Chapter 426: Storm
Although Yu Shao didn't know Araki before and had never seen Araki's chess records, after listening to the past events mentioned by Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin, he probably understood what kind of status Araki once had in the chess world.
It’s no wonder that when Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin learned about Araki’s comeback, their reaction was even greater than when they learned that An Hongshi had signed up for this Phoenix Cup.
After all, although An Hongshi did not participate in the competition in the past two years, everyone knew that An Hongshi would definitely come back, it was just a matter of time, and this year, the time happened to be right.
But Araki is different.
He has really been considered retired. Although he has not retired, he has not been active in the chess world for ten years and has rarely appeared in public.
Therefore, even though Arakino was a chess player competing with Yasu Hiroiseki for the world's number one title more than ten years ago, for most people, Arakino has become a chess player who only exists in stories and causes endless sighs.
Because of this, for people like Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin who had heard of Arakino's story, learning that Arakino was going to participate in this Phoenix Cup World Championship was like a person who only existed in the story suddenly coming into reality.
It’s no wonder that Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin had such a big reaction.
"But, Arakino-sensei, why did you suddenly come back?"
Xu Zijin was a little puzzled. She turned to look at the receptionist and asked, "Is this news definitely reported by the official media?"
"Tokyo Go News Network just reported it."
The receptionist nodded and said, "Although it's official media, I've noticed that many people online are skeptical. After all, Mr. Arakino 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 reported by Tokyo Go News Network, then Araki's comeback was probably almost certain.
However, there was one question Xu Zijin couldn't figure out no matter how hard she tried: "But, Mr. Arakino hasn't participated in the competition for ten years. Why is he making a comeback now?"
"I'm afraid only Mr. Arakino knows this."
Zheng Qin shook his head and smiled, "However, no matter what the reason is, it doesn't matter. If Mr. Arakino really makes a comeback, I might have a chance to fight him!"
"You want to play chess with Mr. Arakino?"
Xu Zijin looked at Zheng Qin and asked, "That's Mr. Araki."
"I know. It's because it's Arakino-sensei that I thought about it."
Zheng Qin nodded and said, "Mr. Arakino was my idol when I was little. I played chess every day, but the chess records I played were not those of Mr. An Hongshi, but those of Mr. Arakino."
"The last game between Arakino and Yasuhiro Ishii left a deep impression on me as a young child. It was after that game that I began to learn Go on my own."
"Even after Mr. Arakino retired, for me, Mr. Arakino has always been a person I could only see in books."
"Later, I became a professional Go player, and my skills continued to improve. Now I've reached the threshold of the world's circuit. However, I can't compete with Mr. Arakino, which is a great regret."
Zheng Qin said with some anticipation, "And now that Mr. Arakino has returned, maybe I can play against him in the World Championship and let him see my chess skills!"
"As you said, although Mr. Arakino has been hiding behind the scenes and serving as an instructor to students at the Nippon Go Association, he is not out of touch with the current Go world."
"But Mr. Arakino hasn't participated in a competition in ten years. If we really meet in a competition, he might not be able to beat me!"
Hearing Zheng Qin's words, Xu Zijin was speechless.
After a long while, Xu Zijin spoke in an inexplicable tone, "Teacher Arakino hasn't participated in a competition for ten years... It seems that people really can be trapped for their entire lives by things they couldn't obtain in their youth."
“Puff!”
When these words came out of Xu Zijin's mouth, Yu Shao couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
Now he increasingly realized that Xu Zijin had really changed. Although he was still relatively aloof, Xu Zijin had now integrated into the world of chess players. He was no longer so aloof, and he would joke and complain.
This shows that Xu Zijin has unloaded the burden he had been carrying in the world of professional chess players and has completely relaxed.
"What does it mean to be trapped for life because of something you couldn't get when you were young?"
Zheng Qin immediately puffed his beard and glared, defending himself, "I'm just proving myself! Even if Mr. Arakino hasn't competed in ten years, his level must be very high, okay?"
"Okay, okay."
The receptionist put away the plates and said with a smile, "Then I look forward to your wonderful performance in the World Championship soon, Xiao Zheng."
After saying that, the receptionist looked at Yu Shao and Xu Zijin again and said, "Then I won't disturb you from reviewing the game. I'm leaving first. If you need anything, you can ask Xiao Zheng to come find me."
