HiKaGo One-shot Chapter 1: Sai vs Akira This chapter revisits the 2nd match between Sai and Akira at the Go salon. Akira: Don't run away. Let's have a match now. Sai thinking: A rematch with this kid... it seems that our fates are intertwined. Half a month ago, I returned to this world with a strong desire to play Go again. After that, I discovered that Go is not very popular among the current generation. In fact, Hikaru knows nothing about Go and does not want to have anything to do with it. Finally I have a good opportunity to play Go, and having played one match with this kid, I have witnessed his strength. If Hikaru has a rival of his age, he will certainly improve by leaps and bounds. However, even though they are of the same age, Hikaru has problems even with holding the stones...... If only I can return to this world through that kid and not Hikaru... Hikaru: Sai? Sai thinking: Forget it, it's no use thinking about all this. At least I can start to play Go again. Hikaru: The expression on your face is really interesting. Akira and Hikaru arrives at the Go salon. Akira: Let me have the space inside. Icchan: Akira-kun! A: Oh, it's that kid. B: Who is that? C: That's the kid that defeated Akira-kun last time. D: That's right, it's him. E: How can it be possible... Akira-kun lost... Hikaru: Hang on a second... woah, there are so many spectators Sai thinking: How shall I play this game? This kid with sharp eyes and a bright future, should I break his teeth? Or should I reward him and pat him on the head? Akira: 2, 4, 6, ... 12. I'm even. Hikaru: Alright! I'm black. Akira: The komi is 5.5 moku. Hikaru: Komi? Akira: Black starts first and is at an advantage, so you have to receive a penalty of 5.5 moku. Which means that if the end result is 50 moku vs 50 moku, white wins by 5.5 moku. Sai: Ah... 5.5 moku... Hikaru: So you don't know the rules. Sai: There is no such rule during the Honinbou Shuusaku era. Hikaru: Have you never noticed that Black has an advantage? Sai: I only know that I have never lost with black! Now I know... 5.5 moku... Akira: Please begin (Onegaishimasu). Hikaru: Ah... Please. Sai, where do you want the first move? Sai: Upper right corner. Komoku. Hmmm.... he's taking so long for the first move... a gutsy opponent indeed! Actually I do not intend to seriously compete with you, that's because I do not feel a lot of pressure in this game... Lower right corner, komoku. Sai:15-3. Sai: Hmmm, in response to this move of his, if it was last game I would have res- ponded with a move here. But with the burden of a komi of 5.5 moku, that move is not aggressive enough. If I responded there instead, my attack will be faster. Which should it be? Akira stares at Sai (Hikaru). Sai: Alright, 15-16. Come on! It really is a joy to play with you. 8-3. 7-4. 11-16. (Some Go terminology) 10-16. If I break here, the top part will become thicker. 10-17. If I attack lower left I can induce him to play there... and then... and after that... Sai: Now I realized that Hikaru is placing the stones a lot faster. Hikaru: Next move? Sai: This feels good. 5-17. However, it'll be better if he can hold the stones more professionally. I am already in control over this side, and I've made a strong move. However... Sai: This area only needs a little attention... 5-18... I only have to connect the black stones on the right, and the opposing white stones will become weak. Akira makes an intrusion into Black territory, Sai is alarmed. Sai: He's attacking! It is clear that he's trying to reverse the situation. This move is a severe blow to me. 6-15. He has caught me. 4-13. The formation is broken! The black stones on the right are under attack again. I was too naive... 2-16. Previously he under-estimated Hikaru, that's why he did not show his full strength. 7-15. I have also under-estimated him. No! If I do not modify the formation it will be destroyed! I have to utterly destroy him! 6-19. I'm going to totally defeat him... Akira: I have lost... Hikaru is surprised and shocked: Hmmm? What? Sai thinking: This kid, he nearly caught up with me just now. Caught up with me... What will he become next time? The time-frame changes to not long after the Hokuto cup. The location is still at the Go salon. Icchan: Akira-kun! I heard from Kitajima-san that you won both your matches in the Hokuto cup! You certainly live up to your name! It's a pity that Shindou- kun lost both his matches. Akira: However, Shindou beat the third captain of the Korean team in a private match after the Hokuto cup. Icchan: Is that so? Akira: Shindou's defeats have not lowered people's opinion of him. Rather, both the Korean and Chinese teams now clearly remembers his name. Icchan: In that case, Shindou-kun must also be very powerful. You guys are taking part in the Wakajisen next week, right? Akira: Yup. Icchan: Shindou-kun may prevent Akira-kun from winning it for the third year straight. Kitajima: Icchan, don't talk rubbish. Akira: I will not lose to Shindou. Kitajima: That's right! Guy: Look who's here! It's Shindou-kun! Hikaru: Touya... Take it as the precursor to the Wakajisen... let's have a match. End of chapter 1.