

Ogata stopped on his track.

"Would you like to play a game with me, Ogata-san?" Shindou offered.

Ogata didn't answer right away and Kouyou could see he was having difficulty to process the boy who avoided him like a plague was offering the game he wanted so casually now.

Ashiwara beamed at Shindou-kun, "If Ogata-san don't want the game, can I play you first?" He said as he sat in front of a spare goban enthusiastically.

"Well… if Ogata-san is not interested I guess Ashi…" Shindou-kun trailed off but he didn't manage to finish it because Ashiwara was dragged out of his seat by irate Ogata.

Kouyou and the rest of his study group never imagined to see Ogata almost bodily throw Ashiwara out of his seat to claim the spot. "He asked me first, Ashiwara." He hissed, "Nigiri."

"An even game?!" Okita almost squeaked.

Ogata ignored them as Shindou-kun placed one black stone on the goban. "Thirteen." Ogata counted.

Akira was glaring at his friend and Ashiwara inched away from his son, "Akira-kun?"

Shindou-kun was beaming at Akira in respond, and Akira opened his mouth to say something. Kouyou thought it was more like he was going to shout. Shindou-kun craned his neck to their direction, silently reminding Akira that they had audience. His son clamped his mouth shut, fuming silently. Shindou-kun snorted and Akira sighed exasperatedly. It seemed there was an inside joke somewhere in their silent conversation, and as spectators they had no clue.

Nevertheless, it was amusing how they could communicate with each other by looks alone.

"Your guidance please." Ogata said, a little louder than necessary to remind Shindou-kun they had a game so please quit eye-talking Akira.

Shindou-kun tore his attention from Akira and bowed, "Your guidance please."

Ogata claimed the star point in upper right confidently.

Pachi!

His young opponent claimed a komoku.

Pachi

Ogata was quick to claim another corner.

Pachi

And the next hands were played quickly by Ogata and Shindou-kun followed in calmer pace.

His other students were baffled by the flow of Ogata's hands, as he was openly showing how impatient he was to begin a battle and against a child no less. The child he was playing against however was so calm and composed in his play. It was confusing to see who was the pro or the adult here, looking at the pace Ogata played.

Ogata didn't waste his time to start a battle in the corner, much to his students' amazement and disbelief. It was clear that Ogata was not holding back at all, he was playing for real to win the game against a boy half his age.

Pachi

Pachi

Pachi

What was more surprising was the fact that Shindou-kun looked as calm as ever even though he had a 9-dan player out for his blood. He didn't even bat an eye when Ogata boldly played a hand that would cut his shape mercilessly. The boy took a little longer than usual to respond, his eyes narrowed before he placed a correct respond.

Pachi!

'He responded correctly as well as a high dan player…' Kouyou thought with a smile. 'No wonder Akira improved so quickly, this boy was a perfect catalysis for Akira…'

Ogata smirked, fully enjoyed the game against the opponent that had haunted him for so long.

Pachi!

The game soon reached chuuban, and the audiences forgot this was a game between an amateur and a pro player. Ashiwara was sweating as he watched the game, Sasaki was tugging his collar nervously, and Okita didn't fare better. Akira was as focused as ever and perhaps his familiarity with Shindou-kun was the source of that calmness.

Pachi

Then Shindou-kun instead of responding to Ogata's move was fiddling with his fan, opening the fan a little as his eyes narrowed. He closed it with a snap and set the fan aside. Kouyou bet no one but Akira noticed Shindou-kun was holding a Japanese fan since the game began. When Shindou-kun inhaled deeply neither Kouyou nor his son could suppress excitement that bubbling on their stomach. The boy was planning something unconventional and unpredictable.

He exhaled, eyes closed and when he opened it his eyes as if took a lighter shade of green to the point they gave illusion of glimmering like feline's eyes. Ogata looked taken back for a moment at the change of demeanor before he composed himself.

Pachi!

As expected, Shindou-kun didn't do anything halfway when he claimed a spot right below tengen. It was not the best move, nor the strongest. Normally it was a bad move because Shindou-kun wasted a hand to move to unclaimed territory when a heated battle was going on in the corner. His students at this point were so tempted to let out a gasp but couldn't in fear they would disturb the two players.

They were expecting Ogata to exploit that weak move, but instead of killing white formation on the corner Ogata was sweating profusely as staring at Shindou-kun's latest hand.

