A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled
'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
There’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Never-ending Road: Chapter 3 – The Young Lioness Appears
Chapter 3 – The Young Lioness Appears
Fast-paced Go, now this brought back memories. As Hikaru placed stone after stone, Fuku responded with equally quick play. It was just like back in their insei days, always quick to move, and equally just as quick to finish.
Klak. Klak. Klak. Klak.
The stones hit the board again and again, and Hikaru could see that Fuku's skills had improved in the last two years. In fact, there might even be a few pros present, like Mashiba, whom Fuku could beat.
Klak. Klak. Klak.
Klak.
Sadly for Fuku though, he was playing Hikaru. With a grin Hikaru began to lead Fuku into a complicated game, something that he remembered Fuku had struggled with in the past. At first Fuku's moves kept their usual pace, but soon enough there were long pauses between moves as Fuku struggled to keep up.
Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Klak.
Now Fuku sat there looking at the board, sweat dripping down his cheeks and frowned. This was the longest pause he'd had all game. At first he'd been thrown off by how quickly Hikaru had played that last move after his own, as if he'd been waiting for him to do that.
Ton.
Hikaru had begun to tap his fan on the Go board again, and it caused a shiver to run up Fuku's spine. It was like Hikaru had just told Fuku that he was getting impatient. Should he resign now? Was there any chance left?
Ton.
Sighing, Fuku looked at the board again, and surmised his position. Black was cut off, and if he didn't act soon, would be separated in the center. There was still room to work in the corner, but it was close to the end game now, and that was an area he still struggled in.
Shhft.
Fuku glanced up, and saw that instead of tapping his fan, Hikaru had now opened it, holding it up to his face as he gazed down at the board, then looked up to give a sharp glare at Fuku, who quite literally jumped. It wasn't just Hikaru's skills that had improved, but his presence too… it was like Fuku's mind had gone blank. Hikaru was telling him that it was time to resign, that defeat was inevitable. The force of that glare, the tapping of the bowl, but more importantly the disparity appearing on the board.
Bowing his head, Fuku closed his eyes. "I resign."
Closing the fan to reveal a warm smile that totally belied the intensity and presence of moments before. Hikaru was back to how Fuku remembered him, as someone who loved Go and found the very idea of playing fun.
"That was a good game Fuku. Your reading of the game has gotten a lot better. When you played here for instance, it made my shape difficult to maintain."
"Yeah, but then you went here, and it got complicated. Do you think I should have gone here instead?"
Hikaru shook his head, "No, that was a good move, but after you went there, you should have gone here to force me to protect these stones. I think the only real problem you had was that while you play your best at that fast pace, you have to be able to slow it down when you need to as well. Rushing into here wasn't smart, it would have been better to make a hane here and then pull back. Even a light exchange would have been manageable. Your ability to read hasn't quite caught up to the speed at which you play, so you make moves like this one because it seems good at the time, but if you keep looking ahead it becomes a liability."
Fuku nodded. Then smiling in his usual way thanked Hikaru and began to put away the stones. "I was playing this new insei the other day. He likes to play fast too, or at least he does against me."
"Yeah, I played a lot faster than I normally did against you too. I think it's an advantage if you can throw off your opponent's rhythm, but speed Go is a specialty of mine so it was just a bad match up for you. So, how did you do against that new insei."
Fuku sighed. "I lost by two and a half points. He took them from me in the end game."
Hikaru nodded then began to look around. "Is he playing here today?"
Fuku shook his head. "No, he just got into A League so he hasn't gotten up the ranks just yet. He will though."
Hikaru cocked an eyebrow. "Really, is he that strong?"
Fuku nodded. Then glancing off towards another table, Fuku said, "I'm going to go watch Waya's game now." Hikaru nodded and watched Fuku walk off. A new insei that's really strong huh? Sounds fun, I'd like to play him sometime.
Standing up, Hikaru glanced over at the table across the way where Akira was playing. Many viewers surrounded it; Akira was always popular. One day though they'd watch his games with the same desire. Waya's table was also getting crowded, though mostly by the insei, only a few that he recognized. It'd never occurred to him that the ranks of the insei would change, that new players with the same desire as him would continue to arise. Even as he'd chased after Akira and the pros, so now were new players chasing after him.
Turning around, Hikaru looked over at the game going on behind him between Nase and Tajima 2 –Dan. It didn't take Hikaru long to surmise the situation on the board. As it stood Nase was currently ahead by a few points, although the game was still too close to call. It might even go all the way to the end from the look of things. Still, Nase was playing very well, much better than he remembered her playing before. And he didn't mean just by the type of improvement he'd just seen in Fuku either.
Tajima wasn't giving up though. His most recent move had been good, and now threatened black's shape. If black lost those stones it would spell Nase's doom, but if she could hold onto them, especially given the effort that Tajima was making to take them, she should win. Still, that stone was a problem, as it couldn't just be taken, but something had to be done.
Wait. Hikaru's eyes caught onto one spot on the board, and immediately read ahead. What if she…
Reaching for her bowl, Nase stretched out her arm and gently set the stone down right where Hikaru had just been eyeing. The expression now on Tajima's face said it all, and Hikaru grinned. So, she was able to see it too. Or was it just luck?
After a short pause, Tajima moved, then Nase followed suit.
Klak. Klak
Klak. Klak.
It was no use though and Hikaru knew it. Tajima had played a strong game, but his counter to Nase's move had been too timid. It had been quite obvious that Tajima had not seen that move, which meant that for at least that moment, Nase had been above him.
At last Tajima lowered his head and resigned. As the pair thanked one another, Hikaru commented, "That was a really nice game Nase. I'm very impressed."
Nase turned to look up at Hikaru and blushed. "T-thank you Shindo. I'm really surprised that I did so well. How much did you see?"
"Just the very end. This move here, I was especially impressed with it."
Tajima nodded. "Yeah, that was a very good move. I didn't even notice it until after she played it. It really threw me off."
Nase's face beamed. "Yeah, I was just looking at the board, I looked at that spot, and suddenly it occurred to me. Shindo, did you…"
A sudden commotion across the way halted Nase's question. As the trio turned to look, they saw it was coming from around Waya's table. Suddenly a thought hit Hikaru, and he muttered, "No way." He then walked over towards the table, followed closely by Tajima.
