Kyuden Shika

(It reads just that, come on in if you'd like I'm all about it, but Hikimasu is expecting someone)

The Scorpion got some snacks from the staff and a bottle of sake. Just one, as he didn't intend for things to be out of control, just relaxed. He was watching the go board again, playing a game against himself. It was going better this time, but he worried it might not be how things appeared.

He chewed on a salmon onigiri.

Raizo ambled into the common room for a bit of dinner, and gave the Scorpion a nod of acknowledgment- but didn't approach.

While the dead-eyed masked killer was one of the more soothing presences at the miai for him, the Phoenix rather doubted he'd put out his array of treats just for th epleasure of another of their terse non-conversations.

Regardless of that, Hikimasu returned the terse greeting with a nod. He picked up a piece and placed it on the board, not too pleased.

"Hmm."

He could sense someone snorting at the use Go had on war strategy, Raizo was still the only one there with him.

"I don't suppose I can talk you into a game", he said.

"Well. You can try, but as I discovered the other day, I really don't... understand the game."

He started clearing the board, but he didn't wave him over yet.

"What do you think the issue is?"

Raizo chewed on that.

"Too abstract. Real strategy is messy."

"Go is actually incredibly messy if your approach is too literal to strategy", he nodded. "More than anything, the exercise teaches you to see opportunity in a different way", the Scorpion explained. "A few black and white pieces spread about in opposition could be troops, or a border bulwark, or an endangered supply chain. Unlike shogi, where the pieces are actual, individual units." He shrugged. "I can understand the complaint though, depending on your approach, Go either requires a great deal of imagination, or it punishes you for having any at all."

"Don't really play shogi either."

He cocked his head at the board.

"In point of fact, not sure I could say I play much of anything. Except the fool."