I really don’t want to play Go!

Chapter 426 The storm is rising
Although Yu Shao had never heard of Araki before, nor had he ever seen Araki's game records, after listening to the stories mentioned by Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin, he roughly understood what kind of status Araki once held in the Go world.

It's no wonder that Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin reacted even more strongly to the news of Araki's comeback than to the news that An Hongshi had signed up for this year's Phoenix Cup.

After all, although Ahn Hong-seok did not participate in the competition for the past two years, everyone knew that Ahn Hong-seok would definitely come back; it was just a matter of time. And this year, the time just happened to come.

However, Araki is different.

He has truly retired. Although he hasn't officially retired, he hasn't been active in the chess world for ten years and has almost never appeared in public.

Therefore, even though Araki was a Go player who competed with Yasuhiro Abe for the title of the world's best more than a decade ago, for most people, Araki is now just a Go player who exists only in stories and evokes endless sighs.

Therefore, when Xu Zijing and Zheng Qin learned that Araki was going to participate in this year's Phoenix Cup World Championship, it was as if Araki, who had only existed in stories, had suddenly come into reality.

It's no wonder that Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin reacted so strongly.

"But why would Araki-sensei suddenly make a comeback?"

Xu Zijin was puzzled. She turned to the receptionist and asked, "Is this news definitely reported by official media?"

"This was just reported by the Tokyo Go News Network."

The receptionist nodded and said, "Although it's an official media outlet, I've seen quite a few people online who are skeptical, after all, Mr. Araki has been out of the Go world for far too long."

"Tokyo Go News Network?"

Xu Zijin frowned slightly. Tokyo Go News Network is the largest official Go news network in Japan. Since it was Tokyo Go News Network that reported this, then the matter of Araki's comeback is probably very close to being true.

However, there was one question that Xu Zijing still couldn't understand: "But, Mr. Araki hasn't participated in a competition for ten years, so why is he making a comeback now?"

"Only Arakino-sensei himself probably knows the answer to this."

Zheng Qin shook his head and smiled, "However, whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. If Araki-sensei really makes a comeback, I might have a chance to fight him!"

"You want to play Go with Arakino-sensei?"

Xu Zijin looked at Zheng Qin and asked, "Is that Mr. Araki?"

"I know, it's precisely because it's Arakino-sensei that I thought of it."

Zheng Qin nodded and said, "Araki-sensei was my idol when I was a child. I studied chess scores every day when I was a child, but I didn't study An Hongshi's scores, but Araki-sensei's scores."

"The last game between Araki-sensei and Yasuhiro-sensei deeply shocked me when I was young. It was after that game that I began to teach myself Go."

"After Arakino-sensei retired, for me, Arakino-sensei has always been a figure that can only be seen in books."

"Later I became a professional Go player and my Go skills continued to improve. Now I have reached the threshold of the world stage, but I am unable to play against Mr. Araki, which is a great regret."

Zheng Qin said with some anticipation, "Now that Araki-sensei has made a comeback, I might be able to play against him in the world championships and show him my skills!"

"Just like you said, although Mr. Arakino is working behind the scenes as a mentor for in-senior students at the Japan Go Association, he is not out of touch with the current Go world."

"However, Araki-sensei hasn't participated in a competition in ten years. Maybe if we really met on the field, he wouldn't be able to beat me!"

Xu Zijin was speechless upon hearing Zheng Qin's words.

After a long while, Xu Zijin spoke in a strange tone: "Teacher Araki has not participated in a competition for ten years... It seems that people can really be trapped for life by things they cannot obtain in their youth."

"Pfft!"

Hearing these words from Xu Zijin, Yu Shao couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing.

Now he is increasingly realizing that Xu Zijin has really changed. Although she is still relatively aloof, she has now integrated into the world of chess players and is no longer so unapproachable. She can joke and make sarcastic remarks.

This shows that Xu Zijin has finally let go of the burden she was carrying in the world of professional Go players and has completely relaxed.

What does it mean to be trapped for life by something unattainable in one's youth?

Zheng Qin immediately bristled and glared, defending himself: "I'm proving myself! Even if Mr. Araki hasn't participated in a competition for ten years, his level is still extremely high, okay!"

"Good good."

The receptionist collected the plates and said with a smile, "Then I look forward to your brilliant performance at the World Championships soon, Xiao Zheng."