Nase remained in her seat for a moment, reserved, then finished, "Did you see the move?" Sighing, Nase got up and walked over to see what the commotion was about.
When she arrived, standing next to Hikaru who was now taller than her, Nase tried to see what was going on from around the people in front. Frustrated, she turned to Hikaru and whispered, "What happened?"
Hikaru leaned close to her and whispered back, "It looks like Komiya just defeated Waya."
"Damn it, I can't believe I lost!" Scowling in frustration, Waya took a bite out of his cheeseburger. All from one mistake. He'd nearly come back in the end, just a half a point shy. It was really vexing, losing to an insei in the first round of the tournament. This must be how all the pros that lost to insei felt.
Looking over now at the others sitting in the booth with him, Waya felt like he was in a flashback. Isumi, Honda, Hikaru and Nase were all there, just like they were during their insei days. Fuku was absent, but that was due to a bathroom break that he would shortly return from. "So, the rest of you won huh?"
They all nodded, and Hikaru added, "Fuku lost though."
Waya's frown only deepened. "Of course, he was playing you Shindo!"
Nase interjected, "But Waya, Fuku really has gotten a lot better since you were an insei."
Hikaru agreed, then added, "And so have you Nase. The way you played, you were certainly above Tajima today." Nase's face flushed and she grinned broadly.
"So Tajima lost huh? Which other pros lost?"
Honda answered, "I think Murakami 2 – Dan lost to Adachi. I don't know if anyone else lost to the insei, I haven't checked the first round results yet."
Taking a sip from his soft drink, Waya asked, "Now that I think about it, does anyone know how Ochi-"
"So Waya," a smug, superior voice interrupted, "I heard you lost to Komiya. And you call yourself a pro Go player?"
Fuming, Waya shouted back at the kid, "Shut up Ochi! I can still beat you!"
Ochi chuckled, then pushed his glasses back up and replied, "Heh, you only beat me once as a pro, and you couldn't beat me in the preliminaries for the Hokuto Cup. I guess this just shows the difference in our current skill."
"You Punk!"
"Waya, calm down." Isumi interjected. "He's just trying to provoke you. It's not worth it."
Waya glared at Isumi, then back at Ochi before leaning back in his seat and exhaling. Easy for you to say Isumi. You won your game. Ochi meanwhile just chuckled again, then his eyes fell on Hikaru, and his expression went taut with seriousness. Without saying another word, Ochi then walked off.
Watching him leave, Nase then said, "I guess that means Ochi won. I wonder who he plays after lunch?"
Hikaru took a sip from his drink then said, "Me."
Waya's face lit up with excitement. "All right Shindo, kick his ass, send Ochi to the bathroom!"
Smiling awkwardly, Hikaru replied, "I'll do my best." He then turned to Nase and said, "So, who do you play in the second match?"
Nase's expression went serious, and her eyes lowered slightly. "Honda."
Honda glanced up, surprise evident on his face. It seemed apparent that he had not checked beforehand to see whom his second round opponent would be.
Ten minutes later the group had made its way back to the game room, and they splintered off towards their respective game tables. Ochi was already waiting for Hikaru, and as Hikaru sat down Ochi sent a hard glare at his opponent. This was not an opponent that Ochi could take lightly. More importantly, if he ever wanted to prove how good of a player he was, he couldn't lose to Hikaru.
As the games started, Waya stood by Hikaru's table to watch. While he wanted to see Ochi get his ass whooped badly, watching Hikaru play was a sight all its own. Especially since returning from the Hokuto Cup. Waya hadn't been the only one to notice the rise in Hikaru's play either. Both Shirakawa and Saeki had made similar comments.
The game was progressing slowly. Ochi was using his time cautiously, something that Waya could sympathize with when it came to playing Hikaru. Of course Waya hadn't played Hikaru yet as pros in an official game; the match they would have played being a forfeit during Hikaru's stint of no shows. Another move by Ochi, and now Waya was fairly certain that Ochi had changed his strategy at least twice already. Hikaru was simply countering every move Ochi made, as if waiting for something while he continued to amass territory. Several of Hikaru's moves had made no sense to Waya at first, only to come to light five or six moves later when the purpose became clear with an attack here or there. Ochi was barely hanging on at this point, and the sweat dripping down his face told Waya that he knew it too.
The more Waya thought about it, the more Hikaru's moves began to remind him of the games he'd seen Sai play on the internet years before. He was certain that Hikaru wasn't Sai, but the idea that Hikaru might know Sai, might even be his student, was appealing. Then again, it might just be appealing because it would make the impossibility of someone like Hikaru, having only started playing Go three years ago, becoming a pro only two years later and reaching such a level with no mentor, existing seem more plausible. If it wasn't the case, then Ochi's favorite question became all the more intriguing, 'Who is Shindo?'
By now Waya was not the only person watching, Akira had joined in to watch as well. Having won again easily, Akira now seemed focused on observing his rival's game. It was one of the few times he could do so, given the lack of game records kept for the lower rounds of the tournaments. Watching would be a good way to measure Hikaru, even if his opponent was Ochi.
Glancing back to the board, Waya grinned, as it was now clear with that last exchange that Hikaru would win. Capturing that corner had gained him eight points, and with nothing but the end game remaining, it was unlikely that Ochi could catch up. Hearing something, Waya glanced over to Hikaru and saw him tapping his fan against his hand again and again.
A low growl traveled over the board as Ochi's fists tightened in anger and frustration. Finally, sweat dripping off his chin, he said, "I resign."
As Hikaru thanked Ochi for the game Waya caught Akira mutter under his breath, "As expected" before turning to leave. Waya however, did not appear to be the only one to hear Akira, as with a sharp yet defeated glare, Ochi stood up and took off, struggling to hold back the rush of emotions and tears.
Sighing, Hikaru looked up at Waya and said, "Well that was a good game. Ochi's getting better too, everyone seems to be getting better. Maybe I need to start looking out for everyone more." As Hikaru began to clear off the board, Waya just stood there watching his friend. Was he serious? Did Hikaru not realize just how strong he was? Surely he knew, yet there he was saying he'd have to watch out for Ochi and everyone else here. It was hard to believe that this was the kid whom he'd taken under his wing when he first arrived as an insei two years ago. Hikaru was like a little brother to him, but now here he was, having surpassed him and still saying he needed to look out. He was either very naïve or else very wise.
