Summary: The journey of Sai and Hikaru continues when Sai returns. Encompasses the point from when Sai disappears to the Hokuto Cup.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, settings, etc. pertaining to the manga series, Hikaru no Go, by Yumi Hotta, and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.

A/N: I advise you to not to read this unless you've already read or seen the entire Hikaru no Go series, unless you don't mind spoilers, since this story follows canon very, very closely. Like word for word, close. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Chapter One: Divergence

A lone boy was standing in a small room filled to the brim with books, or kifu (game records), as was known to the World of Go. He was ardently studying Shusaku's kifu, or more, Sai's kifu, and could see the strength and power behind each play. It was brilliant; Sai was brilliant, to have been able to play so well. Hikaru had known that, of course, but he had never understood it.

Before Sai's appearance in his life, Go had been nothing to him, but for Sai, for which Go had been his entire life and even death, he had played. Sai's enthusiasm had seeped into him, getting him interested in the game too. Now, with him gone, it all seemed pointless again. Sure, he also enjoyed the game now, seeing as he wanted to improve and catch up to Touya, but without Sai there, it didn't feel right. Even if he was a Pro now, he wouldn't have made it here, or even bothered really, if it hadn't been for Sai.

To play now, when Sai no longer could, not that he had been able to before, but Hikaru had tried to let him play when he could, was wrong. He sank to his knees, hugging a stack of kifu to him, almost as if in prayer. He swore then and there that he would not play Go again until Sai returned. Only when the two of them could play together again would he ever play again. Because Sai's Go was his own, just as his Go was Sai's. It wouldn't be right if they weren't both there to enjoy the game played. Until then, he would wait.

Please come back, Sai. We still have so much Go to play and I still have so much left to learn.

Meanwhile, high above the skies, in a land untouched by humans, a divine being was deep in thought. He was the God of Go. He had gifted Go upon Earth, teaching them to love the same game he did, searching for an opponent of his own, but alas, it had not occurred. One thousand years ago, he had thought he had found that person, a Fujiwara Sai, but it was not so. In the end, the God of Go realised that Fujiwara Sai had another destiny to fulfill, one that would not take place for many years. Therefore, it was so that he granted his charge's wish to remain on Earth, to let him continue playing Go until he could fulfill the destiny that had been set upon him.

Now, it was done. Sai had been able to remain on Earth 1000 extra years, all to awaken a young Go prodigy to his potential: Shindou Hikaru. The boy had been taken out of the God of Go's hands at first and the God had despaired at so much talent being wasted. That was when the plan set in motion 1000 years ago came into play. Sai's arrival in Shindou's life had opened his eyes to the world of Go, enabling Touya Akira, Shindou's destined rival to pull him the rest of the way into the world of Pros. Together, they would reach the Hand of God, he was sure of it.

Back to the topic of Fujiwara no Sai, though, it seemed the God of Go would still be unable to play against a real opponent. He had thought that after Sai finished his mission and finally left Earth, he would finally have someone to play, but yet again, it was not so. In the two years that Sai had spent with Shindou, an unbreakable bond had been born between them. Sai, once again, had found a new destiny, someone else to live for, and his own eternal rival with whom to chase the Hand of God.

That was why he was here now, waiting for his charge to wake up. Although time was eternal in this realm, down below, days had already passed and his charge and he had much to discuss on the topic of Shindou Hikaru.

Ah, he is finally stirring, he thought to himself as waited patiently.

"Fujiwara no Sai," he greeted amiably at the man.

Sai's observant eyes took in the scene around him: a clear sky, lush gardens, small fountains and a grand building a small distance away. His eyes widened. This was the palace he had lived in years, or more, centuries, ago. His eyes swept to the being beside him and although he could not discern his face, he could feel his presence. He knew who this was. He tried to sweep into a bow, but the God stopped him.

"There is no need for such formalities, child." The God of Go's voice was soothing, but carried the wisdom of someone of his bearing. "We have much to discuss. You know where you are and why you are here, correct?"