Ashiwara shot him a questioning look, which Kouyou ignored in favor to read ahead. Ogata undoubtedly was doing the same, desperately trying to spot what would spring on him because of that hand. It took Ogata pretty long, slightly longer than Kouyou needed to find that subtle trap that hidden around forty hands ahead.

Pachi

Pachi

Pachi

Ogata disabled the trap in five hands, and Shindou-kun didn't even bat an eye or even scrambling to remake another strategy like he did months ago against Kouyou.

Pachi

This time Shindou-kun placed a stone deep in Ogata's territory, another seemingly bad move.

Once again Ogata didn't dare to move recklessly and tried to predict where the trap laid this time. Ogata's lead against Shindou-kun was miniscule, around three to four moku and considering how lethal Shindou-kun's trap was that lead won't last long if Ogata trip even once.

Pachi

There was nothing special in Ogata's move, just strengthening his defense, and Shindou-kun followed with equally ordinary hand. The boy still had focused look on his face but there was no fierceness on his face anymore, instead there was a thin smile on his lips. The smile unsettled Ogata even more than that fake bad hand, because Ogata felt he had trip on a trap already but didn't know it.

Pachi

Pachi

Pachi


Go salon

It was another 3-0 win for them but Waya could tell Isumi was not really elated by it. Fuku was the one joining their Go salon challenge today, and Waya deemed Fuku was more fun than Honda to bring along. The geezer Fuku played was unhappy with playing speed Go though and insisted on playing slowly. In short Fuku and his opponent weren't agreeing with each other. It was hilarious to see the geezer accused Fuku wanting to rip his hand off with playing so fast, his old join was no good for playing like that and so on.

Isumi laughed half-heartedly and Waya cursed the two prodigies for the hundredth time since they run to those two last week. However he couldn't be angry at Shindou, because as much as he hated to admit it the younger boy was plainly telling Isumi the honest truth and felt bad for it to boot. He warned them that Isumi was better of ignorant, and Isumi insisted on knowing the reason the game was stopped.

"Woah! Another group of teenagers." Takao-san, the master of Go salon exclaimed when a group of students came inside his Go salon.

"How much?" A dark haired teen asked the master.

The master blinked and said, "Uhm… you're paying?"

"Of course." He sounded mildly offended that the master implied he and his friends were not going to pay.

"You guys aren't Insei like those three?"

"Insei?"

That was when Waya noticed the group of students was not ordinary group of students, they were from Kaio and wearing the same white and dark blue uniform Shindou and Touya wore. He also recognized the dark haired teen who was speaking to the master of Go salon.

"Ki… Kishimoto-san?" Waya stuttered in shock.

Isumi turned and was as shocked as Waya to see the familiar face. "Kishimoto-kun…"

Kishimoto adjusted his glasses and gave them a curt nod, "It's been a while, Waya-kun, Isumi-san…"

The long haired Kaio student beside him cocked an eyebrow, "You know them, Kishimoto?"

"Yes, Miwa. They are Insei I know when I was an Insei myself." Kishimoto informed his friend.

"Insei…" The brunette with shorter hair eyed them skeptically.

The lone girl in the group whistled, "Hm… Insei huh… are you guys in pro exam this year too?"

"Too?" Isumi echoed before realization dawned on him. "Oh."

She giggled at their expression because undoubtedly it was obvious whose faces popped up on their mind. "Really those two… then again I am surprised if they manage to not attract attention at all." She said as the Kaio group approached the Inseis.

"Hidaka." Kishimoto chastised her lightly.

"But aren't they just finished the prelim?" The prim looking brunette murmured.

"Tsuruga… Touya's pedigree alone is enough to attract attention, and I am sure people will notice a blond boy like Shindou attached to his hip." Hidaka quipped. "Seriously those two…"

Miwa snorted, "Hidaka… I thought you fancy Shindou, and yet you spend most of your time trying to get on his nerve and shidougo."

Waya goggled at the girl and noted Hidaka was a very beautiful girl with great figure for a junior high student. 'Well… go figures Shindou has girls pining for his attention.'

"Miwa… I am not going after Shindou seriously, not until his hormone gets the best of him because now he has only Go on the head…" Hidaka informed Miwa flippantly, "Beside he is thirteen and he'd choose Touya over a girl since at that age his best friend is more important than a girl."

