A/N: Hello, I do hope you like this chapter and story and will continue reading.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hikaru no Go or its characters
Chapter Fifty-Three: Match Set
Hikaru's POV
Hearing him ask if I was okay about the missed Match I said 'yes' worried for Kouyou Touya. He's Sai's rival as well as mine in a way.
He's also my friend's father. "Where's the Hospital Akira?" I asked him on the House Phone. I would've used my Cell but it's transferring something.
"Thank you Akira. I'm glad he's going to be alright" I smiled hanging up when we both said our versions of 'see you later'.
Sai asked if Touya-Meijin was alright making me nod. "As I told Akira I'm glad he's alright" I told him smiling. "He's still at the Hospital to recover" as I explained I picked up the pad of paper.
He told me we should see him and I know why he wants to. He's worried about the closest, widely-known person to achieving the Divine Move.
Scene Change: Hospital
Upon reaching the Hospital I headed to the front Desk. "Hey Hikaru, you know your dad and/or mom aren't here right?" Akane asked making me nod. "I'm actually looking for Kouyou Touya, he's my friend's father" I told her.
"He's in the same room your mother's always in" Akane told me making me smile. "Thank you Akane-San" I smiled waving 'bye' to her.
When I reached the room I hesitated in knocking. Shaking my head I knocked hearing that I could come in. "It really is the same room" I smiled.
"Good morning" I smiled softly bowing a bit in greeting. Hirose asked Ichikawa if they should leave making me shake my head.
"That's not necessary Hirose-San, I won't be staying long" I told him looking around. "I came to see how Touya-Meijin was doing. I was surprised to hear he's in the same room as my mom normally is" I smiled.
"Your mom?" Ichikawa asked making me nod. "Yeah so I won't be staying very long" I told her.
Ogata was surprised I even came by. "I was worried that's all" I told him putting my hands in my pockets. I was wearing faded black Jeans, black High Tops, and a navy blue T-Shirt with a China Pink Flower on the left sleeve.
I had to rush to get here so I couldn't change into anything more appropriate. "I wanted to get you something but my Grandpa is a bit of a stickler with his antiques" I told him.
"That's not a problem Hikaru-San" Kouyou told me. Ichikawa told Ogata that it was rude because I came all this way. She asked if I was a Pro as well making me nod.
She asked if I remember her so I nodded again. "Of course, if I remember correctly you wouldn't let me tell Akira that I played before" I told her.
She apologized making me shake my head. "I'm joking Ichikawa-San, it wasn't a big deal" I smiled. "You played him anyway" she said making me smile.
Ogata said that he wants to see that Match saying no one will show it to him. No one from the Go Salon remembers it clearly either.
"I can draw up a Kifu for it if you want? It won't be hard" I asked surprising him. Sai gestured to Kouyou making me nod.
"I heard from Akira you collapsed from a Heart Attack at the Go Institute" I said. I didn't even ask the question and he told me he was fine.
He said that they want to keep him another ten days making me smile slightly. They did that to mom to. Hers was less severe than a Heart Attack though.
Sai was relieved before Ichikawa told Kouyou that he should relax for a Month or two instead of ten days. Hirose nodded saying that the Matches can start up again then.
Ogata said he can play as many Matches as he wants here to. When I heard that I knew what he meant. Ichikawa and Hirose weren't so quick to guess though.
Ogata said that he set up a NetGo Account for Kouyou yesterday giving me an idea. I want it to work but I don't think he'll play someone who doesn't show their face.
"You're going to play NetGo then?" I smiled putting my hands in my pockets. "Yes I am Hikaru-San, Go is what I do after all. Why are you asking?" he asked looking curious.
"No reason" I told him messing with my Hyacinth Choker I have on my left wrist. Everyone left the room so I debated whether or not to ask.
"Would you like to sit?" Kouyou asked so I nodded complying. "I apologize for getting in the way of your Match with my son" he told me when I sat down. "Don't worry about it Touya-Meijin" I smiled.
He said that Akira didn't play because the latter didn't think he'd play calmly. He thinks he worried Akira a lot.
"You're playing Internet Go right? Is it because you're in here?" I asked trying to avoid asking the real question. It was also to change the subject.
"Yes I am, I played Akira this morning and it's great that I can play even in here" he told me. He said he misses the feel of the Go Stones so it isn't for him.
He's only playing it because he's here and that's all. "You read my paper on Go in the Heian Era right?" I asked hoping he did. "Yes I did, it's amazing how much you know about the Era.
Are you trying to ask me something regarding Internet Go?" he asked me. "Yeah but I'm not sure if you'll agree to it" I told him.
"It's about Fugiwara-no-Sai right? The one who killed himself in a River?" he asked making me nod. "I haven't played NetGo in a while but would you mind playing him on it?" I asked.
"The even Match right? You want me to play him in an even Match?" he asked.
This sounded like a repetition to me. "Yes since I don't want people thinking I'm Sai when I'm not" I frowned before he nodded. "I'll play him.
Would you mind drawing me a picture of Fugiwara-no-Sai?" he asked making me nod. I took out a pen that changes colors and a blank Notepad from my bag.
I started drawing what Sai looks like and even colored it in. It looked decent enough but almost every Artist thinks that. Tearing the paper I handed it to him.
"Thank you" he told me taking it. "Can you keep it a secret about who set the Game up?
Akira is the only one who knows it's me on the other end" placing a hand over my heart when I asked. "Of course I won't tell anyone Hikaru-San. I did promise I would play him again without a high Handicap" he told me making me smile.
"Could we play it next Saturday? You can rest for a day after your Jyudan Match" I asked.
I know it's hard on Sai not being able to communicate to him himself. "I hope you play seriously during your Match, Sai would be upset if you didn't" I smiled. "Of course I'll play seriously.
If I lose than I won't mind leaving the Go world" Kouyou said shocking me. It worried Sai which wasn't good either.
"Please don't quit being a Pro Touya-Meijin! The world would be shocked and asking a lot of questions. That won't go well with you or your family if they pester you for answers" I told him. I was honestly worried only about his health.
No one can stop a determined person from a decision after all. "You seem sure I'll lose" Kouyou stated making me bow in apology.
"It's fine Hikaru-San. You gave him that high of a Handicap for a reason right?" he asked but I know it's a rhetorical question. "I'll be fine and so will my family if that happens.
The Match will start at ten and we'll have three hours, how does that sound?" he asked. I looked behind me at Sai seeing him nod.
"The conditions are fine and he gives his thanks" I smiled. Kouyou did the same asking me how Akira's been. For the next few hours we talked about how our lives have been lately, and Akira.
A/N: Hello, I finished writing this at 4:22 P.M. on March 16, 2017.
I do hope you like this chapter and story and will continue reading.
