Chapter 43: One Heartbeat away

"Kuwabara-sensei, it has been a long time."

Motioning for Kuwabara to join him at his seat on the patio looking out into the garden in the backyard, Koyo Toya smiled contently. It truly had been a long time since the pair had talked, since before his retirement in fact.

Taking his seat on the patio, feet resting on the steps up from the garden, Kuwabara cackled lightly and answered, "Yes well you've been quite busy for a retired man, hopefully its not putting any strain on your body."

His smile widening to a knowing grin, Koyo answered, "No, I find the traveling quite enjoyable actually, quite relaxing. I'm more worried about you Kuwabara-sensei, traveling that grueling pro schedule at your age and all. One might worry that you're a heartbeat away from your last."

Laughing heartily at that as he reached for his cigarette pack, holding up from removing one until he was given a permitting nod from the former Meijin, Kuwabara lit his cigarette, took a puff from it and responded, "True I'm not as young as I once was, neither of us are, but I think I still have a few more years left in me. Besides, you're the one who had the heart problems, so everyone of course worries about you still, especially with your oversea ventures. By the way, congratulations on winning the Samsung Cup!"

Nodding, Koyo replied modestly, "Thank you, I was quite fortunate in that tournament, it was quite demanding." Turning his eyes away from the garden for a moment to glance at the Honinbo next to him Koyo added, "But I'm certain that you didn't come here to talk about my heroics in the Samsung Cup. Should I assume this has to do with tomorrow then?"

Chuckling lightly, Kuwabara answered, "Sharp as always Meijin. Yes, those two, quite an interesting pair don't you think?"

Returning his gaze to the garden Koyo sighed. "There's no need to call me that anymore, I am very much retired."

"Yes, quite true," Kuwabara replied, "But you're still the Meijin, honorary or otherwise. Besides, this old geezer is stuck in his ways. You avoided my question though."

Shrugging as he knew it was impossible to argue with Kuwabara about such things, Koyo answered, "Yes, yes they are. Akira has been quite determined about it, as I assume Shindo has been as well."

"Speaking of whom, where is your son?"

"Likely he is still at the Go Salon studying game records in preparation for his match tomorrow."

Cocking an eyebrow, Kuwabara inquired, "That seems strange. I would have thought that he would have wanted to study here where he could get your thoughts, don't you think Meijin?"

" Akira will not ask for my help because this is a personal battle that he feels obligated to overcome alone, to face Hikaru Shindo on his own, stand before him with fear in his heart and resolve in his mind. In that way I am very proud of my son."

Chuckling again, Kuwabara leaned forward slightly and cocked his head toward the former Meijin. "So then it ought to be a true clash tomorrow huh? Sounds interesting to me. I suppose the location should make it even more fitting for such a battle don't you agree?"

Now it was Koyo's turn to chuckle. The Go Association had decided to move the location of the match to the Yugen no Ma as it would be easier to hook up the internet feed from there, plus given the number of pros they expected to show up, the decision had been made. At least, that was what Akira had been told, although Koyo had his own ideas. "I don't think the location will matter to those two one bit once the first stone is played."

"Heh, you're probably right, even having played them myself I have a hard time thinking of what a match between those two young upstarts would look like. You haven't really played Shindo yet have you?"

Glancing at his old friend and former rival, Koyo answered, "I thought you had been at the Shinshodan match when I'd played against Hikaru Shindo."

Cackling loudly, Kuwabara stared Koyo down with his one eye and a grin on his face. "Yes, but we both know that wasn't a real match, not with that handicap and all."

Koyo just grunted, so Kuwabara had noticed that too. "That's true, but I doubt that game would have been a fair judge even if we had played it without any handicaps. I've taken a look over several of Shindo's games as of late, including his handy defeat of you Kuwabara-sensei."

Chuckling as the sun passed the horizon blanketing the sky into night, Kuwabara remarked, "Yes well, I can't win them all. These young players as of late, they give me a good feeling about the state of the Go world. It's too bad you had to retire Meijin, I think you'd have enjoyed this new wave your son and that kid Shindo are bringing on as well."

Lowering his head with a taut expression, Koyo gazed out at the garden stoically, feeling the cooling air around him. "Even if I'm no longer a pro, eventually I will have the opportunity to face those up and coming players with these hands. When, I do not know, but that is what I feel in my heart. As for Hikaru Shindo, I am even more certain that I will one day face him."

Nodding his head casually, Kuwabara exhaled causing a puff of smoke to exit his nostrils. That man, he could get so serious at times. "So Meijin, feel like making a wager on the outcome of the match then?"

Glancing over curiously at Kuwabara now, Koyo replied, "You wish me to bet on a game with my own son involved?"

Smirking mischievously, Kuwabara just shrugged. "Well I would think that would only make the bet more interesting now wouldn't it?"

Shrugging himself, Koyo answered calmly, "Very well, then I will bet on Shindo to win."

Cocking an eyebrow at this shocking occurrence, Kuwabara responded, "Interesting, taking Shindo over your own son? You surprise me Meijin."

"We both know that predicting who will win such an evenly matched game shouldn't have anything to do with who I am or am not related to, but on who is best suited to win."

Chuckling at that, Kuwabara shot back, "So then you think Shindo will win huh?"

With a voice devoid of emotion Koyo answered, "I never said I thought Shindo would win or lose, now did I?"

"Then why bet on the kid?"

Chuckling slightly, Koyo answered, "Because that was who you wanted to bet on, right Kuwabara-sensei?"

###

Sliding his arms into the sleeves of his blazer, Hikaru adjusted his tie and took one last glance in the mirror. Looking back at him was a young man with a stoic, determined expression and eyes that burned like phoenix flame. It had been six months since the last time he'd faced Akira in an official match, a long time to wait, but it was finally here.

As he turned to say goodbye to his mother Hikaru heard the phone ring off by the staircase and seeing that his mother was moving to get it simply waved goodbye instead, his fan held tightly in his hand, then stepped out the door into the sunlight. It was such a beautiful day, if not for the cold he'd likely have found it to be quite enjoyable, but as it was he'd best get going. Today wasn't about enjoying the sunshine, it was about facing his rival, fending off the intensity and reveling in the clash of wills. Akira, I'm coming.

As Hikaru turned to shut the door the sudden sound of a heavy object falling to the floor inside the house however drew his attention. Reopening the door and stepping inside, Hikaru stared in alarm as he saw his mother on her knees, phone held to her ear with trembling hands.

Then slowly her head turned to view her son, a grave expression on her face, and with a trembling lip said, "Hikaru… it's Grandpa… he's had a heart attack."