"Miwa, Hidaka… can you guys discuss your love life somewhere else?" Kishimoto reminded that they have audience.

Hidaka didn't look perturbed by the gaping Insei and Miwa just laughed at them.

"Uhm… Kishimoto-kun." Isumi called the ex-Insei nervously, "If you don't mind… I… want to ask about…"

Kishimoto snorted, "Shindou-san and Touya?

None of the Insei missed the different honorific Kishimoto used on the two, but it seemed to be something they ought not to ask.

"What did they do?" Kishimoto asked bluntly, straight to the point. "But I hope none of you doing anything that upset Touya…"

As one Isumi and Fuku looked at Waya. "Oi! Perhaps I haven't been the nicest guy to him but I am sure as hell didn't do anything to him! It's not like the guy even care of my existence to feel upset because of me!"

"Yeah, you just glared at him even though he was just asking if we were Insei." Fuku said with a huff. "From day one you're openly announce that you have problem with him even though he just met you."

Waya bristled, "He is an arrogant bastard! He pissed me off!"

"Uhm… Waya-kun, he hardly talked to you… " Fuku reminded the older boy.

"Well! He still annoys me… I mean he hardly spare us a glance… his greetings were damn stiff and he always waited for Shindou to say something first! Shindou is as polite as him, but Touya have this aura of arrogant formality! And as for you know what Shindou at least visibly feels bad, Touya didn't care!" He listed on angrily.

Miwa, the long haired Kaio student chimed in. "Oi, are you telling me you think Shindou is the nicer of the two?"

"Yeah." Waya answered, "He is friendlier… he seems to be a nice guy, nicer than Touya at least."

Miwa and Hidaka burst to laughter, "Ha ha ha! Don't tell me you think Shindou is harmless and friendly pretty boy who got stuck with Touya or something?" Miwa held his stomach as a small tear formed on his eyes.

"Ha ha ha, my stomach… that's rich!" Hidaka giggled. "Shindou? Nicer than Touya?"

Even Kishimoto looked like he wanted to laugh but he settled on chuckling instead. "I guess in first impression everyone think so too…"

Miwa nodded, "Come to think of it the first time I saw Shindou, I thought he was just a nice and adorable junior too… but boy! It didn't take even a week for us to change our mind!" And by 'us' he meant Kaio's general population.

"What do you mean?!" Waya didn't like to be ignored.

"I mean…" Miwa trailed off, "You're right that in overall Shindou is an okay guy, but I warn you… drop your glaring at Touya and the whole idea that he is an arrogant brat… keep it to yourself at least. You hardly see them so you haven't slip to outright hostility yet at Touya…"

Hidaka nodded, "Well… I can't really blame you to be annoyed by Touya, he is just so clueless of his surrounding… especially when Shindou is around."

Kishimoto nodded, "For your own good, listen to Miwa… he rarely have anything good to say." He ignored Miwa's indignant cries. "But he just gave you a good advice when dealing with Touya and Shindou-san…"

Fuku raised his hand, "Sorry Kishimoto-san, but I don't understand what you're getting at."

Hidaka took a deep breath, "In short… Touya is a pretty harmless boy with penchant of annoying people because he is oblivious of his surrounding most of the time. Shindou in the other hand… "

Miwa continued, "He is as you said a nice guy, but he stops acting nice at a drop of a hat when you lay even one finger on Touya, "

"Huh?"

Miwa sighed loudly, "Well… you're more interested in their Go, I guess… but for your own good." His eyes glinted, "Please… please watch your behavior around Touya with Shindou around." He said in serious pleading tone.

Kishimoto eyed the Insei , they had this dumbfounded look on their face that won't go away anytime soon. "Well… it's just a friendly warning, aside from Waya-kun I don't think any of you would do anything reckless." He ignored Waya's indignant cry in favor of Isumi. "However… Isumi-san, you're especially curious about them. I am sure by now you know they're exceptional players… but I have a feeling it's not their strength you're curious about."

Isumi swallowed, "Can I speak to you… in private?"

Kishimoto glanced at his friends before he stood up. "Then, let's go to that empty table." He pointed at a secluded corner.

