Infinity Starting with Hikaru no Go

Page 78

Upon hearing this, Hikaru Shindo gave an awkward laugh and shook his head with somewhat exaggerated acting, replying, "No, I just heard there was a competition here, so I came to check it out."

However, although Hikaru Shindo's acting was somewhat exaggerated, Chen Anxia still believed what Hikaru Shindo said.

Chen Anxia knew that if Hikaru Shindo participated in the competition, with Fujiwara Sai as his cheat code, winning the championship would be as easy as taking candy from a baby.

Therefore, Hikaru Shindo had absolutely no reason to lie.

After all, the final champion is Hikaru Shindo. If Hikaru Shindo lies, wouldn't he be proven wrong when he wins the championship later?

Of course, Hikaru Shindo could also choose to withdraw from the race midway.

But Chen Anxia knew that the man who had etched Go into his soul would not do such a thing.

As for the fact that Hikaru Shindo himself would participate in the competition, Chen Anxia had never even considered it.

Judging from the plot that Chen Anxia vaguely remembers, Hikaru Shindo probably hasn't truly fallen in love with Go yet, so naturally he wouldn't actively want to participate in Go competitions.

Chen Anxia was unaware that, due to his influence, fate had begun to deviate from its predetermined course, and Hikaru Shindo would fall in love with Go even earlier than in the original story.

Without thinking much, Chen Anxia looked at Hikaru Shindo and asked, "The match is over for today. Shall we go back together?"

Hikaru Shindo naturally agreed to Chen Anxia's invitation.

Hikaru Shindo was initially worried that Chen Anxia would remember that he had abandoned him and left with Akira Fujisaki during the school festival.

But Hikaru Shindo soon realized that Chen Anxia didn't seem to care about the matter at all, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, as if he had just thought of something, Hikaru Shindo asked, "By the way, Anxia, ​​do you know where I can play Go against a master?"

Chen Anxia didn't think much of it when he heard this, assuming that Hikaru Shindo was asking on behalf of Fujiwara Sai. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "With your skill level, ordinary Go clubs and tournaments are definitely not enough for you."

"The best choice is undoubtedly a competition of the level of the Seven Titles Challenge."

"However, you need to become a professional Go player before you can register for this level of competition."

Upon hearing Chen Anxia's first words, Hikaru Shindo couldn't help but think to himself, "No, no, no, you flatter me. Ordinary Go clubs and tournaments are perfectly adequate for me. What's truly inadequate is Sai..."

As for what Chen Anxia said next, it made Hikaru Shindo's face fall even further.

Hikaru Shindo would naturally know what the seven title challenges Chen Anxia mentioned are.

At the same time, he knew that given his current situation, it was impossible for him to participate in a competition of this level.

Let alone the Seven Titles Challenge, even slightly higher-level amateur competitions require amateur ranking before you can register to participate.

Fujiwara Sai learned this knowledge along with Shindo Hikaru, so he was naturally aware of the situation, and his originally expectant expression dimmed.

Just then, Chen Anxia spoke up again, saying, "Online Go might be able to satisfy you."

Upon hearing Chen Anxia's words, Hikaru Shindo and Sai Fujiwara were both taken aback and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Online Go?"

Upon seeing this, Chen Anxia first explained what online Go was, and then said, "There should be professional players in online Go, but I don't know if you can be matched with one."

Upon hearing this, Hikaru Shindo murmured thoughtfully, "Online Go?"

Behind him, Fujiwara no Sai, visible only to Hikaru Shindo, was also muttering to himself, "Online Go, which brings together Go players from all over the world..."

"I really want to see it..."

As he spoke, Fujiwara Sai's face revealed a look of longing and anticipation, and the fighting spirit within him was already stirring.

Fujiwara Sai even began to fantasize about playing against Go players from all over the world.

Upon seeing this, Chen Anxia already knew Shindo Hikaru's choice.

At the same time, Chen Anxia also began to look forward to the appearance of Sai, who was regarded by many Go players as the god of Go in the original work.

......

Chapter 117 The Chess AI, Miki's Vow! (Fourth update, please subscribe)

The Go Association of the island nation.

After Shinsuke Ichiyanagi conceded defeat, the man from Iwashima stood up, then bent down and leaned close to Shinsuke Ichiyanagi's ear, chuckling softly, "You were so impulsive before, I thought you were really strong."

"In the end, you're just a piece of trash."

As he spoke, the man from Iwashima slightly opened his narrowed, fox-like eyes, revealing a cold malice as he continued, "I have a suggestion for you: trash should stay in the garbage dump, rotting and decaying. Don't come out and embarrass yourself..."

After saying that, Iwajima sat back down in his chair, as if nothing had happened, and continued to wear his foxy smile.

Shinsuke Ichiyanagi, who was already devastated by the defeat and was hanging his head in silence, clenched his teeth and made his fists so tightly that the veins on his hands bulged.

To be honest, right now, Shinsuke Ichiyanagi really wants to have a full-blown fight with Iwashima.

However, his pride and self-respect allowed Shinsuke Ichiyanagi to control himself, preventing him from displaying such impotent rage and acting inappropriately and rudely after losing the game.

At the same time, a deep sense of powerlessness welled up in Shinsuke Ichiyanagi's heart.

Shinsuke Ichiyanagi knew that if he were strong enough, he would definitely retaliate immediately when the man from Iwashima uttered those vile words.