As Hikaru finished cleaning up, they both glanced over towards Honda's table in time to see Honda shakily lower his head. The pair just watched in shock for a moment, then Hikaru said, "Did Honda lose?"
The pair looked at one another for a moment then took off at a quick pace for Honda's table. They got there just as Nase was finished commenting on one of Honda's moves. Scanning the board for a moment before Honda ruined it by gathering the stones together, Hikaru had seen what appeared to be a very exquisite game. He'd have to get Honda to recreate the game afterwards.
When they finished putting the stones away, Nase got up and pulled out her cell phone so that she could call her folks up to give them the results. This was a ritual that both Waya and Hikaru recognized from before. As Nase walked off, Hikaru looked back to Honda and the board and asked, "I didn't see it for long but it looked like a good game. Did you open at tengen?"
Honda shook his head. "No, I opened up on the upper right star point. I started out strong and I thought I had a good position going into the middle game, but then she just started pushing and pushing. It reminded me of how you played me during the pro exam Shindo. I fought back, but then she did this move I didn't even think of and my center started to collapse."
Hikaru nodded, and glanced at Waya who was wearing a rather amazed yet worried expression. Hikaru however, was more intrigued than he was worried. "I saw her do something similar in her game against Tajima earlier. She saw a path to survival that a lot of the lower Dans might have missed. It was impressive. Still, I didn't get to see much of it."
Honda, sweat dripping from his face still, looked up at the two and said, "I'll say this, I played her on the third to last day of the Pro Exam, and beat her then by 4 and a half points. Now though…" He looked back down at the bare Go board, "She's stronger. She's gotten a lot stronger since then."
Fast-paced Go, now this brought back memories. As Hikaru placed stone after stone, Fuku responded with equally quick play. It was just like back in their insei days, always quick to move, and equally just as quick to finish.
Klak. Klak. Klak. Klak.
The stones hit the board again and again, and Hikaru could see that Fuku's skills had improved in the last two years. In fact, there might even be a few pros present, like Mashiba, whom Fuku could beat.
Klak. Klak. Klak.
Klak.
Sadly for Fuku though, he was playing Hikaru. With a grin Hikaru began to lead Fuku into a complicated game, something that he remembered Fuku had struggled with in the past. At first Fuku's moves kept their usual pace, but soon enough there were long pauses between moves as Fuku struggled to keep up.
Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Klak.
Now Fuku sat there looking at the board, sweat dripping down his cheeks and frowned. This was the longest pause he'd had all game. At first he'd been thrown off by how quickly Hikaru had played that last move after his own, as if he'd been waiting for him to do that.
Ton.
Hikaru had begun to tap his fan on the Go board again, and it caused a shiver to run up Fuku's spine. It was like Hikaru had just told Fuku that he was getting impatient. Should he resign now? Was there any chance left?
Ton.
Sighing, Fuku looked at the board again, and surmised his position. Black was cut off, and if he didn't act soon, would be separated in the center. There was still room to work in the corner, but it was close to the end game now, and that was an area he still struggled in.
Shhft.
Fuku glanced up, and saw that instead of tapping his fan, Hikaru had now opened it, holding it up to his face as he gazed down at the board, then looked up to give a sharp glare at Fuku, who quite literally jumped. It wasn't just Hikaru's skills that had improved, but his presence too… it was like Fuku's mind had gone blank. Hikaru was telling him that it was time to resign, that defeat was inevitable. The force of that glare, the tapping of the bowl, but more importantly the disparity appearing on the board.
Bowing his head, Fuku closed his eyes. "I resign."
Closing the fan to reveal a warm smile that totally belied the intensity and presence of moments before. Hikaru was back to how Fuku remembered him, as someone who loved Go and found the very idea of playing fun.
"That was a good game Fuku. Your reading of the game has gotten a lot better. When you played here for instance, it made my shape difficult to maintain."
"Yeah, but then you went here, and it got complicated. Do you think I should have gone here instead?"
Hikaru shook his head, "No, that was a good move, but after you went there, you should have gone here to force me to protect these stones. I think the only real problem you had was that while you play your best at that fast pace, you have to be able to slow it down when you need to as well. Rushing into here wasn't smart, it would have been better to make a hane here and then pull back. Even a light exchange would have been manageable. Your ability to read hasn't quite caught up to the speed at which you play, so you make moves like this one because it seems good at the time, but if you keep looking ahead it becomes a liability."
Fuku nodded. Then smiling in his usual way thanked Hikaru and began to put away the stones. "I was playing this new insei the other day. He likes to play fast too, or at least he does against me."
"Yeah, I played a lot faster than I normally did against you too. I think it's an advantage if you can throw off your opponent's rhythm, but speed Go is a specialty of mine so it was just a bad match up for you. So, how did you do against that new insei."
Fuku sighed. "I lost by two and a half points. He took them from me in the end game."
Hikaru nodded then began to look around. "Is he playing here today?"
Fuku shook his head. "No, he just got into A League so he hasn't gotten up the ranks just yet. He will though."
Hikaru cocked an eyebrow. "Really, is he that strong?"
Fuku nodded. Then glancing off towards another table, Fuku said, "I'm going to go watch Waya's game now." Hikaru nodded and watched Fuku walk off. A new insei that's really strong huh? Sounds fun, I'd like to play him sometime.
Standing up, Hikaru glanced over at the table across the way where Akira was playing. Many viewers surrounded it; Akira was always popular. One day though they'd watch his games with the same desire. Waya's table was also getting crowded, though mostly by the insei, only a few that he recognized. It'd never occurred to him that the ranks of the insei would change, that new players with the same desire as him would continue to arise. Even as he'd chased after Akira and the pros, so now were new players chasing after him.
Turning around, Hikaru looked over at the game going on behind him between Nase and Tajima 2 –Dan. It didn't take Hikaru long to surmise the situation on the board. As it stood Nase was currently ahead by a few points, although the game was still too close to call. It might even go all the way to the end from the look of things. Still, Nase was playing very well, much better than he remembered her playing before. And he didn't mean just by the type of improvement he'd just seen in Fuku either.
Tajima wasn't giving up though. His most recent move had been good, and now threatened black's shape. If black lost those stones it would spell Nase's doom, but if she could hold onto them, especially given the effort that Tajima was making to take them, she should win. Still, that stone was a problem, as it couldn't just be taken, but something had to be done.