After saying that, the receptionist looked at Yu Shao and Xu Zijin and said, "Then I won't disturb your debriefing any longer. I'll be leaving now. If you need anything, you can call Xiao Zheng to come find me."

"Sister Su, I'm not a delivery person!"

Zheng Qin was immediately enraged.

The receptionist smiled, said nothing more, and turned to leave the private room.

After the receptionist left, Yu Shao thought for a moment and said, "By the way, Zheng Qin, you mentioned before that Araki Noshita had played 'Four Corners Eight Cuts,' 'Hundred Eyes Dragon Slayer,' and 'Death Line Demon Hand.' Do you remember the game records?"

"Of course I remember."

Zheng Qin gave Yu Shao a strange look and asked, "Show me what you've got?"

"Okay, please."

Yu Shao nodded and did not refuse.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Qin quickly took the two chess boxes to his right, put his right hand into each box, and began to pick out chess pieces and place them down. For a moment, the sound of chess pieces being placed could be heard throughout the private room.

Soon, after the entire game was completely set up, Zheng Qin finally stopped. Looking at the intricate chessboard in front of him, he looked up at Yu Shao and asked, "This is the Four Corners Eight Cuts, one of the famous games played by Araki-sensei back then."

Yu Shao stared at the chessboard in front of him, recalling every move made by the black and white pieces. Even he couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

If we look at this game from the perspective of the AI ​​era, there are many obvious shortcomings. In fact, not only him, but Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin would probably also find many problems when they look at this game.

However, as a Go player who experienced the AI ​​era, looking at the games played before the AI ​​era from the perspective of the AI ​​era is inherently unfair, even though they are all Go games.

Therefore, when watching this game, he did not intend to judge the quality of each move, but simply to appreciate the contest between the two sides.

That's why he realized how formidable both sides were.

Even though this was a game of chess from before the AI ​​era, it still surprised him.

In this game, the situation was very close. Although it was not a close game, it was still difficult to determine the winner in the middle game.

At this critical moment, Araki, who was in white, unleashed an astonishing killing power, launching eight consecutive strong attacks from the four corners, dazzling the audience, and ultimately slaughtering An Hongshi's dragon!

The attacks, invasions, exchanges, and maneuvers of the middle game are something that most players who experienced the AI ​​era would find difficult to execute, demonstrating the skill and level of both sides.

You should know that this was actually a game of chess played out in this world more than ten years ago!

"There are still two games left?" Yu Shao stared at the chessboard for a moment, then suddenly asked.

"You really know how to order people around."

Zheng Qin made a complaint, but quickly stretched out his hand and set up the chess pieces, saying, "I'll show you how."

Not long after, Zheng Qin set up the remaining two chess games.

Yu Shao stared at the last game, known as the "Deadline Ghost Hand," without saying a word.

Very strong.

No, that's not right.

It should be said that it is extremely strong.

In these three games, Araki's skill and level far exceeded Yu Shao's expectations.

These three games of chess can truly be described as art; they are pure violent aesthetics. Even after many years, Yu Shao can still feel the power and momentum emanating from the chessboard.

It's no wonder that so many people feel sorry and regretful that a player capable of such a game would retire from the Go world so early and transition to becoming a Go instructor behind the scenes.

"This World Championship not only features you and Su Yiming, but also Mr. An Hongshi, and even Mr. Araki, who has been out of the Go world for ten years, suddenly made a comeback for some unknown reason."

Zheng Qin, also gazing at the chessboard on the table, suddenly felt a surge of emotion: "And there's also Master Kimura Go, Master Honinbo Shingo, Master Zhuang Weisheng, Master Zhu Huai'an..."

"In Europe and America, besides Teacher Hans, it is said that many new talents and strong players have emerged. It is an unprecedented situation. It is like a storm is brewing and heroes are vying for power."

Yu Shao smiled, finally turning his gaze away from the chessboard. He reached out and began to tidy up the board, saying, "Let's play a few more games then, lest you really get eliminated in the second round."

"impossible!"

Zheng Qin immediately shook his head and said confidently, "I feel that my chess skills have been improving over this period of time. In these chaotic times, it is the time for a man to show his skills. I will grit my teeth and try to get into the top 32!"

