Summary: The journey of Sai and Hikaru continues when Sai returns. Encompasses the point from when Sai disappears to the Hokuto Cup.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, settings, etc. pertaining to the manga series, Hikaru no Go, by Yumi Hotta, and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.
Chapter Eleven: Start
The next day, Team Japan arrived at the hotel where the tournament would be taking place bright and early. Shindou was nervous though. He didn't know why. He wanted to play and he felt ready yet he could feel butterflies fluttering about within his stomach. What was it? Sai looked at Shindou's anxious face worriedly. This was what he had been worried about. Shindou still did not have enough experience in these kinds of situations. Once they got inside with the cameras and everything, it would only be worse. He could only hope that Shindou got used to it soon. He stood by Shindou calmly, placing his hand on his shoulder in comfort, hoping it would help. Shindou flashed him a quick nervous smile in thanks when no one was looking.
They entered the lobby. There weren't many people about yet since the tournament would start for a couple more hours, but there were people setting things up. It seemed Team China and Team Korea had also already arrived. Shindou looked around and his eyes landed on Hon Suyon, whom he had played two years ago.
"Suyon!" he called out and the younger boy's eyes darted up from where he had been talking to another teen and met Shindou's. Shindou walked towards him, but froze when Suyon's companion turned as well. It was Ko Yongha. Yongha looked between Shindou and Suyon before saying something to Suyon. He did hear his name though and when Suyon nodded, Shindou assumed he was verifying his identity. Yongha said something else to Suyon before waving and walking away.
Suyon waved as well before turning back to Shindou, who was also watching Yongha walk away. He didn't feel as angry though, knowing that Sai was with him and that he and Touya would definitely show him that Japan could play Go just as well as it did before. It didn't mean he liked the guy though. If it weren't for Sai's presence, he was sure he would have tried to punch him.
"Shindou," Suyon gained Shindou's attention, "I hope you haven't forgotten that you still owe me a game."
Shindou nodded. "I remember," he answered, before something hit him. "Hey, you're speaking Japanese!"
Suyon nodded. "Yes. I studied Japanese in order to prepare for our next meeting. When I win our game, I want to be able to say to you, 'My name is Hon Suyon.'"
Shindou smirked. "Don't you mean if you win? You shouldn't sound so confident. I won our first game game you know."
Suyon glared. "I'm playing Third board. What about you?"
"Second board." From that information, Shindou could conclude that his opponent from Korea would be someone that wasn't at Touya and Yongha's level yet, but that was better than Suyon. Pretty much like him then. It would be a pretty even match up. He didn't know about China yet though, who would be their first opponent.
"Since we're not playing against each other in the tournament, come to my uncle's Salon the day after the Hokuto Cup. I'll delay my return to Korea for a day so we can have our rematch, alright?"
Shindou nodded. "Okay."
Suyon turned to leave then, but Shindou needed to confirm one thing first. He needed to make sure that Ko Yongha really had said those things about Shusaku. He didn't want to go about jumping to conclusions even if he couldn't see how such a big misunderstanding could have occurred. After all, although Sai hadn't liked hearing that such a thing had been said, he seemed to dislike more the fact that such a talented player had uttered such profanity, sad that such skill had been granted to one who couldn't really appreciate it. Shindou knew that if things could get cleared up, if it could be confirmed that Ko Yongha really was a serious Go player and hadn't said all those things and that he in reality actually did respect Shusaku, it would be what would make Sai the happiest, even more than an apology would. Therefore, Hikaru had to know.
"Hey, Suyon?" Suyon turned around to look at him questioningly. "That guy you were with before was Ko Yongha, right? How well do you know him?"
Suyon frowned at the question. "I guess you could maybe say we're friends. He's like my mentor a little. I really admire him. Why do you ask?"
Suyon's positive view of Ko Yongha made Hikaru think. Suyon seemed to like the guy well enough, but that wasn't enough proof. He needed more information. "I'm curious," Shindou answered evasively. "Do all Korean Go players know who Shusaku is?" he continued his questioning.
"Of course," Suyon stared at him in disbelief. "In the past, everyone travelled to Japan to learn Go. Shusaku was one of the greatest players in history. Everyone studies from old masters like him."
Shindou nodded. "So you would agree that Shusaku is a respected Go player even today right?" he pressed.