Wait. Hikaru's eyes caught onto one spot on the board, and immediately read ahead. What if she…
Reaching for her bowl, Nase stretched out her arm and gently set the stone down right where Hikaru had just been eyeing. The expression now on Tajima's face said it all, and Hikaru grinned. So, she was able to see it too. Or was it just luck?
After a short pause, Tajima moved, then Nase followed suit.
Klak. Klak
Klak. Klak.
It was no use though and Hikaru knew it. Tajima had played a strong game, but his counter to Nase's move had been too timid. It had been quite obvious that Tajima had not seen that move, which meant that for at least that moment, Nase had been above him.
At last Tajima lowered his head and resigned. As the pair thanked one another, Hikaru commented, "That was a really nice game Nase. I'm very impressed."
Nase turned to look up at Hikaru and blushed. "T-thank you Shindo. I'm really surprised that I did so well. How much did you see?"
"Just the very end. This move here, I was especially impressed with it."
Tajima nodded. "Yeah, that was a very good move. I didn't even notice it until after she played it. It really threw me off."
Nase's face beamed. "Yeah, I was just looking at the board, I looked at that spot, and suddenly it occurred to me. Shindo, did you…"
A sudden commotion across the way halted Nase's question. As the trio turned to look, they saw it was coming from around Waya's table. Suddenly a thought hit Hikaru, and he muttered, "No way." He then walked over towards the table, followed closely by Tajima.
Nase remained in her seat for a moment, reserved, then finished, "Did you see the move?" Sighing, Nase got up and walked over to see what the commotion was about.
When she arrived, standing next to Hikaru who was now taller than her, Nase tried to see what was going on from around the people in front. Frustrated, she turned to Hikaru and whispered, "What happened?"
Hikaru leaned close to her and whispered back, "It looks like Komiya just defeated Waya."
"Damn it, I can't believe I lost!" Scowling in frustration, Waya took a bite out of his cheeseburger. All from one mistake. He'd nearly come back in the end, just a half a point shy. It was really vexing, losing to an insei in the first round of the tournament. This must be how all the pros that lost to insei felt.
Looking over now at the others sitting in the booth with him, Waya felt like he was in a flashback. Isumi, Honda, Hikaru and Nase were all there, just like they were during their insei days. Fuku was absent, but that was due to a bathroom break that he would shortly return from. "So, the rest of you won huh?"
They all nodded, and Hikaru added, "Fuku lost though."
Waya's frown only deepened. "Of course, he was playing you Shindo!"
Nase interjected, "But Waya, Fuku really has gotten a lot better since you were an insei."
Hikaru agreed, then added, "And so have you Nase. The way you played, you were certainly above Tajima today." Nase's face flushed and she grinned broadly.
"So Tajima lost huh? Which other pros lost?"
Honda answered, "I think Murakami 2 – Dan lost to Adachi. I don't know if anyone else lost to the insei, I haven't checked the first round results yet."
Taking a sip from his soft drink, Waya asked, "Now that I think about it, does anyone know how Ochi-"
"So Waya," a smug, superior voice interrupted, "I heard you lost to Komiya. And you call yourself a pro Go player?"
Fuming, Waya shouted back at the kid, "Shut up Ochi! I can still beat you!"
Ochi chuckled, then pushed his glasses back up and replied, "Heh, you only beat me once as a pro, and you couldn't beat me in the preliminaries for the Hokuto Cup. I guess this just shows the difference in our current skill."
"You Punk!"
"Waya, calm down." Isumi interjected. "He's just trying to provoke you. It's not worth it."
Waya glared at Isumi, then back at Ochi before leaning back in his seat and exhaling. Easy for you to say Isumi. You won your game. Ochi meanwhile just chuckled again, then his eyes fell on Hikaru, and his expression went taut with seriousness. Without saying another word, Ochi then walked off.
Watching him leave, Nase then said, "I guess that means Ochi won. I wonder who he plays after lunch?"
Hikaru took a sip from his drink then said, "Me."
Waya's face lit up with excitement. "All right Shindo, kick his ass, send Ochi to the bathroom!"
Smiling awkwardly, Hikaru replied, "I'll do my best." He then turned to Nase and said, "So, who do you play in the second match?"
Nase's expression went serious, and her eyes lowered slightly. "Honda."
Honda glanced up, surprise evident on his face. It seemed apparent that he had not checked beforehand to see whom his second round opponent would be.
Ten minutes later the group had made its way back to the game room, and they splintered off towards their respective game tables. Ochi was already waiting for Hikaru, and as Hikaru sat down Ochi sent a hard glare at his opponent. This was not an opponent that Ochi could take lightly. More importantly, if he ever wanted to prove how good of a player he was, he couldn't lose to Hikaru.
As the games started, Waya stood by Hikaru's table to watch. While he wanted to see Ochi get his ass whooped badly, watching Hikaru play was a sight all its own. Especially since returning from the Hokuto Cup. Waya hadn't been the only one to notice the rise in Hikaru's play either. Both Shirakawa and Saeki had made similar comments.
The game was progressing slowly. Ochi was using his time cautiously, something that Waya could sympathize with when it came to playing Hikaru. Of course Waya hadn't played Hikaru yet as pros in an official game; the match they would have played being a forfeit during Hikaru's stint of no shows. Another move by Ochi, and now Waya was fairly certain that Ochi had changed his strategy at least twice already. Hikaru was simply countering every move Ochi made, as if waiting for something while he continued to amass territory. Several of Hikaru's moves had made no sense to Waya at first, only to come to light five or six moves later when the purpose became clear with an attack here or there. Ochi was barely hanging on at this point, and the sweat dripping down his face told Waya that he knew it too.
The more Waya thought about it, the more Hikaru's moves began to remind him of the games he'd seen Sai play on the internet years before. He was certain that Hikaru wasn't Sai, but the idea that Hikaru might know Sai, might even be his student, was appealing. Then again, it might just be appealing because it would make the impossibility of someone like Hikaru, having only started playing Go three years ago, becoming a pro only two years later and reaching such a level with no mentor, existing seem more plausible. If it wasn't the case, then Ochi's favorite question became all the more intriguing, 'Who is Shindo?'
By now Waya was not the only person watching, Akira had joined in to watch as well. Having won again easily, Akira now seemed focused on observing his rival's game. It was one of the few times he could do so, given the lack of game records kept for the lower rounds of the tournaments. Watching would be a good way to measure Hikaru, even if his opponent was Ochi.