Isumi nodded and followed the Kaio student, leaving their friends watching their retreating back curiously. Isumi sat down and in spite of not really close to Kishimoto, he knew the younger boy well enough he had to be straight to the point if he wanted Kishimoto to indulge him with answers. "Well… few days ago I played Touya, but before we reached yose… Shindou asked Touya to stop playing." Kishimoto raised an eyebrow at that, "I was surprised he made Touya stop… but I was even more baffled by how Touya so readily dropped the game."

Kishimoto smiled at that, "Touya have strong trust in Shindou-san's judgment, and to be honest… Shindou is always confident in everything he did so it's hard to refuse him."

Isumi rubbed his sweaty palms. "Even so… we're curious and Waya was even more so, that's why we chased them and demanded an explanation." His frown deepened, "At first Shindou refused to give me an answer, because it's better for me to not know until I play them in pro exam but… I…"

"You insisted until Shindou gave in?" Kishimoto guessed.

Isumi looked embarrassed but managed a curt nod. "Hai."

"So, what did he say?" He queried, "I suspect it's something you didn't expect to hear."

"My habit to spiral to losing streak…" Isumi murmured. "You were in B league but I am sure you have heard of my bad habit."

Kishimoto adjusted his glasses and said, "Shindou-san guessed that from watching your play once?" He laughed softly at that, "He has sharp eyes… he guessed my problem from one game too."

Isumi's eyes widened at that, "You too?"

Kishimoto nodded, "I am not interested in enlighten you on my issue Isumi-san, but I am getting over it." He quipped, "But let me tell you one thing… you should have listened when Shindou-san said you better of not knowing but now you know… just get over it."

"Get over it?" Isumi echoed dubiously.

"Don't ask how… all I know it's something you should find out by yourself. However… Isumi-san, you're really reckless. You're going to battlefield worrying now…" Kishimoto shook his head, "I can't say you're better off ignorant that those two know you have an issue, but I can't say you have better winning chance either now…"

Isumi smiled at that, "Well… I will just try my best as usual."

Kishimoto swallowed the lump that formed on his throat, 'Unfortunately… you can't try your best with your state of mind. Unless you miraculously get over your issue in two weeks… and I know, there's no miracle for this.'


Touya's Residence

They stared at the board long and hard as the game came to a conclusion, they expected the winner but they didn't expect the game to be so close.

"Five and half moku win." Ogata breathed out.

The game didn't reach seichi actually, as Shindou resigned halfway to yose. However the outcome was obvious when Ogata succeed to block the last trap. He tried to get a bigger lead but he knew it won't get bigger. In fact he was sure Shindou could decrease the gap even more if the game continued, but he won't be able to win. However it was still a feat for a boy who was not even a pro to get even on goban, and he the 9-dan pro won by komi gap alone.

However… the play style changed, Shindou was still using elaborate trap that made use of his reading ahead skill and mix of modern and archaic joseki but Ogata didn't feel like he was mauled in yose by endless rapid and suicidal attack he experienced in last game against Kou. He improved a lot from their last game, Shindou was learned to play more cautiously and calculative just like…

He glanced at Akira, and understood where the boy got better at calculation. It was not like Kou was careless, but he was such a high risk taker and almost suicidal.

"Hm…" However the boy didn't even look sad about his loss, just disappointed and a little sweaty from adrenaline rush.

Ogata was really tempted to smack the boy upside his head for such a mild reaction after playing such an intense game against a high level pro. Then again this was Kou, whose playing style meant to give high level player a fight of their lifetime.

Ashiwara, Sasaki and Okita looked like they were going to hyperventilate after witnessing the game.

"You played beautifully, Shindou-kun." Touya-sensei praised the boy.

"Thank you very much, Touya-sensei." The boy accepted the compliment graciously.

Strangely Akira was very quiet and still staring at the finished game, it was then Ogata noticed he was not just staring at the goban but at one particular spot. His eyes were so intense as if he was trying to burn the goban. Ogata followed his gaze, and recalled that was a standard respond Shindou made to his defensive move, which was not special at all comparing to about a dozen odd hands he made that confuse the hell out of Ogata.

"Ne, Hikaru." Akira at last opened his mouth, "Where were you expecting Ogata-san to move because of this?" He said pointing at 15-16 curiously.

Ogata decided he didn't like the way Shindou clamp his mouth shut in respond.

Akira stared at the board some more before he let out a breath, "Oh."

"Oh." Followed by his teacher of all people. "I see… Shindou-kun."