However, his strength was simply insufficient, and he lost to Iwashima despite giving it his all.

Amidst this cruel reality and sense of powerlessness, Shinsuke Ichiyanagi once again thought of those he had verbally attacked in the past.

At this point, Shinsuke Ichiyanagi was able to understand how they felt back then.

In his heart, Shinsuke Ichiyanagi murmured to himself, "Was I really this bad before?"

After the staff recorded the winner and loser, Shinsuke Ichiyanagi left the arena somewhat dejectedly, not knowing where to go or how to explain it to his father.

He had already promised his father that he would definitely make it to the finals...

He had already sworn an oath to Chen Anxia that he would play chess with him again...

Obviously...

Feeling wronged, resentful, ashamed... all sorts of emotions surfaced in Shinsuke Ichiyanagi's heart at this moment, causing tears to unknowingly stream down his face.

Seeing this, Shintaro Ichiyanagi, who had been keeping a close eye on Shinsuke Ichiyanagi, said with a heavy expression, "Shaman, let's save the sake for next time. I'll be going now."

With that, Shintaro Ichiyanagi chased after Shinsuke Ichiyanagi and left.

Kenjiro Yamazuka did not reply, but just looked at Kiyoharu Yama, who also seemed lost and dejected.

However, Kiyoharu's condition was much better than Shinsuke Ichiyanagi's; at least he didn't feel as much grievance, shame, and helplessness.

The reason why She Qingchun was so distraught was mainly due to resentment and confusion.

Even now, She Qingchun still can't figure out exactly when Chen Anxia started preparing for the feat of slaying the dragon.

On the other side, Miki Yuko noticed Ichiyanagi Shinsuke's expression and state.

Without even asking, Yuko Miki already knew the result of the match.

Without hesitation, Miki Yuko went directly to Iwashima, who was still there, and said, "Let's talk."

When Iwashima saw Miki Yuko, he was slightly taken aback, clearly recognizing her.

Then, a smile of interest appeared on Iwashima's face as he said, "I didn't expect that there would be other players besides me in this tournament."

Yuko Miki didn't reply. She simply turned around coldly and walked towards a quiet, deserted corner.

Upon seeing this, the smile on Iwajima's face gradually cooled, and his brows furrowed slightly.

The man from the island was puzzled. He had clearly accepted a unique quest, so how could other players appear? Could it be that this "unique" quest didn't mean what he understood it to be?

Thinking it over, Iwashima followed.

Upon arriving at their destination, Yuko Miki turned around and looked at Iwashima with a cold and arrogant expression, getting straight to the point: "Did you borrow a power that wasn't yours during the match?"

Upon hearing this, Iwashima frowned and looked at Miki Yuko with some confusion, asking, "Why do you ask that?"

Yuko Miki didn't hesitate and said directly, "I know his skill level. He's not invincible among his peers, but he's rarely matched."

"How could someone like you, an unknown figure who hasn't even made a name for himself in the Go world, possibly defeat him based on his own skill?"

Yuko Miki's words displeased Iwashima, but he quickly realized something and couldn't help but reveal his sly smile again, looking at Yuko Miki with a playful expression, "Why are you so concerned about him? Could it be that you've fallen for him?"

As he spoke, the man from Iwashima made an exaggerated gesture and continued, "No way, really, there are players who actually like game NPCs?"

As the daughter of Go master Miki Sōshi, Miki Yuko naturally focused on cultivating her mental state from a young age, which is why her mental state far surpasses that of her peers.

Naturally, Miki Yuko wouldn't easily get angry because of Iwashima's words and actions; she just looked at Iwashima coldly.

Seeing this, Iwashima also felt bored. He instantly dropped his exaggerated movements and fake fox smile, and looked at Miki Yuko with the same cold expression, saying, "I did borrow the power of the chess AI, but so what?"

"Don't forget, this is just a game after all."

After receiving a definite answer, Yuko Miki's expression grew even colder, and she said, "Perhaps for you, this competition is indeed just a game."

"But for me, this competition is not just a game, but a real competition."

"And yet you actually used a chess-playing AI that is explicitly prohibited from participating in the competition in this real game."

"What you did was not only a violation of the rules and cheating, but also a disgrace to the profession of chess players."

"Just you wait, I will definitely stop you from winning the championship."

With that, Miki Yuko ignored Iwashima's reaction and turned to leave.

As Iwashima watched Miki Yuko's departing figure, he frowned and muttered to himself, "Is this girl out of her mind?"

Then, a mocking expression appeared on the man's face.

Because of his family background, when Iwashima received this sole mission, he managed to obtain a chess-playing AI with a level of AI superior to those available on the market.

According to the information obtained by Iwashima, the chess-playing AI he possessed was assessed to be comparable to high-level professional players.

On this basis, coupled with the unique characteristic of chess AI never getting tired, Iwashima is confident that he can defeat even professional high-level players.

"Tomorrow I'll see just how you're going to stop me..."

As he spoke, Iwashima left the world of "Hikaru no Go".

......

Chapter 118 His name is... Chen Anxia! (Fifth update, please subscribe)

Tonight, for some, is destined to be a sleepless night.

Arrive as promised the next day.

On this day, Hikaru Shindo got up very early, and after having breakfast, he and Sai Fujiwara headed towards the Japan Go Association.