"Yes, of course," Suyon repeated. "Why are you asking all these pointless questions, Shindou? What does it have to do with Yongha?"
"A reporter from Weekly Go interviewed Ko Yongha and he told me that Ko Yongha said Shusaku was useless and that Japan was weak," Shindou clenched his fists and looked Suyon straight in the eye.
Suyon shook his head in blatant disbelief. "What?! That can't be true. Yongha would never say those sorts of things! It has to be a misunderstanding. Look, I'll prove it. I'll just go ask Yongha. I'm sure he'll clear things up. You'll see. I'll go ask him now." He rushed off without another word.
Suyon certainly doesn't seem like he believes Yongha to be capable of such blasphemy. On the contrary, he seems to look up to him very much. Let's hope that this is all really just a big misunderstanding. Sai stared after the running Korean boy.
Shindou nodded. Well, let's hope so. I don't know how anyone could think you were bad at Go anyways. They'd have to be blind.
Sai blushed at the praise. Come on, Sai, Shindou started walking. We don't want to lose the others. Sai followed behind happily. He couldn't wait for the start of the tournament. He only hoped the intimidating atmosphere wouldn't be too much for Shindou. He had calmed down a little, but they hadn't yet entered the playing room yet. It would be there that the true test on Shindou's nerves would begin.
Shindou found his team again easily enough and they got their room numbers so they would know where they would be resting between games. Touya turned to him as he joined them again. "Where'd you go?"
"I saw Suyon and went to talk to him," Shindou explained. "I also explained about Yongha, but Suyon said it couldn't be true. He went to ask him. I suppose he'll tell me after the game with China." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Sai doesn't want it to be true. He says it's a waste of talent. Either way, though, you better not lose to them."
"Same to you," Touya whispered back in challenge. He glanced at Shindou, whose pallor wasn't as bad as before. When they had first entered the building, Shindou had seemed a little jumpy, but everything seemed okay now. Touya only hoped it would hold. Yashiro also seemed fine, but it wasn't even time for the games yet, so it was too early to tell how they would fare in the actual tournament.
They passed the time idly, waiting to be called down when everything was finished being set up. Soon, they were heading to the main floor again. Touya glanced behind himself at his two teammates. "Are you guys nervous?" he asked casually.
"Hardly," Yashirou declared boldly, but Shindou stayed silent. He didn't seem too bad though. Perhaps Sai was trying to reassure him. Touya knew that Sai wouldn't do anything during the match though. He was too much of a fair player to try to ease Shindou's nerves for him in a one-on-one match. Shindou had to do it on his own.
They entered through the big double doors and instantly Yashiro and Shindou were caught up in all the commotion. People were running around, finishing last minute touch-ups and cameras were being set up everywhere; it was hectic. Yashiro stared. "I-Is that NHK TV?" he asked hoarsely.
Yashiro and Shindou almost jumped when a reporter cut in front of them, clicking his camera right at them. They stood still awkwardly until he had moved on, almost breathing audible sighs of relief. Touya would have smiled at their antics if the situation wasn't so serious. They were already tense again and the matches still hadn't started. "Just stay calm. They're just cameras," he advised.
He looked around. Cameras were already set in place over the gobans to broadcast the games live and commentators were already setting up things in another room to help viewers follow along. Touya noticed that the games would also be streamlined on the Internet, but he kept that to himself. It was best he didn't make Yashiro and Shindou any more nervous than they already were. Name tags were being placed down now and they all separated to take their seats.
After a few more minutes, the matches were set to start. Yashiro and Shindou seemed like the only two tense players in the room. Everyone else was calm. Touya and his opponent, Lu Lee-5-dan nigiri-ed to determine who would start as well as the stones for the succeeding two boards left on the team. Touya ended up being white, so Shindou would be black and Yashiro would be white.
Unfortunately, both Yashiro and Shindou were now not entirely focused on their games. They started off badly. Touya, on the other hand, started off surely. He and Lu Lee were in a tough battle. It had started with Touya in the lead, but Lu Lee managed to catch up after a few minutes. They were now in a frantic race to keep ahead of the other. Unfortunately, Lu Lee pushed too hard and ended up tripping along the way.
