The game officially began.
The board was the sunset opal board Kaito had made.
Playing on such a board truly gave the feeling of using the world as the board.
Everyone felt this way.
And outside, everyone became nervous, watching the two place their pieces.
First, Yaichi started the game by advancing a [Foot Soldier].
This opening was interesting, but also conventional. Kaito glanced at Yaichi with slight surprise, then waited for Baal's response.
He moved his own [Foot Soldier] forward.
Yaichi brought out another [Foot Soldier].
Similarly, Kaito brought out another [Foot Soldier].
They went back and forth. At this point, Kaito seemed to be copying the opponent's moves.
You bring out a foot soldier, I also bring out a foot soldier.
You move the [Gold General], I also move the [Gold General].
Outside, professionals had already started commentating.
They unanimously stated that this was a very steady and secure opening. It wasn't Kaito imitating; they also explained that Kaito was putting pressure on his opponent, Yaichi.
If he didn't make some kind of breakthrough, he might very well be toyed with by Kaito.
Some viewers were confused by the commentary, but there were quick-witted people who understood, and they kept saying "awesome, truly worthy of being a descendant of Qin Shi Huang".
But then other viewers refuted, saying the news they saw was that Kaito was Qin Shi Huang's youngest son and that Qin Shi Huang wasn't dead.
And then the thread derailed like this, everyone arguing more and more fiercely, but they were also paying attention to the game.
Suddenly, each commentator gasped, then couldn't help but loudly exclaim "Good move!"
But in the next second, they couldn't help but exhale hot air, sighing in admiration at Kaito's strength, able to easily dismantle the trap Yaichi had deliberately set.
Soon, the viewers were also made very nervous by the commentators' startle reactions.
Obviously they didn't understand anything, but they always felt it was very impressive and dangerous.
As for the professionals, they were constantly thinking through the game.
Some thought from Yaichi's perspective, others from Kaito's perspective.
Each started brainstorming, and upon seeing new developments in the game, they were constantly shocked.
Truly, the game far exceeded their expectations. This level of complexity was something they had never anticipated!
"...Don't lose."
Ginko, as one of the heroines, was watching the game through a large screen with her teacher, holding an umbrella.
Each subsequent move by both sides continuously struck her heart.
This kind of game was no longer one where she could quickly make correct judgments.
If it were her against Kaito, she would have already lost at this point!
Half an hour later...
"Without disturbing him, wipe his sweat, and give him a few more minutes to relax."
Kaito waved his hand, signaling a staff member to come over, and pointing at Yaichi, who was already sweating profusely and breathing heavily, he spoke softly.
This staff member nodded and immediately had the assistant, who had been prepared nearby, come up. They gently wiped the sweat from the intensely thinking player and also brought a few silent fans from a distance to blow air on him.
"I understand."
Ha...
Haha...
From beginning to end, the highly concentrated Yaichi didn't even know someone had wiped his sweat, nor did he realize he had subconsciously drunk a glass of glucose water.
When he finally thought of a way to break through, he also curled his lips, picked up the [Flying Chariot], and placed it in the most critical position.
And the subsequent moves were just as imagined; Kaito's position was becoming chaotic, while he had already set three traps.
If Kaito made a mistake, he might very well lose!
Unfortunately...
All of this was Baal slightly going easy on him, letting him catch his breath.
Slap—
Kaito picked up the [Silver General] and moved it directly backward.
And this move shocked Yaichi, who had been in an excited state.
'I, had overlooked this!?'
'No, I hadn't overlooked it; I just hadn't realized how deadly this move was to the trap he had set for me!'
"It's a move of the gods! It's a move of the gods!"
"I never thought I'd see such a brilliant move in this match! This move can truly be called a move of the gods!"
Both professional commentators couldn't help but exclaim. Having just been happy for Yaichi, they were once again filled with fear towards Kaito.
It was as if...
From beginning to end, Kaito had been going easy!
The entire situation was under his control!
"I... I want to retract my move..."
"Okay."
Unable to find a solution, Yaichi ultimately chose to retract his move.
But when he tried to block the path of Kaito's Silver General's backward jump, he found that Kaito had placed a piece at the same time he did, and this time it repeated the previous situation.
It was as if Kaito had long since guessed he would do this!
"Another move of the gods!!"
"So brilliant, truly so brilliant!!!"
"Yes, we can see that Kazuryu Yaichi has already performed at the highest level of his Ryuo match from two weeks ago. Some seniors of 9th dan have even sent messages saying that the Ryuo at this moment will be the strongest Ryuo in history!"
"What does this explain? It explains that Kazuryu Yaichi has temporarily surpassed his peak and reached a higher level to play this game!"
"Unfortunately, his opponent is Kaito-san! The mysterious board player from China!"
"He is facing a hidden master from China! It's like a great mountain pressing down on Kazuryu Yaichi. Who knows if he can lift his sharp blade and launch another attack against Kaito-san?"
"Will he lose courage? Or will he choose to persevere!"
The commentators were already flushed with excitement, and the audience below was also anxious.
Not a single viewer in Japan was happy, listening to them wildly boasting that Yaichi had surpassed his peak, yet he was still being suppressed by Kaito?
China, on the other hand, was filled with laughter and joy, frantically tagging those keyboard warriors, telling them to see what strength crushing looked like!
"Impossible... my future teacher... would actually end up in such a situation..."
"Ai, I've already said that the person you admire so much is not the strongest. If you truly like playing board games... Kaito is your most suitable teacher."
Ai held her head, unable to accept it, while Akina continued to advise from the side.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Ginko was also suffering. The umbrella she was holding was almost crushed by her.
This was the first time she had seen Yaichi so serious, but it was also the first time she had seen how terrifying this game was!
She couldn't help but let her gaze shifted from the board to Kaito, watching him remain completely calm and composed throughout the game against Yaichi.
'Could it be that his true strength was even more terrifying than we imagined?'
"Who exactly is this person... Obviously Yaichi has already become a 'Shogi Alien', yet this Kaito, who comes from a Go background, is firmly suppressing this 'Shogi Alien' in Shogi..."
Who could accept this!?
The goal she had always been chasing and wanting to surpass was being pinned to the ground by this stranger, unable to turn over. What was she supposed to pursue then?
Pursue Kaito's shadow?