Sai nodded. "I've finally used up all my time. I showed the game you wanted me to show to Hikaru to him, but I…"

Sai trailed off, not knowing how he should phrase his words. After gaining an extra 1000 years on Earth and being able to play Go in three different lifetimes, he knew he shouldn't ask for more, but he hadn't wanted to leave Hikaru. He wasn't lying when he said he now existed for Hikaru. His young apprentice still had so much untapped potential and he had wanted to stay with him until his last breath, just as he had with Torajiro. He wondered how Hikaru was doing now. Did he miss him? Had he noticed his disappearance yet? Did he care?

The God of Go nodded sagely, understanding Sai's unspoken words. "You still were not ready to leave yet. You still have not played enough Go."

Sai nodded weakly, but also added, "It's not only that. I wanted to stay with Hikaru, to continue watching him grow. If it meant I could stay with him longer, I wouldn't mind not playing Go for myself again, as long as I could play with him."

"Not even Touya Kouyo?"

Sai didn't speak straight away. He wanted to play the Meijin again, he knew that, but did he want it more than he wanted to see and be with Hikaru again? Even as he thought it, the answer was crystal clear to him.

"Not even he," Sai answered confidently. "I have already played him once. That is enough. Hikaru is much more important at the moment. I will ensure that he grows strong enough to play all the strong opponents he and I want, and he will play for both of us. He will surely reach the Hand of God for the both of us. So," Sai took a deep breath, "please let me return to Earth and Hikaru once more."

The God of Go smiled. "Go used to be your entire life. Torajiro existed for your sake, to fulfill your wish to play Go, but this time, you were the one to exist for another, to do something for them. You have grown much, Sai."

The God of Go paused and Sai held his breath, clutching his fan tightly. "Not many get a second chance at life, much less a third, but it seems your destiny is not yet over. There are many waiting for you back on Earth. I cannot stand to see such talent go to waste because of your disappearance and you still have yet to reach the Hand of God. When the four of you do, I will be waiting."

Sai looked up, but again, he could not see a face. "What do you mean?"

The God of Go only smiled again. "We will see each other again, Sai. I trust this lifetime will be enough for you?"

Sai nodded. "As long as I can stay with Hikaru for as long as he lives, but about the Hand of God…?"

"If I cannot stand young Hikaru stopping Go because of you, how could I let you stop either? I am still waiting for a game after all."

Sai sputtered. "He what?! That stupid, ungrateful…I teach him and he decides to lock it all up?" Inside, though, he felt warm. Hikaru, who had discovered his own passion for Go, who was chasing Touya Akira, was willing and had given it all up for him. He knew then, that his decision to continue existing for Hikaru had been right. Now, they could play together again.

Sai's eyes slipped closed as the God of Go sent him back to Earth. Hold on, Hikaru. I'm coming back.

It had been two days since Hikaru had given up Go and four days since Sai's disappearance. He had a match today, his first actual dan game since he hadn't been able to play Touya the first time, but he didn't care. He was on his way to school instead, even though he knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate.

However, on his way there, he felt a sudden shift in the air and stopped. Odd. That felt…familiar somehow. Then it hit him. Sai. This was that same weird feeling he had had when he had first met Sai. Sai. Are you there?

He waited, but didn't hear an answer. Disappointment filled him again. Now he didn't feel like going to school either. He turned off the path and started wandering aimlessly. He had been wandering for a few moments, barely noticing he had come to an intersection when the sensation hit again. Still nothing more happened. Sai didn't appear again and the sensation left. Hikaru wanted to scream, but there were people all around him, so he just gritted his teeth.

Suddenly, as he reached the other side of the street, it hit again, and this time, it didn't disappear. That was when he heard it: Sai's voice. Hold on, Hikaru. I'm coming back. It was Sai! Hikaru whirled around, expecting to see Sai, but he forgot he had just stepped onto the curb, and in his rush, his knapsack unbalanced him, knocking him off the curb and back onto the street, just after the light turned green, and the slowing cars sped up again.

It all seemed to happen in slow motion: his falling back, the quickly approaching car, Sai's presence taking up part of his mind again. Sai, he thought happily, I'm so glad you're back. Then there was darkness.

The first thing Sai noticed when he came to was the screaming. He was in the middle of the road and it was morning by the looks of it. People were screaming, cars were honking and there was a crowd. Someone was yelling about 911 and an ambulance or something, but Sai didn't see Hikaru.