Meanwhile, with Yashiro, whose opponent was Chao Shi, after a shaky start, finally gained his momentum. He was matching up well against his opponent. They had both only just become Pros, but their match was still fierce. It seemed that Yashiro still felt the need to prove to his parents that he could do this and to not waste the second chance given to him by Ochi to be able to play in this tournament in the first place.
Unfortunately, with Shindou, the pressure was still against him. The strain from the past few weeks of wanting to so badly play against Ko Yongha and defend Sai had pulled on him too much. With the additional strain now with such a large audience, he couldn't seem to focus. Even now, when he was at last calming down slightly, could he even catch up anymore? It seemed too late now, this far into the game.
He clenched his fists, wondering what to do when he felt something in his hand: his fan. He had almost forgotten he had been holding it. He had needed the reassurance since he knew Sai wouldn't provide it for him during the match as it would be an unfair advantage. How could he have forgotten it? He wasn't alone in his games, ever. With his fan, he had vowed that Sai and Shusaku's spirits would live on within his Go. He wasn't only playing for himself. No matter how bleak the game may seem, he just had to keep trying. He would never give up. He would start playing now. He gripped the fan once more and started.
His opponent pondered over his latest move. Shindou had attached his black stone to a white in the corner, but there didn't seem to be any plan for it as far as his opponent could tell. He decided to just continue and not worry about the stray stone. After a few moves though, he saw what he hadn't seen before. Black was now attacking his lower group of stones and the lower-left corner of the board at the same time. Shindou had planned it all from the beginning with that one stone, yet his opponent hadn't seen it until now.
Sai watched on, not as anxious now that it seemed Shindou had finally regained his sense of self. He had been worried for a moment there that Shindou wouldn't be able to recover from all the stresses in his system, but his protégé never failed to amaze him. He didn't know if Shindou could win this game anymore with as far as it had already gone, but he knew that Shindou would bring it as close as he could so that everybody could see that if he had played under suitable conditions from the start, there would have been no way he could have lost.
His opponent had realised as well that Shindou was a threat. He now had to try to keep the two attacking groups separate else they form a major threat against him. Shindou was now using the one-move approach yose, using the dead groups (ko-fights) he had left behind, when he had been too nervous to play properly, as opportunities to reverse the game to his advantage.
Meanwhile, Touya and Lu Lee were still attacking one another. Touya still had the advantage, having lured his opponent into a trap, but as a countermeasure, Lu Lee had split up Touya's white group of stones on the right side of the goban. Unfortunately for him, Touya already had a move ready for the possibility of that occurrence, making use of those split stones to influence the center of the board. In the end, black had 33 moku and white had 30, but plus the 5.5 komi advantage, white had 35.5 moku, giving Touya the win by 2.5 moku.
Yashiro's game had hit a snag, with one misread leading to Yashiro's downfall. It had been an extremely close game, but in the end, one mistake so late in a game was fatal for him. White ended up with 12 moku and black with 21, so Yashiro lost by three and a half moku after the 5.5 komi advantage was added on.
Back with Shindou, he was now in control of the board using the two-move yose ko, staying two steps ahead of the game. It was a risky move, since he was moving fast, but Shindou's ability to read the board was uncanny. He was catching up quickly now. Nonetheless, though Shindou was able to prolong the battle and startle the viewers with his sudden strength, he had started too late. The deficit from the first half of the game had dragged him too far down. He ended up losing by one and a half moku.
Sai was of course the first by his side when he finished. Hikaru didn't feel too bad about his loss really, though he wasn't ecstatic about his beginning performance. I guess I need to learn to adapt faster to new situations, eh? At least it was faster than it was when I was an insei. I had to play for a while to get used to playing against so many different faces.
It was still a very spectacular game, Hikaru, Sai praised him. In the game against Korea, you will surely fare better now that you are used to the pressure.
Yeah, Shindou smiled, because I'm definitely not going to lose against Korea.
Hikaru, Sai sighed exasperatedly. I thought you were over that. Soon, Suyon will clear everything up and we can put this misunderstanding behind us.
That's not it, Sai, Shindou protested. Even if it is a misunderstanding, I'm still not going to lose against Korea. I told Touya not to and if I do, but he wins, it's going to suck. I can't lose if Touya isn't going to. It's bad enough that I took so long to get used to things now. I have to get better. After all, you and Shusaku never lost right? I have to do my best too.