"You're making it sound like you're talking about the finals when you're only in the top 32," Xu Zijin couldn't help but laugh.

"The finals will be a few years from now!"

Zheng Qin swore fiercely.

Soon, after guessing who would go first, the game began.

The crisp sound of pieces being placed echoed continuously in the chess room.

Xu Zijin sat to the side, watching the game intently.

……

……

For the next few days, Yu Shao spent every day at the Shanhai Chess Hall playing chess, analyzing moves, and reviewing games with Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin.

Meanwhile, as the start date of the Phoenix Cup draws ever closer, the tournament's popularity is naturally soaring, and various news stories about the Phoenix Cup are constantly emerging.

Although there are still two weeks until the Phoenix Cup, thanks to the hype from major media outlets, a sense of tension, like the calm before the storm, is gradually spreading across the internet!

[It has been confirmed that Araki No. 9 dan will participate in this year's Phoenix Cup World Championship!]

Why did Araki No. 9 suddenly make a comeback, aiming for the World Championship again after ten years? Can he break his curse of never winning a title?

[With An Hongshi, the Go master, fully recovered, and Araki No. 9, making his comeback, the rivalry from ten years ago is still fresh in everyone's mind. Will the same scenario play out again this year?]

What surprises will the two highly anticipated newcomers, Yu and Su, bring us in their first match at the World Championship?

[Japanese newcomer Kaoru Higashiyama has been confirmed to participate in this year's Phoenix Cup. Facing Yu and Su, as Japan's most anticipated newcomer, can Higashiyama avenge his defeat in the team competition?]

The number of tourists visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town has surged recently, and many hotels and guesthouses near the attractions are experiencing difficulties securing rooms even with increased prices!

Who will ultimately claim the title of this year's Phoenix Cup World Championship? Tune in to the TianTian Go platform, where 9-dan Go player Gu Cishi will be providing live commentary on the games played by Chinese players!

In the office of the chairman of the Southern Chess Academy, Ma Zhengyu sat in his office chair, looking at the endless stream of news related to the Phoenix Cup on his computer, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

"Chairman Ma!"

Suddenly, the office door was pushed open, and Ding Huan rushed in, holding a sheet of paper covered in writing. He said, "The list of participants for the Phoenix Cup has been finalized!"

"Let me see."

Ma Zhengyu took a deep breath, took the list from Ding Huan, and scanned it from top to bottom.

Ahn Hong-seok!
Go Kimura!
Honinbo Shinwa!
Zhuang Weisheng!
Wishing you peace!
Kong Zi!

Yu Shao!

Su Yiming!
……

There are many chess players in the world, and no one can recognize all of them. But as soon as Ma Zhengyu glances at the names on this list, the corresponding figures instantly appear in his mind!
Because those who appear on this list are none other than the world's top chess players!

Ultimately, Ma Zhengyu's attention settled on the name "Araki".

"Arakino-sensei, he actually made a comeback..."

Ma Zhengyu had mixed feelings. Even though news about Araki's comeback was already flying around online, he still couldn't quite believe it until the final list of participants was released.

However, Ma Zhengyu quickly regained his composure and didn't take it too seriously. He was only slightly surprised by Araki's comeback after ten years.

Araki was indeed strong, but that was ten years ago. And even ten years ago, Araki wasn't number one. In Ma Zhengyu's opinion, An Hongshi, who has been active ever since, is the name that deserves the most attention.

Moreover, Araki has not participated in a competition for ten years, and it is hard to say whether his current level can be on par with his previous level.

A legend from ten years ago may not be a legend, but something that is more legendary than a legend ten years ago, and has even continued to be legendary to this day, is clearly stronger.

Soon, Ma Zhengyu had read through the entire list from beginning to end.

"It's truly a constellation of stars! Just thinking about it gets me excited. Veteran Go players like Mr. An Hongshi, Mr. Zhuang Weisheng, Mr. Honinbo Shingo, Mr. Han Si, and even Mr. Araki are all participating!"

Ding Huan, his expression full of anticipation, began, "And among the new generation of players, there's Zhu Huai'an, who currently holds two major titles, as well as Yu Shao, Su Yiming, Higashiyama Kaoru from Japan, and Andre from the United States..."

"This year's Phoenix Cup is bound to be a fierce battle, and I can't wait!"

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)