"Sister Su, I'm not an errand boy!"
Zheng Qin was immediately furious.
The receptionist smiled, said nothing more, and turned to leave the box.
After the receptionist left, Yu Shao thought for a moment and said, "By the way, Zheng Qin, you mentioned before that Araki Noshita had used 'Four Corners and Eight Blades', 'Hundred Eyes Dragon Slayer', and 'Dead Line Ghost Hand'. Do you still remember the chess records?"
"Of course I remember."
Zheng Qin looked at Yu Shao strangely and asked, "Put it out for you to see?"
"Okay, thank you for your help."
Yu Shao nodded and did not refuse.
Hearing this, Zheng Qin quickly took the two chess boxes to his right hand, put his right hand into each of the two chess boxes, and began to pick up chess pieces and drop them down. For a while, the sound of chess pieces dropping was endless in the box.
Soon, after the entire chess game was completely set, Zheng Qin finally stopped playing. Looking at the intricate chessboard in front of him, he raised his head, looked at Yu Shao, and asked, "This is the Four Corners and Eight Swords, one of the famous games played by Mr. Araki."
Yu Shao looked at the chessboard in front of him, recalling every move of the black and white pieces. Even he couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
If we look at this game of chess from the perspective of the future AI era, we will find that this game actually has many shortcomings that can be seen at a glance. In fact, not only him, I am afraid that Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin will also find many problems when they look at this game of chess.
However, as a chess player who has experienced the AI era, looking at the chess games before the AI era from the perspective of the post-AI era, although they are all Go, it is unfair in itself.
So when watching this game of chess, he did not want to judge the quality of each move, but just watched the game between the two sides from the perspective of appreciation.
It was because of this that he felt the strength of both sides.
Even though this was a chess game before the AI era, he couldn't help but be surprised.
In this game, the situation between the two sides was stalemate. Although it was not a fine game, it was still difficult to tell the winner in the middle game.
At this juncture, Araki, who was holding white, burst out with astonishing killing power. He launched eight consecutive attacks from the four corners, which was dazzling, and finally slaughtered An Hongshi's dragon brutally!
The attacks and intrusions, transformations and maneuvers by both sides in the middle game are probably difficult for most chess players who have experienced the AI era to perform, which shows the realm and level of both sides.
You know, this was even a chess game played by this world more than ten years ago!
"There are two more plates?"
Yu Shao stared at the chessboard, and after a moment, he suddenly spoke.
"You really are good at ordering people around."
Zheng Qin complained, but soon stretched out his hand and started to set up the chess pieces, saying, "I'll show you."
Not long after, Zheng Qin laid out the remaining two chess pieces one after another.
Yu Shao looked at the last chess game known as the "Dead Line Ghost Hand" without saying a word.
Very strong.
No, that's not right.
It should be said that it is very strong.
In these three games, Araki's realm and level were so strong that it far exceeded Yu Shao's expectations.
These three games can really be described as art, a pure aesthetic of violence. Even after many years, Yu Shao can still feel the power and momentum bursting out from the chessboard.
A chess player who could play such a game retired from the chess world early and transformed into a Go instructor behind the scenes. It is no wonder that it caused so many people to sigh and feel upset.
"This World Championship not only has you and Su Yiming, but also Mr. An Hongshi and even Mr. Araki, who has been out of the chess world for ten years, suddenly made a comeback for some unknown reason."
Zheng Qin also looked at the chess game on the table and suddenly felt a sense of emotion: "There are also teachers such as Kimura Go, Honinbo Shinka, Zhuang Weisheng, and Go Master Zhu Huaian..."
"In Europe and America, besides Teacher Hans, it's said that many new and powerful players have also emerged. It's truly an unprecedented grand occasion, a turbulent situation, with many heroes fighting for their place."
Yu Shao smiled, finally looking away from the chessboard, stretched out his hand, began to pack up the chessboard, and said, "Then let's play a few more games, don't let yourself get swept away after two rounds."
"impossible!"
Zheng Qin immediately shook his head and said confidently, "I feel like my chess skills have been improving recently. In these troubled times, it's the perfect time for a man to show his skills. I'll grit my teeth and strive to make it into the top 32!"
