Kyuden Shika

“My father… Well let’s just say he knew someone that owed him a favor. And expanding my education was how he used it.” Daichi places a lit on one of the bowls of go stones, setting it to the side as she looks back up at the Kakita. “Enough about myself. Where did you train?”

“It was a post-gempukku think. I was allowed access to the College for one year, not full access mind you. The bulk of my training has been under the guidance of my own Clan, however.” Daichi explains in a rather matter-of-fact way.

Daichi smiles, thinking back to her family and growing up. “My father taught me when I was young. Both go and shogi are also really popular at the Hida officer academy. Of course, we’re singled out for being… More cerebral than many of our kin. So, I guess that kind of game is expected to be popular...

“Indeed.Though, I don’t know a single person that got broken ribs from a practice game of go.” Daichi can’t help but chuckle at the thought of a very sore loser throwing the board at someone.

“Possibly, but the player isn’t really known for that kind of a move. It’s a mistake on my end, I went on the offense too soon instead of defending what I had. My opponent did do well staying aggressive and turning up the pressure.” Daichi strokes her chin with her thumb and forefinger, looking over...

“Oh right… Well, my opening moves were the securing of my lower right corner area. My opponent did the same on his right corner, but he went on the offensive up in the my upper right where I had moved to secure ground. We kept pretty even until I stupidly missed an Atari close to the upper right sta...

“Well, they say you learn a great deal more from a loss than you do from a victory. I’m looking to see where I went wrong and how I can improve my game for next time. I can see I improperly defended myself before making an offensive move.” The Hida taps another stone against the board. “I apologize,...

“Well, partially.” Daichi taps a go piece against her board for emphasis before continuing on. “I’m studying an old go match I played a bit ago while enjoying the lovely gardens.”

There’s a pause from the Hida, realizing that they hadn’t been fully introduced. “Ah, pardon me. Hida Daichi.”

Daichi looks up from her board, a tad bit embarrassed that she had gotten so absorbed by it that she missed the Crane pass her the first time. “Ah… Yes, I have. And you, Kakita-san?”

This Hida surprisingly had volume control. She spoke neither too loud nor too softly given the space they were in.

Having set up her go board by the gardens, Daichi takes her seat. Casually arranging pieces on a board to match some memory of hers. Perhaps an old game? Whatever it was from, after setting the last piece, Daichi looks over the board in quiet contemplation. I know there’s a way to win from this. A m...