The work of the Go master

Page 130

“Okay, you saw right through me. There are definitely side effects, but you can stop using it at any time. If you see any signs of something going wrong, stop it immediately. That’s the only thing you need to be careful about when using it,” the boss said.

"Remember, if things go wrong, destroy it immediately."

With this final piece of advice, Yabu left the video store.

His mind is currently filled with complicated thoughts.

He started learning chess at the age of 12, which is quite late compared to his peers.

Before this, he was just a child with a bad temper who could be abandoned by his parents at any time. His brothers and sisters were far more outstanding than him, and even the servants treated him badly.

But on the day he turned 12, he met Oshiro Ki and Yagami Kunikyo.

The man in the white suit was walking through the courtyard of their house with his father when his gaze happened to fall on the other side of the fountain, where a lone boy sat on a swing.

"You are very suited to learning chess."

The man said this to the boy, and from that moment on, Yabu's fate changed.

The man's few words convinced the father, who then sent his son to study under Suga Seiichi. Later events proved the man right; he was indeed exceptionally suited to learning Go.

This third-dan spot was not only funded by his family, but also by Suga Seiichi betting his own ninth-dan title, and even more so by Yagami Kunikyo's own appreciation.

Although Yabu is unknown to the outside world, he is already very famous within the organization. Countless people compare him to a crown prince and are always ready to take over the position of Oshiro Ki and become the new generation of ruler. Some people even try to build relationships with him in advance, hoping to get some of his good fortune.

Because of his arrogance and talent, he had the confidence to be domineering and disdainful of others. His brothers and sisters who had once looked down on him and mocked him all bowed their heads to him. His parents' love was also tinged with remorse for the past.

Most importantly, there was the watchful gaze of Yagami Kunikyo from his vantage point.

But with the appearance of that person named Koji Hikaru, all of this was shattered. At the moment of losing the game, Yabu seemed to return to himself before he was 12 years old. His family didn't like him much, and he didn't receive that man's attention. The anxiety was chilling.

The three segments are gone, no problem, we can get them back in the Nova Battle.

It's okay if you develop a psychological fear of Ke Zhiguang; just win him back in a more flamboyant way.

Ideally, these two things should happen simultaneously.

Therefore, he now has to rely on these unconventional forces.

Suddenly, the streetlights overhead flickered and made an unsettling sound, pulling him out of his thoughts.

After standing there for a while, he unconsciously turned around and looked at the audio-visual store not far behind him.

The store was still wide open, and some passersby went in to pick out videotapes, so business seemed to be good.

But they also couldn't make a living on this land where every inch of land was incredibly expensive.

To this day, Yabu still doesn't know the boss's name, and it seems that no one has ever called him by name; he is a very mysterious figure.

I met him at the beginning of this year, and the reason we met was...

An opportunity.....

Yabu shook his head, only remembering the time when they met, but not the specific events.

Perhaps I was drawn to the lucky cat on the shopkeeper's counter, and couldn't help but want to go inside and rent something.

In short, I don't remember much.

But one thing is true: he still trusted his boss.

But that's about it.

Chapter Sixty-Six: Finally, I have some time to report in.

At the Goin, located in Gobancho, Chiyoda Ward, the bamboo tubes used for adding water drip softly, as the delicate stream flows into the pond.

"It's already July. The students should be on holiday after their exams. Let's go sit at the bar. Maybe we'll find something unexpected?" a chess player said, looking at the elegant and ancient courtyard.

“It’s a good idea. With our looks and money, it shouldn’t be a problem to impress one or two female students, but I personally prefer the swimming pool,” another chess player said.

"What's so great about going to the pool? The girls are all underwater and can't see anything. The place we should really go is the beach. Girls who can't swim can play in the sand and even play volleyball."

"Going to the beach isn't just about looks anymore; it's also about having a good chest. Are you confident about that?"

"I'm very confident about this. I've been staying at the tropical-themed club downstairs for two months now, and I already have pectoral muscles."

"Hey, the name 'Tropical Theme Club' sounds suspicious. Did you develop your pecs there because a rich woman forced you to?"

"It's just a regular gym, but it is indeed quite chaotic."

"Really? Then you must get me a card too."

Yasuhiro Yamaoka listened silently to the conversation between these two masters at the chess table, seemingly oblivious to everyone else, and couldn't help but tremble like a novice.

Although the two were facing a classical Japanese garden landscape, their conversation seemed to have little to do with classical elegance.

Is this the world of the strong?

Is this what life is like for those in their sixth or seventh year?

—So you're saying that chess players are all shut-ins and only date people within the chess community? Then why do these two seniors' nightlife sound like that of male prostitutes?

"Don't look around, Yamaoka," said the Go player in front of him. Yamaoka was a burly, fifth-dan player who was also quite well-known.

"Yes, senior." Yamaoka immediately focused on the game.

And then they lost.

Then, they kindly accepted the review and guidance.

Finally, you have to pay the other party a match fee of 10,000 yuan.