Shindou and Sai headed towards the elevators to return to their room in the hotel to rest after playing the game. On the way there, they met up with Touya and Yashiro though. "Hey," Shindo waved.
"You look a little too darn happy for someone who just lost, you know," Yashiro grumbled.
Shindou shrugged. "I know I could have won if I hadn't been hit by nerves in the first half. I'll do better against Korea."
"I told you it would be suicide trying to get used to your first international competition just during the first game. You should have tried to do something in order to get used to the pressure of playing your first international match beforehand," Touya lectured Shindou as they continued walking. "You know you're horrible at first situation-type things."
"And remember that I asked you if you had any other bright ideas because I didn't and you didn't answer me," Shindou retorted, "so you can't blame me." Shindou almost stuck out his tongue childishly, but refrained this time.
Touya obviously knew what he wanted to do though because he rolled his eyes. "You're so immature," he said as they stopped at the elevator and he pressed the 'up' button.
"I'm fifteen," Shindou gave as an explanation. "I'm allowed to be immature."
"I think you have that mixed up with five," Touya returned, "but then again, that's your mental age, so perhaps you have a point."
Shindou looked torn between yelling at Touya about the five year old remark and pointing out that Touya had actually agreed with him on something. In the end, he settled for crossing his arms and doing nothing as he stepped into the elevator. Yashiro just stared at the two of them, shaking his head. It was as if the two of them had totally forgotten they had just played in an international competition and were lost in their own little world.
Yashiro couldn't forget as easily though. He had been doing well, but one mistake had cost him the game. How could he have misread the board like that? He had to win and show his parents that Go was a respectable career and that he could make something of himself by doing what he wanted to do. He couldn't afford to make the same stupid mistake against Korea. He had to win that game.
Well, either way, there wasn't any point in worrying about it now. The matches between Korea and China came first. That would be happening later in the day and then tomorrow, the matches between Korea and Japan would begin. Yashiro's thoughts were cut off when the three teens entered their hotel room and found Kurata already there.
"Hey you three," the manager greeted them. "Congratulations, Touya on winning, but Shindou and Yashiro, you two did well too. Everyone was amazed by your skill for only becoming a Pro, Yashiro. And Shindou, the way you were in the second half of the game was astonishing. Man, if only you had played that way for the entire game. Well, anyways, you had better play that way for the entire game against Korea, got that? You can't lose against them."
"Kurata-san," Touya sighed, "should the manager really be saying such bold words aloud? It wouldn't be prudent if others were to overhear. It would be seen as an outright challenge. We are here to build better relations between the three countries, after all."
"Always such a diplomat," Kurata laughed good-naturedly. "You're just like your father already. The other spectators in the discussion room totally noticed how you played almost as well as your father could and at such a young age too. It's brilliant. You're going to send Ko Yongha running for the hills."
Touya sighed again. It didn't seem as if Kurata had heard a word he had just said, spouting off such words again. Well, he supposed it didn't matter as long as no one else heard about it. It was bad enough with the possibility of Ko Yongha insulting Japan. He didn't want rumours of Japan doing the same thing.
"And don't forget our deal, Shindou," Kurata winked. Shindou looked at him blankly while Touya and Yashiro were curious. Even Sai had no idea what was going on because that time had been one of great lows for him, when the end of his existence was slowly counting down.
Kurata huffed. "If you win, I'll finish giving you my autograph!"
Shindou blanched as four gazes stared at him, one expectedly and three in shock. He had completely forgotten about that, and had gotten rid of that sheet after the game! The only thing he had held onto was that Kurata had actually acknowledged him.
Shindou's mouth opened and closed a couple times, imitating a fish rather well. He wanted to explain to Sai and Touya, but he couldn't do that with Kurata in the room. His panicked eyes must have registered with Touya because he stepped in to save him.
"I believe, Kurata-san," Touya broke in calmly, "that you should be retiring to your room as well. It would not be prudent for the manager of the Japan team to be seen wandering around between games."
"Ah, that's right!" Kurata smacked a palm, forgetting about his small interrogation. "Now, remember to stay in your rooms for now as everything is set up for the next game," he lectured them as if he hadn't just been reminded of that fact himself. The three teens nodded accordingly.