The boy had resigned look on his face as he realized the Touyas had seen it. "May I see the scenario you're expecting if Ogata-kun played the next hand in 9-10 instead?"

"Hai."

Ogata stayed rooted on his seat as he realized 9-10 was a better hand than his 8-15, and Shindou began to rearrange the game. The boy didn't say anything as he placed the stones according to his planned scenario and Ogata paled. It was a trap, even more elaborate and stealthier because the trigger looked conspicuous unlike the others that screamed invitation. He misread the board and saved himself by mistake, and had he fell in this trap he would have lost by… half a moku? A very narrow win for the boy but a win nonetheless.

What a terrifying child, Ogata knew that well since his first game against Kou but… Akira noticed the trap even before Touya-sensei did.

"Uwaaa… " Ashiwara shivered, "How many trap you laid out, Shindou-kun?" He asked curiously, "I think there was a dozen of it at least!"

Ogata swallowed and said, "Not a dozen, at least five… I fell on one of it but to disable the other four I wasted a lot of hands…" And then Ogata noticed Akira was staring at Shindou before he promptly averted his eyes. "And Akira… how many of traps you counted?"

Akira was not a good liar, in fact Ogata suspected placid boy like Akira never think of lying. "Uh… seven."

Shindou rolled his eyes and Ogata could imagine the boy was inwardly chastising his friend, 'Akira, you idiot.' Then again Shindou already knew Akira was hopeless at lying even if it was to sooth someone's ego.

"I see…" Ogata suppressed the bitter feeling boiling on the pit of his stomach. "You're getting better at reading the board, Akira-kun."

Touya-sensei looked amused, "Indeed but more than that you're reading Shindou-kun better now… you two play each other almost every day after all…" He corrected.

Akira was getting better at reading the board, but he was better at reading Shindou's strategy.

Ashiwara was amazed. "Oh! So Akira-kun! You're winning against Shindou-kun pretty often then!"

Ogata wondered if the puppy of their study group realized he was implying Akira was better than Ogata at playing Shindou.

Akira unexpectedly looked like he was suppressing his urge to laugh, "Ashirawa-san… I can read Hikaru's strategy pretty well because I know him, but he also know me as well… but completely predicting him is impossible…"

Ogata adjusted his glasses, "Indeed, Shindou-kun is very creative… it seems with young player like him and Akira-kun entering pro world soon… We older generation can't stay idle either." He said in lighthearted manner while inside he was shivering at the prospect.

Ashiwara grinned, "Then! I should try harder to work on my game."

The Meijin nodded approvingly, "So we can expect you to move forward beyond second to third preliminary round soon?"

"Eh…" Ashiwara rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, recalling he was scheduled to face Shirakawa 7-dan to move on to Gosei league next week. "I will do my best."

"I believe that's what you said last month before you fell out of Kisei's prelim." Okita reminded Ashiwara.


One hour later…

They managed to play a couple of games and apparently it's been a while Akira played them too so the pros under the Meijin's tutelage were eager to see their strength. Ashiwara at last manage to score a game against Hikaru and he fared terribly. Ashiwara was a pretty skilled player however he was very careless and seemed to take pleasure in watching Hikaru's trap unveiled against him. Ashiwara-san really treated the game as a game. Akira looked a little put off he didn't get to play Hikaru, but then again they played each other in daily basis so it was fair to let other people to play Hikaru too.

They stopped playing when Ashiwara's stomach growled, voicing the need for sustenance. Right on time the bell rang, and the Meijin informed them it must be their lunch. Ogata and Ashiwara went to the door and gave the deliverer a generous tip for his wonderful sense of timing.

The lunch was a pretty subdued but warm affair as they fell to lighthearted but serious conversation about pro world and upcoming amateur tournaments.

"In short… Japan is still a laughing stock internationally." Ogata concluded. "Shimano did his best but he is just one person." He grumbled. "And there is a pretty strong amateur named Kadowaki but he is not going to International tournament next week."

Ashiwara beamed, "Shimano-san… it's been a while since I saw him."

"Ironically I heard we're the strongest online." Okita-san said innocently.

Hikaru pointedly ignored Ogata who was eyeing him mischievously.

Sasaki-san inhaled, "Speaking of international tournament next week… it would be a wonderful opportunity for Akira-kun and Shindou-kun to attend it." He suggested with a smile. "Meeting foreign players in such event would be a good experience."