Glancing back to the board, Waya grinned, as it was now clear with that last exchange that Hikaru would win. Capturing that corner had gained him eight points, and with nothing but the end game remaining, it was unlikely that Ochi could catch up. Hearing something, Waya glanced over to Hikaru and saw him tapping his fan against his hand again and again.
A low growl traveled over the board as Ochi's fists tightened in anger and frustration. Finally, sweat dripping off his chin, he said, "I resign."
As Hikaru thanked Ochi for the game Waya caught Akira mutter under his breath, "As expected" before turning to leave. Waya however, did not appear to be the only one to hear Akira, as with a sharp yet defeated glare, Ochi stood up and took off, struggling to hold back the rush of emotions and tears.
Sighing, Hikaru looked up at Waya and said, "Well that was a good game. Ochi's getting better too, everyone seems to be getting better. Maybe I need to start looking out for everyone more." As Hikaru began to clear off the board, Waya just stood there watching his friend. Was he serious? Did Hikaru not realize just how strong he was? Surely he knew, yet there he was saying he'd have to watch out for Ochi and everyone else here. It was hard to believe that this was the kid whom he'd taken under his wing when he first arrived as an insei two years ago. Hikaru was like a little brother to him, but now here he was, having surpassed him and still saying he needed to look out. He was either very naïve or else very wise.
As Hikaru finished cleaning up, they both glanced over towards Honda's table in time to see Honda shakily lower his head. The pair just watched in shock for a moment, then Hikaru said, "Did Honda lose?"
The pair looked at one another for a moment then took off at a quick pace for Honda's table. They got there just as Nase was finished commenting on one of Honda's moves. Scanning the board for a moment before Honda ruined it by gathering the stones together, Hikaru had seen what appeared to be a very exquisite game. He'd have to get Honda to recreate the game afterwards.
When they finished putting the stones away, Nase got up and pulled out her cell phone so that she could call her folks up to give them the results. This was a ritual that both Waya and Hikaru recognized from before. As Nase walked off, Hikaru looked back to Honda and the board and asked, "I didn't see it for long but it looked like a good game. Did you open at tengen?"
Honda shook his head. "No, I opened up on the upper right star point. I started out strong and I thought I had a good position going into the middle game, but then she just started pushing and pushing. It reminded me of how you played me during the pro exam Shindo. I fought back, but then she did this move I didn't even think of and my center started to collapse."
Hikaru nodded, and glanced at Waya who was wearing a rather amazed yet worried expression. Hikaru however, was more intrigued than he was worried. "I saw her do something similar in her game against Tajima earlier. She saw a path to survival that a lot of the lower Dans might have missed. It was impressive. Still, I didn't get to see much of it."
Honda, sweat dripping from his face still, looked up at the two and said, "I'll say this, I played her on the third to last day of the Pro Exam, and beat her then by 4 and a half points. Now though…" He looked back down at the bare Go board, "She's stronger. She's gotten a lot stronger since then."
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Never-ending Road: Chapter 2 – The Waya Cup Begins
Chapter 2 – The Waya Cup Begins
"All right players", Hikaru called out, "the first round of the Waya Cup will now begin!"
Five other people in the room joined Hikaru in laughter with Ochi, who seemed too serious and focused to join in, and Waya as the only ones not laughing. "The Waya Cup! Just what do you think this is Shindo?"
"It's a Go tournament of course" Hikaru replied. "Even if it's not sanctioned by the Go Association, it's still a Go tournament amongst us pros. It needs a name, makes it more fun, not to mention now it sounds serious."
"Yes, that's right" Isumi chimed in, "and if we all start to improve our games and people start to hear about this, who knows, the Waya Cup could become famous."
It was Saeki's turn to join in. "Yeah, and then one day great players will battle for the opportunity to win the title of Waya! Who knows, maybe I'll be the first person to hold the Waya title!" This caused the group to burst out into even louder fits of laughter, with even Waya joining in with a soft chuckle. They had the right idea after all. While he'd wanted this to be a serious tournament, Waya also wanted everyone to have fun playing it. Go was supposed to be fun.
Glancing down at the tournament schedule he'd drawn up for this round robin tournament, Waya grinned evilly. "Well future first Waya, I hope you're feeling good today, because your first opponent is Shindo."
Saeki blanched, which caused Waya, Hikaru, and Isumi to laugh. Honda and Kadowaki's expressions only darkened though. They, like everyone else in the room, knew Hikaru's strength, and it was far beyond their own. While Hikaru was definitely fun and helpful in the advancement of their games, it was hard to call someone that much better than them a rival the way Waya and Isumi did.
2) Nakayama - 1 8 3 4 5 6 7
3) Saeki - 7 1 2 8 4 5 6
4) Honda - 6 7 1 2 3 8 5
5) Ochi - 8 6 7 1 2 3 4
6) Kadowaki - 4 5 8 7 1 2 3
7) Shindo - 3 4 5 6 8 1 2
8) Waya - 5 2 6 3 7 4 1
So he played Hikaru, followed by Isumi, Nakayama, Waya, Honda, Ochi, and at the end Kadowaki. Well, it certainly sounded like fun. Now though, he had to focus.
"After black went here, white went here, but that's not a good move. All black has to do is respond here, and then he can expand his central territory, and this stone becomes useless." Kadowaki nodded at Hikaru's comment, then replied, "Yeah, I wanted to cut black off here, but this shape didn't feel right."
All the first games were over, and discussion on several of them had begun. Isumi and Nakayama had volunteered to go pick up lunch for the rest, as their game had been the first to finish, Isumi having forced an early resignation off Nakayama's misread. While Hikaru's game against Saeki had probably been the highest quality, and thus the initial topic of discussion, Honda and Kadowaki's game was the most interesting.
"That first move just really surprised me, and my rhythm got thrown off. After that it was hard to catch back up."
Hikaru smiled. "Yeah, Honda tried opening with tengen against me in the first round preliminary for the Hokuto Cup too. That was a fun game."
Waya chimed in, "Yeah, and then you went to tengen on the second move against Yakiro in the final preliminary match after he went to 5-5 on you. That was crazy."
Hikaru grinned. "Still Honda, you've gotten better with the tengen opening, just don't do it all the time, or it becomes predictable. Also, while your move here was good, it would have been better to attach here."