At the chess academy, a beginner challenging a more experienced player, or a novice challenging a veteran, requires paying a game fee, unless the two players have agreed to train together before starting the game.

However, if the player actively seeks out a challenger, no payment is required.

As for whether or not money needs to be paid after winning or losing, that depends on the two of them discussing it.

Under these rules, most of the time players at the same level practice with each other, and occasionally a lower-ranked player will try to challenge a higher-ranked player.

As for those highly respected 8th and 9th dan players who have already achieved ultimate financial freedom in life, they are rarely seen and basically never appear in the Go Academy.

"No, not this time." Godan refused the 10,000. "Yamaoka, you've made great progress recently. I hope you can keep up the good work."

"Yes!" Yamaoka was deeply moved.

As a newcomer to the game and a strong player who has achieved the second dan rank in one fell swoop, Yamaoka naturally receives attention from the industry and care from his seniors.

The life of a professional chess player is much more ordinary than he imagined. Not much has changed except that his daily training partners have changed from his peers to chess players of much different ages.

He has more free time now, which is what makes him most comfortable.

"Jingguang, isn't Ke Zhiguang here yet?" Liu Duan walked over.

"He said he'd come after his exams."

"He actually went to take the exam?"

"Yes, every day after he returns to Peach Blossom Studio, he studies under the peach trees until very late, and the subjects he studies are all normal high school subjects," Yamaoka replied with a wry smile.

"He defeated the industry's crown prince, Yabu Ruijin, and became the only player in history to be initially designated as a 3-dan, but then he didn't show his face at the Go Academy for more than two weeks, just to pass his high school exams. This... I feel like he's slapped all of us male professional Go players in the face!" The 7-dan player also chimed in, his previously dashing and debonair demeanor instantly deflated.

Which is more dazzling: the nightlife of a male host or the aura of an active male high school student?

Of course, it's the latter. It's just a gigolo's life. There are plenty of people in the chess world who are qualified to do that, and in fact, there seem to be plenty of people who do it. In other words, those who are capable of doing it have basically done it.

But the prestige of being a high school student is not so easy to obtain. First, you have to get into a high school, and then you have to pass the exams. This hurdle eliminates almost all chess players.

"If I may be so bold as to ask, does Ke Zhiguang intend to take the college entrance exam?" The seventh-dan player remarked that he had never seen anything like it before.

"No, but he emphasized that he is very likely to be directly admitted to the University of Tokyo because of his good chess skills. Is there any precedent for this?"

Seven-dan thought for a moment and said, "You know what, there really is. Three years ago, Tatsumi Koshikawa won the Dragon Throne title and actually received an invitation from the University of Tokyo, but he didn't go."

Liu Dan added, "He was only 26 years old at the time, which is quite young, so he received an invitation from the University of Tokyo. Others either didn't have enough achievements or were too old. If Koji Mitsuaki wanted to be directly admitted, he would have to get one of the three major titles before he turned 26, which is quite difficult."

"In the end, the holders of the three major titles have never been teenagers; they must at least be young adults, 23 or 24 years old or later."

"Speaking of which, after discussing this for so long, haven't you considered whether I will accept the University of Tokyo's offer of admission?"

The 7-dan player shook his head with a smile: "How could anyone not accept it? That's the top university in Japan! To be able to play professionally while bearing the name of the University of Tokyo, that's the kind of prestige I dream of—ah! Who are you! How did you suddenly get involved!"

Seven-stage was startled.

This guy is like a spy, walking without making a sound!

"Hello, seniors, I'm Ke Zhiguang. I saw you guys talking about me, so I couldn't resist coming over to listen to what you're saying about me," Ke Zhiguang said, with a school uniform slung over his shoulder.

As soon as the exam ended, he immediately lifted his school uniform to reveal his suit jacket underneath, and rushed over here. The speed at which he switched clothes left all his classmates stunned.

I have to say, wearing a suit under a school uniform must be really hot.

Today is the seventeenth day. If he doesn't come to report soon, the old folks at the chess academy will probably kick him out.

"If the University of Tokyo accepts me, I will most likely go, but I don't rule out the possibility that Tsinghua University will snatch me away halfway. As for why I didn't choose Harvard, it's mainly because my English isn't good enough." Ke Zhiguang returned to the original question, answering it very seriously.

The six and seven people in front of them stared at each other blankly, somewhat taken aback by this unconventional way of thinking.

Yamaoka, however, wore an expression that suggested he was already used to it.

"Hello, Koji Hikaru, my name is Sasahara Noriyuki, my rank is 6th Dan."

"My name is Narita Shunji, and I am currently a 7th dan. You are welcome to challenge me."

Upon hearing these two names, Ke Zhiguang suddenly felt as if he had seen them somewhere before.

Oh, I remember now.

You two were also there healing me that day!

I checked their color ratings; both were red.

It's worth the effort to use it.

Having recently defeated Yabu in perfect form, he naturally wants to test his proficiency against the red opponent once again.

"Let's get started then, Sixth Dan Senior."

Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Newcomer Takes Office and Burns a Person