"Why do you talk about the top 32 as if we've made it to the finals?" Xu Zijin couldn't help laughing.
“The finals will be in a few years!”
Zheng Qin swore fiercely.
Soon, after guessing the order, the game began.
The crisp sound of chess pieces dropping continuously echoed in the chess room.
Xu Zijin sat aside, watching the game intently.
…
…
In the next few days, Yu Shao stayed in the Shanhai Chess Hall every day, playing chess, analyzing chess pieces, and reviewing games with Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin.
On the other hand, as the Phoenix Cup gets closer, the popularity of the Phoenix Cup is naturally rising, and various news about the Phoenix Cup are also beginning to emerge.
Although there is still half a month to go before the Phoenix Cup, with the hype from major media outlets, a sense of tension as if a storm is about to break out has gradually spread across the entire network!
[After verification, it has been confirmed that Araki No. 9 will participate in this year's Phoenix Cup World Championship! ]
Why did Araki Kyudan suddenly make a comeback? After ten years, he is aiming for the World Championship again. Can he break the curse of not having a title?
[Go Master Yasuhiro Seki has fully recovered, and 9th-dan Araki No. 1 has returned to the game. The battle between their old rivals from ten years ago is still fresh in our minds. Will the same scene be repeated this year?]
[What kind of surprises will the two highly anticipated newcomers, Yu and Su, bring us in their first World Championship match? ]
[Japanese rookie king Kaoru Higashiyama is confirmed to participate in this year's Phoenix Cup. Facing Yu and Su, as Japan's most anticipated rookie, can Kaoru Higashiyama avenge the team's shame? ]
The number of tourists visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town has increased dramatically recently, and many hotels and B&Bs near the scenic spot are experiencing difficulty finding a room even with increased prices!
Who will be crowned the Phoenix Cup World Championship champion? Please follow the Tiantian Go platform. Gu Cishi, 9th Dan, will be in the livestream, explaining the Chinese players' games live!
In the office of the chairman of the Southern Chess Academy, Ma Zhengyu sat in his office chair, looking at the endless news related to the Phoenix Cup on his computer, and couldn't help but let out a long breath.
"Chairman Ma!"
Suddenly, the office door was flung open, and Ding Huan rushed in, holding a piece of paper densely covered with words. He said, "The Phoenix Cup entry list 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.
An Hongshi!
Kimura Go!
Honinbo Shinwa!
Zhuang Weisheng!
I wish you peace!
Kong Zi!
Yu Shao!
Su Yiming!
…
There are so many chess players in the world that no one can recognize all of them. However, as long as Ma Zhengyu takes a look at the names on this list, the figures corresponding to these names will instantly appear in his mind!
Because all those who appear on this list are the top chess players in the world!
Finally, Ma Zhengyu's eyes fixed on the name "Arakino".
"Mr. Arakino, he actually made a comeback..."
Ma Zhengyu was in a complicated mood. Even though the news about Arakino's comeback had been flying all over the Internet, he still found it hard to believe it until the list of contestants was finally released.
However, Ma Zhengyu quickly calmed down and did not take it too seriously. He was just a little surprised that Arakino made a comeback after ten years.
Arakino is indeed strong, but that was ten years ago, and even ten years ago, Arakino was not the number one. In Ma Zhengyu's opinion, An Hongshi, who has been active until now, is the most noteworthy name.
What's more, Arakino hasn't participated in any competition for ten years, so it's hard to say whether his level can be kept up with the previous level.
The legend from ten years ago may not necessarily be a legend, but the one that is ten years older than the legend, and even the one that continues the legend to this day, is obviously stronger.
Soon, Ma Zhengyu finished reading the entire list from beginning to end.
"It's really a star-studded event. Just thinking about it makes me excited. Older players like Yasuhiro Seki, Sho Misao, Honinbo Shingo, Hans, and even Arakino are participating!"
Ding Huan looked extremely expectant as he spoke, "As for the new generation of chess players, there's Zhu Huaian, who currently holds two major titles, as well as Yu Shao, Su Yiming, Japan's Toyama Xun, and America's Ander..."
"This Phoenix Cup is bound to be a fierce battle. I can't wait!"
(End of this chapter)
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