There was a collective 'ohhh' from the group. Ochi then replied, "That is good, but what if white responds here, then it doesn't work how you want it to."
"Then I'd go here and gain territory in the upper right. White has to then protect here, and uses extra moves while black consolidates the center."
Waya watched Hikaru curiously. It was hard to believe this was the same kid who'd struggled for months in B League as an insei. Not just here, he'd seen Hikaru's ability to read in Morishita's study group on many occasions, most notably when they had discussed the game between Koyo Toya and Sai. The fact that Hikaru had noticed something that even Koyo Toya had missed was… scary.
Just then the door opened and they heard Isumi call out, "We're back." Everyone began to get up from around the Go board to make room for Isumi and Nakayama to set down the lunches. As Waya did so his foot brushed a copy of the latest Weekly Go.
Eyes widening, he turned to Hikaru and said, "Shindo, did you see Weekly Go this week? There's an article in it about you."
Looking very serious all of a sudden, Hikaru answered, "Yeah, I saw it."
"Well I haven't", Saeki replied, "what's it say?"
"It was by the new guy, Kosemura. Talks about Shindo's heroic game, despite losing to Ko Yeong Ha. Also mentions that game he won against Hon Suyon when they were insei. He really praised Shindo."
Isumi took the magazine and flipped to the article. "Whoa, he even has Kurata defending the first chair decision, saying anyone who understands Go should understand after seeing the game record. Wow." Isumi then glanced over at Hikaru and saw that he was looking taut and a little angered. "Shindo, what's the matter? This article is acknowledging you, aren't you always saying you want that?"
Walking over to the window, Hikaru gazed out it and said, "Read the last part."
Isumi scanned down and then stopped. "Despite the obvious talent that Shindo Beginner – Dan has shown, many still wonder how Akira Toya 3 – Dan would have faired, given his superior abilities. While these questions remain unanswered, it is likely we will see more of this rising young player in the months and years to come." Now it all made sense, it was about Akira Toya.
Isumi was about to respond, but Waya beat him to it. "Oh come on Shindo, who cares what the reporters think about Akira Toya. That Toya, he's just a jerk."
Hikaru remained silent. Toya. You are my rival, and I know the difference in our skill is negligible, but no one else seems to know that. I have to show them, everyone, that I can beat you. Somehow. Turning to face the others, Hikaru said, "I'm going to beat him, I have to beat him."
"Well," Isumi replied, "you might have your chance in the next couple of weeks."
Kadowaki looked over at Isumi confused. "What are you talking about Isumi?"
Hikaru answered it for him. "The Young Lions Tournament. I won't be able to play him until the last day though."
"Oh yeah, that thing between pros and insei. Are you in it Isumi?"
Isumi nodded. "Yes, this is my last chance to enter it, and the only time I'll be able to as a pro. I'm really looking forward to it."
Saeki then interjected, "Yeah, I can't enter it this year, so Waya and Shindo have to represent Morishita's group. Which reminds me, Shindo, don't focus on Toya and forget about your match this Wednesday against Ashiwara. Morishita-sensei will be furious if you lose to him."
Hikaru just stared off with a distant, yet determined gaze. Then he said, "Don't worry Saeki, I won't lose."
Sitting before the goban, Hikaru waited for Ashiwara, his opponent in the Kisei Tournament 1st Preliminary finals. The loser would start over next year, the winner moved onto the second preliminary, to the higher Dans. He felt calm, ready for the challenge before him. Of course, it would be nothing like the game he'd played against Ko Yeong Ha, Ashiwara 4 – Dan, for all of Morishita's theatrics at the need to beat him, was not on the same level as Ko Yeong Ha, Akira, or himself.
Movement at the entrance caught Hikaru's eye, but it was not his opponent. He watched as Tadao 2 – Dan made his way to another goban on the other side of the room, sitting down with a rather dismal look on his face. The reason for that look entered moments later in the form of Akira Toya, Tadao's opponent today in the 1st Preliminary for the Judan Tournament 2nd round.
Akira. He had already advanced to the 2nd preliminary for the Kisei Tournament, and if he won today, Hikaru would join him. There they would face the higher Dans, and while Hikaru was now able to cause a great many of the lower Dans to tremble with the thought of playing him, he didn't have the effect that Akira had, which caused even some of the higher Dans to worry. That was why he had to win, to play more games, to face the higher Dans and show them what he could do, to gain strength and progress down this endless path of Go he had chosen.
His attention left Akira as Ashiwara entered the room, looked around, and upon spotting Hikaru began to make his way over. Something about Ashiwara seemed different to Hikaru though. The last few times he'd seen Ashiwara he had shown a rather cheery demeanor, one that seemed to spook out Saeki. Today though he seemed tense, even a little nervous. That was fine though with Hikaru, if he was nervous then Hikaru would just crush him quickly.
Kneeling before the board, the two watched each other silently, while a bead of sweat slid down Ashiwara's cheek. So, today I finally face Akira's rival, Hikaru Shindo. The game record from his game in the Hokuto Cup… I doubt I could have played like that. Not to mention the way Kurata talked about him. I must stay calm, and play a cautious game.
Finally the buzzer went off, and the pair moved to nigiri. Half a minute later the pair traded bowls, and after saying, "Onegaishimasu" Hikaru went first, moving to the 3-4 point. The game began to progress, seemingly peaceful until Ashiwara placed a stone in the upper right. Hikaru's eye's flashed and his hand darted in, placing his stone with deadly precision. Klak.
Ashiwara moved to counter, then Hikaru moved with great speed, not even taking time between his moves. Ashiwara was perplexed. Hikaru was pressing in hard and attacking, but he seemed so focused on taking that one stone. Sure it was important, but not vital. He'd let him push there, and while that happened he'd cut Hikaru's stones off and secure the upper right.
Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Ashiwara gasped. That stone that Hikaru had been pushing for, it hadn't been for what he'd thought. He'd never even considered attacking that way. How could he have misread that. He'd have to endure, make a light exchange, and try to work his way to the center if he wanted to recover.
Klak. But Hikaru kept pushing, not relenting on the misread, and before Ashiwara's eyes white began to die in the center, just as it was already dead in the upper right.