Akira tensed on his seat as he recalled what his best friend refered the annual International Amateur Tournament as.

"Instead of tournament, it's more like a fan meeting… everyone got rowdy over our identity. I didn't watch a thing in the end because it's too unnerving to see peoples so worked up about it."

Ogata chimed in, "We will see Shimano in the tournament too." Then he gave Hikaru a mischievous smile. "Will I see you there, Shindou-kun?"

"Uhm!" Hikaru had the gall to beam at them as he said. "I am looking forward for it!"

Akira almost choked on his rice when Hikaru cheerfully announced he was going to that tournament willingly.


Next week

Waya went to the annual International Amateur Competition under Moroshita-sensei's order, as this year it was his master's turn to be the pro who host the event. His master was in for a surprise as this year everyone in Go forum agreed to stay longer to discuss their net idol, Sai and his decreasing appearance online.

Of course there were peoples who couldn't get it to their head, how it was Sai's right to stay anonymous. Waya was as curious as hell about Sai's and Kou's identity but he respected their privacy as long as they kept playing inspiringly awesome game online. Who cared of their identity offline? Waya thought it was novel idea for Sai and Kou to remain as mysterious top online players. Their muse, their king and their God!

"Hum! Hum!" Waya hummed as he played , Netherland's representative. "Sai's latest game against Ichiryuu Kisei is really amazing." He was one of few foreign players who could speak Japanese, so Waya really liked him. They were buddies online, and thanks for Sai he had a lot of international players as his online buddies.

sighed wistfully, "My students are curious of him and Kou… well… after a year I guess it's better for them to stay mysterious…"

"I think so too!" Waya said as he placed his stone. They were playing relaxing game after all, no pressure to win at all. "I mean… one of their charms is their mysterious identity!"

The staff of Ki'in who observed non-official games played on spare gobans they placed on the corner sighed exasperatedly. "At this rate… this International tournament is more like a fan meeting than a tournament."

"I didn't know how to use computer myself, but I can't believe so many players going crazy over their net-idol…"

"Actually… they come to Japan to compete or discussing their idol?" The staff wondered out loud.

His colleague shrugged, "The irony is… we should be thankful to these net-idols because there are more participants than our estimation. At least thirty percent increase than last year and these foreign players are coming to play in Japan because this idol of theirs is Japanese…"

"Truly, internet does weird things to your head." His old colleague mumbled.

Waya overheard them talking but he didn't care because he was having fun with peoples who shared his interest. Then he caught sight of certain white suits wearing pro coming to speak with Morishita-sensei and his mood soured a little. Whatever, it was not like the Ogata Seiji cared about an Insei like him. That day couldn't get any worse, until he heard the dreaded name.

"Akira-kun."

"Touya-kun."

"Konichiwa, Ogata-san… Morishita-sensei." Then the Meijin's son noticed his presence, and his game was over too so of course the polite freak was obliged to acknowledge he existed. "Waya-san, how are you?"

Waya grunted. "Fine, thank you." He returned tonelessly then he noticed something off or rather someone was missing.

"Where is Shindou?"

Waya and Ogata-pro looked at each other in shock, as they just chorused the same question to Touya Akira. Waya flushed red while Ogata-pro just shrugged nonchalantly.

"Hikaru?" Waya resisted his urge to roll at question mark on Touya's voice, and wondered if the Meijin's son realized it seemed odd to see him without his blond friend around. As in short time Waya knew the guy personally, Akira Touya was never seen without Shindou. "He is coming later… one of his grandfather's friend will drop him off here."

"Shindou?" Morishita-sensei echoed.

Touya smiled and said, "My friend who is also taking pro exam this year."

"And also Akira-kun's rival." Ogata-pro added, as if that was a vital information Morishita-sensei had to know.

Waya didn't like how Morishita-sensei eyeing him, 'Why didn't you tell me about this Shindou? And how come Touya-kun is not your rival instead?'

Suddenly sound of something buzzing was heard and Touya quickly rummaged his pocket to retrieve a white cellphone. He flipped the phone open, reading the email he just received. "Excuse me, I need to go for a moment."

Ogata-pro raised an eyebrow at Touya. "Shindou? Surely he can come to the hall himself."

Touya shot the pro an amused look Waya couldn't understand, "This place is pretty crowded and big, he might get lost."