"Lunch will be served shortly and brought up. Both China's and Korea's teams have already holed themselves up in their own rooms to concentrate on their next games. I'll see you all later then in the discussion room if you want. Later." With that, Kurata left the room.
With him gone, two piercing gazes settled on Shindou again, while Yashiro looked on curiously. Touya blinked thoughtfully. "You wanted Kurata-san's autograph?" he inquired politely yet still with a puzzled air.
"It isn't what you're thinking!" he yelled frantically at both Touya and Sai, who seemed to have the same expression on his face as Touya. "I just needed him to play a game with me and he wouldn't unless I made some excuse! So I did!"
Sai looked a little disapproving at the trickery and so Shindou sped on. "We played one-colour Go and it was my first time playing, but I did really well. Even Kurata-san thought so!" Or had as good as said so.
"Anyways," he changed the subject hastily, so that they could forget about this small incident, "when do you think we're going to eat? I'm starving!"
"I know what you mean," Yashiro fell back on his bed. "I can't believe we still have to wait. I'll starve before then."
"It shouldn't be too long," Touya sat down gracefully in a chair.
Shindou snorted, collapsing on his own bed. "That's easy for you to say, Touya. I've tried for so long and I can still barely get you to eat a decent amount each meal most of the time. You're like a twig. Every time we go over to my house, my mother always tries to stuff you with snacks."
"Not everyone feels the need to endlessly gorge themselves on unhealthy foods such as ramen and McDonalds every other day at the minimum," Touya turned to glare at Shindou. "I consume enough sustenance each day to continue my activities unhindered. Consumption at an overly high rate is bound to cause an undue lag in one's physical system, which will in turn affect one's mental capabilities."
"What?" Yashiro was lost. How could one understand all that gibberish? His brain was still mush from the stress of their first match.
"Was that supposed to be an insult?" Shindou demanded.
"It was merely a fact," Touya said. "However, I can see how, since you cannot understand the workings of my mind as I cannot understand yours in terms of eating habits, it may seem like an insult. However, since you also see fit to meddle in my eating affairs, I will also reserve the right to judge yours."
He has a point, Sai agreed with Touya.
I'm only trying to help him, Hikaru harrumphed. Stupid Touya, always acting all high and mighty. So what if I think ramen is a good enough meal every day of the week?
It's not healthy. That's the point, Sai reminded Hikaru. Touya is only worrying about you in his own way, just as you worry about him in your own way. Sai shook his head. He didn't know how those two would manage to understand each other outside of Go if he wasn't there to intervene and explain Touya's actions all the time to Hikaru. They wanted to be closer and were probably closer to each other than anyone else alive, but they just kept missing each other. Perhaps in a few years, if they still hadn't gotten around things, Sai would helpfully point out some things to Hikaru to get the ball rolling. For now, though, he would just wait and see.
Touya noticed that Shindou had gone silent now and a glance over at him to confirm that he hadn't yet fallen asleep left him with the conclusion that Shindou was speaking to Sai again. He wondered sometimes what they spoke about, since Shindou never seemed to run out of things to discuss with his partner, unlike them, who argued more than talked, even though their verbal battles over the goban had lessened somewhat in consideration of others, especially when Touya's father was present.
Hikaru had just remembered that he hadn't seen Suyon all day. Aw, man. Kurata-sensei said everyone else has already gone back to their rooms to prepare. That means we can't find out if it was a misunderstanding or not.
Do not worry, Hikaru, Sai soothed. I have a feeling I already know the answer. I already found it very strange that Korea would say such things and a serious Go player at that. After seeing and hearing the conviction in young Suyon's voice, I believe that this is all just a misunderstanding. Focus on your match for now. We will definitely get an answer when you have your rematch with Suyon if we don't get one during the Hokuto Cup.
You're too nice for your own good, Sai, Hikaru sighed.
Just optimistic, Sai smiled.
If I find that it wasn't a misunderstanding, though, Hikaru threatened, I'm flying over to Korea if I have to just so I can punch him.
Of course, Hikaru, Sai sighed, unhappy at the violence, but happy that Hikaru wanted to defend him and Torajiro so much. I don't believe it will come to that though. Let's just put it all behind us when it is all over and focus on what's truly important: Go.
Whatever you say, Sai, Hikaru closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep, tired after playing under all that pressure. Sai just smiled again, watching over Hikaru as he always did.