Ton. Hikaru had begun to tap his fan on the stone bowl, apparently not worried in the least. Ashiwara looked up from the board at his opponent, and gasped. The look in Hikaru's eyes, the same he'd seen before in Akira. That look of confidence and superiority. The absolute belief that he was as above Ashiwara as the board seemed to indicate.
Closing his fist and feeling the sweat on his palms, Ashiwara looked again at the board and sighed. Lowering his head, he closed his eyes and said, "I resign."
Hikaru thanked him for the game, and with the same nonchalant expression, but all the intensity and presence of a moment before gone, he said, "So Ashiwara, would you like to discuss the game?"
Ashiwara just stared at Hikaru for a moment, and his eyes widened as he realized just how much that article might have understated this boy. The game record had been the most accurate part by far, and now he understood why it was that Akira had begun to drive himself so hard, stretching the limits of his game. There truly was someone coming up after him.
"All right players", Hikaru called out, "the first round of the Waya Cup will now begin!"
Five other people in the room joined Hikaru in laughter with Ochi, who seemed too serious and focused to join in, and Waya as the only ones not laughing. "The Waya Cup! Just what do you think this is Shindo?"
"It's a Go tournament of course" Hikaru replied. "Even if it's not sanctioned by the Go Association, it's still a Go tournament amongst us pros. It needs a name, makes it more fun, not to mention now it sounds serious."
"Yes, that's right" Isumi chimed in, "and if we all start to improve our games and people start to hear about this, who knows, the Waya Cup could become famous."
It was Saeki's turn to join in. "Yeah, and then one day great players will battle for the opportunity to win the title of Waya! Who knows, maybe I'll be the first person to hold the Waya title!" This caused the group to burst out into even louder fits of laughter, with even Waya joining in with a soft chuckle. They had the right idea after all. While he'd wanted this to be a serious tournament, Waya also wanted everyone to have fun playing it. Go was supposed to be fun.
Glancing down at the tournament schedule he'd drawn up for this round robin tournament, Waya grinned evilly. "Well future first Waya, I hope you're feeling good today, because your first opponent is Shindo."
Saeki blanched, which caused Waya, Hikaru, and Isumi to laugh. Honda and Kadowaki's expressions only darkened though. They, like everyone else in the room, knew Hikaru's strength, and it was far beyond their own. While Hikaru was definitely fun and helpful in the advancement of their games, it was hard to call someone that much better than them a rival the way Waya and Isumi did.
"All
right, let's have a great game then Saeki." Hikaru then walked over to
one of the folding Go boards they had all gathered together for today.
Saeki smiled, then replied, "Yes, I look forward to it." Before joining
Hikaru however, Saeki glanced down at the schedule Waya had created.
1) Isumi - 2 3 4 5 6 7 82) Nakayama - 1 8 3 4 5 6 7
3) Saeki - 7 1 2 8 4 5 6
4) Honda - 6 7 1 2 3 8 5
5) Ochi - 8 6 7 1 2 3 4
6) Kadowaki - 4 5 8 7 1 2 3
7) Shindo - 3 4 5 6 8 1 2
8) Waya - 5 2 6 3 7 4 1
So he played Hikaru, followed by Isumi, Nakayama, Waya, Honda, Ochi, and at the end Kadowaki. Well, it certainly sounded like fun. Now though, he had to focus.
"After black went here, white went here, but that's not a good move. All black has to do is respond here, and then he can expand his central territory, and this stone becomes useless." Kadowaki nodded at Hikaru's comment, then replied, "Yeah, I wanted to cut black off here, but this shape didn't feel right."
All the first games were over, and discussion on several of them had begun. Isumi and Nakayama had volunteered to go pick up lunch for the rest, as their game had been the first to finish, Isumi having forced an early resignation off Nakayama's misread. While Hikaru's game against Saeki had probably been the highest quality, and thus the initial topic of discussion, Honda and Kadowaki's game was the most interesting.
"That first move just really surprised me, and my rhythm got thrown off. After that it was hard to catch back up."
Hikaru smiled. "Yeah, Honda tried opening with tengen against me in the first round preliminary for the Hokuto Cup too. That was a fun game."
Waya chimed in, "Yeah, and then you went to tengen on the second move against Yakiro in the final preliminary match after he went to 5-5 on you. That was crazy."
Hikaru grinned. "Still Honda, you've gotten better with the tengen opening, just don't do it all the time, or it becomes predictable. Also, while your move here was good, it would have been better to attach here."
There was a collective 'ohhh' from the group. Ochi then replied, "That is good, but what if white responds here, then it doesn't work how you want it to."
"Then I'd go here and gain territory in the upper right. White has to then protect here, and uses extra moves while black consolidates the center."
Waya watched Hikaru curiously. It was hard to believe this was the same kid who'd struggled for months in B League as an insei. Not just here, he'd seen Hikaru's ability to read in Morishita's study group on many occasions, most notably when they had discussed the game between Koyo Toya and Sai. The fact that Hikaru had noticed something that even Koyo Toya had missed was… scary.
Just then the door opened and they heard Isumi call out, "We're back." Everyone began to get up from around the Go board to make room for Isumi and Nakayama to set down the lunches. As Waya did so his foot brushed a copy of the latest Weekly Go.
Eyes widening, he turned to Hikaru and said, "Shindo, did you see Weekly Go this week? There's an article in it about you."
Looking very serious all of a sudden, Hikaru answered, "Yeah, I saw it."
"Well I haven't", Saeki replied, "what's it say?"
"It was by the new guy, Kosemura. Talks about Shindo's heroic game, despite losing to Ko Yeong Ha. Also mentions that game he won against Hon Suyon when they were insei. He really praised Shindo."
Isumi took the magazine and flipped to the article. "Whoa, he even has Kurata defending the first chair decision, saying anyone who understands Go should understand after seeing the game record. Wow." Isumi then glanced over at Hikaru and saw that he was looking taut and a little angered. "Shindo, what's the matter? This article is acknowledging you, aren't you always saying you want that?"
Walking over to the window, Hikaru gazed out it and said, "Read the last part."
Isumi scanned down and then stopped. "Despite the obvious talent that Shindo Beginner – Dan has shown, many still wonder how Akira Toya 3 – Dan would have faired, given his superior abilities. While these questions remain unanswered, it is likely we will see more of this rising young player in the months and years to come." Now it all made sense, it was about Akira Toya.
Isumi was about to respond, but Waya beat him to it. "Oh come on Shindo, who cares what the reporters think about Akira Toya. That Toya, he's just a jerk."