Waya frowned at that and tried to imagine Shindou, the mature and composed guy got lost. How Shindou could get lost here anyway? Waya was sure that from the drop off it's just a straight forty feet corridor to get here. However Touya was already gone and it took him a short while to return to the hall with Shindou in tow.

Waya noticed the guy was wearing the odd yet stylish looking clothes again, the one from that brand Nase said was getting famous. He didn't really pay attention to Shindou's looks before, but now he noticed he had Japanese face and skin but his hair and eyes weren't. Yet with his mismatched looks he looked not out of place wearing modern Japanese clothes. In comparison to that… He eyed Touya's clothes that for once was not unstylish shirt geezer worn but definitely not in fashion either. How the hell this guy could be friend with a freaking model with that fashion sense?

"Pleased to meet you… Morishita-sensei, I am Shindou Hikaru." Shindou introduced himself to Morishita-sensei politely but unlike Touya there was no stiffness, but casual and fluid. Then he looked at Waya, his smile was a little strained but Waya was happier to see Shindou who at least felt something after their last encounter than Touya who looked as unperturbed as ever. Would it hurt Touya to learn to show some expression that was not his standard polite face, and then perhaps he would look more human.

"Hi, Waya-san… how do you do?" Shindou greeted him.

"Fine, thanks for asking." Waya didn't miss how Morishita-sensei and Ogata-pro were raising eyebrows at him, because it was obvious he was friendlier to Shindou than Touya.

To be fair Shindou was friendlier than Touya the ice prince, and he was returning the courtesy. Waya was well aware he could be a jealous ass sometimes and it annoyed him. So it was comforting that he was not civil with Touya not because he was envying the prodigy, if that was the case he would treat Shindou the same way. The fact he could act civil to Shindou was a proof he had problem with Touya's attitude and not his talent.

"There seems to be quite a crowd of people discussing kifus and replaying games." Touya's voice snapped him out of his musing, and Waya realized Touya was referring to his online buddies. They were discussing their idols of course and Waya was glad this year the Institute staff had insight to reserve a discussion area to avoid commotion like last year.

"Something about the game from last night…" Touya strained his ears, and Waya then noticed the closest group from their spot was Chinese players Li Lishin brought with him and representatives from Taiwan and Hong Kong. So Touya understand Chinese? He sounded unsure though.

Shindou unexpectedly chimed in, "Yes, the game of China's representative against a 3-dan pro from Korea. It seems it's quite a match as they said they are going to keep an eye on this young pro…"

"Shindou-kun, Touya-kun, you can understand Chinese?" Morishita sensei asked curiously.

Touya craned his neck to Morishita-sensei. "Hikaru can speak Chinese, I just started learning so only the basic conversation."

"You're a fast learner, don't worry!" Shindou assured his friend cheerfully. "I want to see the game, would they mind if we take a look?"

Waya grinned, "I know Li-san online, and we chatted pretty often." Both of them conversed with broken English though, but then again as long as they could get their point across it was not a problem. "And you can speak Chinese, it would be easier for him as his English is not good." He said before he waved his hand and called. "Li-san!"

Li Lishin turned and gave the Insei a curt nod. "Hello, Waya-kun."

Waya quickly introduced Shindou to the Chinese player and reluctantly he introduced Touya. Li Lishin was pleasantly surprised to hear Shindou greeting him in flawless Chinese, and the conversation got easier now that Shindou became their translator. The players around Li Lishin are all net players too and they were discussing Li Lishin's latest game.

The young Korean pro they were talking about was indeed an exceptional player, he was the same age as Waya and he was already a third dan in Korea. A steady, calm and yet fierce way of playing that belied his dan level, and he was steadily rising through pro rank.

/We're wondering if he is perhaps Kou…/ Taiwan's representative, Winnie Lou said as tapping her chin.

The Hong Kong representative, Wei Liu shrugged. /Who knows, but isn't Kou a Japanese? Although… Net Go listed country can be changed…/

Li Lishin shook his head, /It's true Ko Yongha have controlled fierceness in his Go like Kou, but he is no Kou the disciple of Sai… While their skill perhaps are roughly in the same level in my opinion, Ko Yongha lack the grace and beauty Kou inherited from his master/

"Kou? Ko Yongha?" Waya echoed.

