Go to Go Manga Chapter 4 Summary
For the actual discussion, please go to this thread: New Go Manga: Go to Go - #41 by Sadaharu
As usual, please use this to supplement the raw chapters in Japanese, and feel free to ask me if you have any questions.
The raws of Chapter 4 can be read here. The full list of chapters can be found here. As of now, they can still be read for free.
Chapter 4: So annoying
Summary
Akiyama Kousei‘s younger self asks him why he is playing Go now. Kousei says that it’s because he wants to be a genius again. The kid asks him whether he will run away again, and Kousei, after being slightly annoyed, replies that it is probably okay now.
“That’s why I am here,” Kousei says to Ichihara Hazuki. The commentator announces the start of the game once more, introducing the players. Hazuki feels a surge of irritation, the words ‘so annoying’ repeating like a broken record in her mind. Taking a deep breath, she plasters on a smile, congratulates Kousei on his win, and asks him when he started learning Go. Noticing Kousei’s confusion, Hazuki leans closer and suggests they pretend not to know each other to avoid any gossip. Kousei, his face a picture of innocence, replies that he started Go in primary school but quit after being utterly crushed. Now, he’s back for revenge. Hazuki’s expression twists into a comical mask of disbelief.
The commentator announces the start of the game, reminding everyone that Kousei receives a two-stone handicap. Hazuki slams the first stone onto the board, the sound reverberating through the tense atmosphere. ‘Nothing’s changed,’ she declares, her voice dripping with disdain. ‘You’re still a noob, just like three years ago.’ ‘This time,’ she continues, her eyes glinting with determination, ‘I’ll make sure you understand what it means to be a noob.’ Kousei meets her gaze, his own resolve hardening. ‘I’ll keep playing,’ he asserts, ‘and I’ll win. I refuse to waste time like I did before.’ He says that he will not run away again and he came determined this time. Hazuki asks him whether he thinks he can win against her with a two-stone handicap even though he has never beaten her before, and Kousei says that he will definitely make it today.
‘Determination, huh,’ Hazuki thinks to herself. Standing behind Hazuki, Murai, her manager contemplates the true nature of the young woman she represents. Model, talent… Hazuki is undoubtedly a natural influencer. However, remembering the day they scouted her in Shibuya, Murai knows there’s more to Hazuki than meets the eye. When they approached her with a modelling offer, Hazuki had one condition: she wanted to use her platform to promote Go. ‘Because I was born to popularize Go,’ Hazuki said. ‘Bizarre love towards Go’ is Hazuki’s true nature.
While playing the game, Hazuki asks Kousei to look at the spectators. Most of them don’t even know the rules and won’t be there if not for Hazuki. If being a ‘customer-attracting panda’ is what it takes to get people interested in Go, then so be it. To promote and popularize Go is her dream and her role, and she will do anything to achieve it. That is her determination. ‘That’s why I cannot lose and I won’t lose,’ she said.
‘Did you really think a two-stone handicap would be enough?’ Hazuki scoffs, her voice laced with amusement. ‘You’re still a noob.’ Kousei’s gaze sweeps across the board, and his heart sinks. The advantage from the handicap stones has already vanished, and it’s only the opening.
End of chapter.