Hikaru remained silent. Toya. You are my rival, and I know the difference in our skill is negligible, but no one else seems to know that. I have to show them, everyone, that I can beat you. Somehow. Turning to face the others, Hikaru said, "I'm going to beat him, I have to beat him."
"Well," Isumi replied, "you might have your chance in the next couple of weeks."
Kadowaki looked over at Isumi confused. "What are you talking about Isumi?"
Hikaru answered it for him. "The Young Lions Tournament. I won't be able to play him until the last day though."
"Oh yeah, that thing between pros and insei. Are you in it Isumi?"
Isumi nodded. "Yes, this is my last chance to enter it, and the only time I'll be able to as a pro. I'm really looking forward to it."
Saeki then interjected, "Yeah, I can't enter it this year, so Waya and Shindo have to represent Morishita's group. Which reminds me, Shindo, don't focus on Toya and forget about your match this Wednesday against Ashiwara. Morishita-sensei will be furious if you lose to him."
Hikaru just stared off with a distant, yet determined gaze. Then he said, "Don't worry Saeki, I won't lose."
Sitting before the goban, Hikaru waited for Ashiwara, his opponent in the Kisei Tournament 1st Preliminary finals. The loser would start over next year, the winner moved onto the second preliminary, to the higher Dans. He felt calm, ready for the challenge before him. Of course, it would be nothing like the game he'd played against Ko Yeong Ha, Ashiwara 4 – Dan, for all of Morishita's theatrics at the need to beat him, was not on the same level as Ko Yeong Ha, Akira, or himself.
Movement at the entrance caught Hikaru's eye, but it was not his opponent. He watched as Tadao 2 – Dan made his way to another goban on the other side of the room, sitting down with a rather dismal look on his face. The reason for that look entered moments later in the form of Akira Toya, Tadao's opponent today in the 1st Preliminary for the Judan Tournament 2nd round.
Akira. He had already advanced to the 2nd preliminary for the Kisei Tournament, and if he won today, Hikaru would join him. There they would face the higher Dans, and while Hikaru was now able to cause a great many of the lower Dans to tremble with the thought of playing him, he didn't have the effect that Akira had, which caused even some of the higher Dans to worry. That was why he had to win, to play more games, to face the higher Dans and show them what he could do, to gain strength and progress down this endless path of Go he had chosen.
His attention left Akira as Ashiwara entered the room, looked around, and upon spotting Hikaru began to make his way over. Something about Ashiwara seemed different to Hikaru though. The last few times he'd seen Ashiwara he had shown a rather cheery demeanor, one that seemed to spook out Saeki. Today though he seemed tense, even a little nervous. That was fine though with Hikaru, if he was nervous then Hikaru would just crush him quickly.
Kneeling before the board, the two watched each other silently, while a bead of sweat slid down Ashiwara's cheek. So, today I finally face Akira's rival, Hikaru Shindo. The game record from his game in the Hokuto Cup… I doubt I could have played like that. Not to mention the way Kurata talked about him. I must stay calm, and play a cautious game.
Finally the buzzer went off, and the pair moved to nigiri. Half a minute later the pair traded bowls, and after saying, "Onegaishimasu" Hikaru went first, moving to the 3-4 point. The game began to progress, seemingly peaceful until Ashiwara placed a stone in the upper right. Hikaru's eye's flashed and his hand darted in, placing his stone with deadly precision. Klak.
Ashiwara moved to counter, then Hikaru moved with great speed, not even taking time between his moves. Ashiwara was perplexed. Hikaru was pressing in hard and attacking, but he seemed so focused on taking that one stone. Sure it was important, but not vital. He'd let him push there, and while that happened he'd cut Hikaru's stones off and secure the upper right.
Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Klak.
Klak.
Klak. Ashiwara gasped. That stone that Hikaru had been pushing for, it hadn't been for what he'd thought. He'd never even considered attacking that way. How could he have misread that. He'd have to endure, make a light exchange, and try to work his way to the center if he wanted to recover.
Klak. But Hikaru kept pushing, not relenting on the misread, and before Ashiwara's eyes white began to die in the center, just as it was already dead in the upper right.
Ton. Hikaru had begun to tap his fan on the stone bowl, apparently not worried in the least. Ashiwara looked up from the board at his opponent, and gasped. The look in Hikaru's eyes, the same he'd seen before in Akira. That look of confidence and superiority. The absolute belief that he was as above Ashiwara as the board seemed to indicate.
Closing his fist and feeling the sweat on his palms, Ashiwara looked again at the board and sighed. Lowering his head, he closed his eyes and said, "I resign."
Hikaru thanked him for the game, and with the same nonchalant expression, but all the intensity and presence of a moment before gone, he said, "So Ashiwara, would you like to discuss the game?"
Ashiwara just stared at Hikaru for a moment, and his eyes widened as he realized just how much that article might have understated this boy. The game record had been the most accurate part by far, and now he understood why it was that Akira had begun to drive himself so hard, stretching the limits of his game. There truly was someone coming up after him.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Kaya.gs - Weekly Update - Changelog
Conanbatt and DP have been working hard another week and brought us the 0.6.2 Update last friday. Most notable are the three different Kanji denoting the different types of users on Kaya.
木 - Stands for the developers
石 - Stands for founders
手 - Stands for supporters
Nice little things if you ask me. Another awesome thing is the new game loading screen with tool tips. Looks fresh and polished!
Changelog:
木 - Stands for the developers
石 - Stands for founders
手 - Stands for supporters
Nice little things if you ask me. Another awesome thing is the new game loading screen with tool tips. Looks fresh and polished!
Changelog:
Version: 0.6 Alpha - Name: Chat Desc:Chat gets automatically refreshed on game over so no need to refreshthe page to see opponents malkovich comments - Name: Kanjis Desc: Added more Kanjis to mark different accounts - Name: Autocomplete Desc: Chat now has autocomplete for commands and user names - Name: ContextMenu Desc: You can set up a challenge quicker by using right clickon the user list. - Name: Game Loading Desc: There are server tips when you are waiting for a match to start. - Name: Stylized error pages Desc: Things look prettier when things are not working well. - Name: Tweaki Desc: Over 10 tweaks fixed including recognizing open game tabs andcase insensitivity.
Friday, January 27, 2012
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