Hikaru was amused but Akira who could understand most of the conversation was not. Hikaru craned his neck to Akira while the net players were absorbed to their conversation. 'It's fine.' He whispered.

'If you say so.' He returned.

Waya turned to Hikaru and asked, "Translation please."

Hikaru laughed softly, "The young Korean Li-san played… they thought he is similar with a net player with nick Kou, but Li-san think they're not the same person."

"Why they think they are the same person? Kou is a Japanese…" Waya frowned.

"They shared the same kind of fierceness but controlled Go." Hikaru informed the Insei. "But Li-san argued that Ko Yongha lack the grace Kou possess." It was pretty embarrassing to translate compliment that meant for you, but he manage to say it in even voice. "Now they're wondering if there is any young pro in Japan that has the same play style as this Kou person."

Waya shook his head, "Tell them, I was way ahead… I checked but so far no pro below the age of twenty plays like Kou."

Hikaru translated that to Li Lishin and then back to Waya. "They're wondering if there is really no pro below twenty shows Go with Shuusaku's influence." Behind him Akira tensed again but thankfully no one really paid attention to his best friend.

Waya sighed at that. "Nah… Shuusaku is the greatest player of all time, so a lot of us study his Go but nothing obvious enough. Sai they were talking about is like modern Shuusaku, his disciple Kou… well student of modern Shuusaku."

"Hooo…"

"But you see… I am confident I can spot Sai once I see his play but Kou? I am not confident as even though his mix of old and modern joseki is a little different from his master… he likes to play experimentally online so it's hard to pinpoint him."

Hikaru nodded thoughtfully, "Hm…" Then he pointed at himself. "I am a Shuusaku's hard core fan myself!" He admitted cheerfully, and ignored how Akira was holding his elbow tightly out of shock. "Honinbou Shusaku is the greatest player in our history and for a Net player to be inspired for his play…"


Waya stared dumbfoudedly at the younger boy who started singing endless praises to the Honinbou. He knew Shuusaku was great but Shindou worshipped him like a God. Could it be? No, if he was Kou he won't tell Waya his hero worship of Shuusaku so openly. Nase did say that Shindou's Go had grace and beauty, and that was the most defining trait of Kou.

However… the thought Kou his idol was Touya Akira's best friend didn't sit well with him. Beside… Shindou was friendly and pretty chatty when the topic struck his interest it seemed, Kou… Kou had cold and silent image to his character because he vehemently refuse to speak to anyone. A lot of players disliked Kou though, because while Sai always played seriously online, Kou sometimes played experimentally. Most of the time he won but sometimes he lost the game because of his experiment. Waya thought those peoples were too sensitive because online Go in the first place was for fun and a good training place, so it was within Ko's right to play as he saw fit. It wasn't like Kou was going easy on them and handed the game on silver platter.

Although… that made him impossible to spot and… Waya eyed Shindou who was still busy singing about how wonderful Shuusaku-sensei was. He didn't ask Nase the detail of how Shindou played, but obviously this guy must have Shuusaku's influence in his Go and it would be bad if they suspected him as Kou.

/Do you play Net-Go?/

Waya didn't understand Chinese but he had an idea of what Li Lishin asked to Shindou.

"I made an account last month but so far I only have played five times." He said in Japanese for Waya then in Chinese for Li Lishin. "My nick is Tenrou5… but I am thinking of changing it soon because someone said I shouldn't be anonymous since I am taking the pro exam ha ha ha…"

Waya could tell the foreign players had one thought simultaneously, 'He couldn't be Kou… impossible... but Nase said he possess the same kind of elegance in his play like Kou.

Winnie Lou who was checking net go with her laptop gasped in shock, /I can't believe this! Kou! Kou is playing now!/

"Eh?" Waya gasped. "He is?"

In their haste to get to see the screen, none of them noticed questioning look Touya Akira shot his frined or how the said friend was grinning as he held his index finger in front of his lips. "Shhh..."


Ogata who watched the whole ordeal shook his head, "What a terrifying child." It was a good thing he had resolved their difference for now, at least they acted civil with each other now. No more running away at least. And also...

'You want a game with my master, don't you? How about you get your title first Ogata-pro?
My master would be more than happy to have a game with you, think of this as a motivation..."

"What?" Morishita asked the Meijin's student. "Did you say something about those kids?"

"Never mind Morishita-san…"


The good news is... we will get to the real exam next week. ^^