Hikaru? No one answered. That was weird. He was sure he had heard him just a moment again when he had returned. One moment he had been in that other realm and the next after he opened his eyes, he had been back on Earth. Hikaru? He tried again, but again, there was no answer.

Now he was worried. He was sure he had heard him. He had a sudden sense of foreboding, inching towards the massive crowd. He could now hear sirens in the distance too. What was going on? He hadn't heard the sounds often, but he had been in this world long enough to know they didn't mean anything good. He passed through the crowd easily, being an incorporeal being and witnessed a scene that he had never wanted to see.

There was blood, more blood than he had ever wanted to see leaking out of his young apprentice. This couldn't be real. He recognized Hikaru's clothes though and his trademark hair, now also mixed with red. He crept closer unwillingly, as if pulled by an unseen force. His head was whirling. This wasn't happening. Hikaru was just mad he had disappeared. He must have been gone a long time then.

Hikaru? I'm sorry. I didn't want to go anywhere. You must know that. I'm back now, so stop playing around. The ground's dirty. Let's go play a game of Go instead. What do you say?

No one answered him though, and Sai was getting desperate. The ambulance had arrived and people were giving them room, but Sai stayed where he was, desperate for a reaction. Hikaru? Answer me. Please. Don't do this. Don't die. Don't.

He couldn't stop the paramedics from shipping Hikaru away, but he stayed with him, knowing there was no one else at the moment. No one else knew what had happened yet. What would they say? This was all his fault. He had come back and now Hikaru was dying. Why had God sent him back just to see this tragedy? He had said his destiny wasn't over yet and four of them still had to reach the Hand of God. He knew that meant, him, Hikaru, Touya Akira and Touya Meijin. It just had to.

Therefore, Hikaru couldn't die. He still had too much to do and they still had lots of Go to play. He repeated this to himself like a mantra, a prayer. Hikaru would be alright. Fate had already decreed it. The trip to the hospital was the longest in his life, longer than waiting until Shusaku had found his goban and released him.

Waya and Touya were waiting at the entrance of the Tokyo Go Institute for Shindou to show up, but no matter how many people entered, Shindou never showed. Even when the games started, his was the only empty seat in the room.

Waya and Touya had no time to consider it now, though, with their own matches to focus on, but they would find out later, most definitely. Touya finished his match first, but Waya wasn't far behind. He caught up to him on his way to Shindou's house. Waya glared at him.

"Just where are you heading?" he snarled.

Touya glanced at him. "To Shindou's," he answered calmly.

Waya just glared again, but headed in the same direction. They didn't speak, not being on the best of terms, but Shindou was Waya's friend and Touya's rival, friend, or whatever, so they both had a reason to find out what the hell he thought he was doing, throwing away a game.

When they got there though, it was Shindou's mother that answered the door. "Oh, are you Shindou's Go friends?" she asked. "I'm afraid he's at school right now. Would you like to wait in his room?"

"What?" Waya yelled, but quickly shut his mouth at Shindou's mother's alarmed expression. He lowered his voice. "I mean, why is he at school? He had a match today!"

Shindou's mother gasped. "He did? He didn't say anything about it. He's been acting so odd these past few days," her expression was distressed as she placed a palm against her face, thinking back.

"Just a few days ago, he suddenly went on an overnight trip to Innoshima with an adult he had met at a Go salon. Then, when he returned, he started acting so strangely and I haven't heard him playing Go for a while. I'm worried. Perhaps you two would better understand what's wrong with him? Oh, where are my manners. You should come in."

They entered, thanking her and were taking off their shoes when the phone rang. She excused herself and went to answer it. They were getting their slippers when they heard her raised voice.

"What? Hospital? A-Are you sure? Yes, yes. I-I'll come right away."

She ran back out of the kitchen and said to them in a rush of words, "Hikaru's in the hospital. There was a car accident. I'm sorry. I need to get over to the hospital."

"I'm coming too," Waya put his shoes back on hastily.

"Me too," Touya added, doing the same. Waya didn't even bother glaring at him as he usually would. This wasn't the time for that.

In less than twenty minutes, they were in the hospital, at the reception desk, who pointed them in the right direction. Shindou had been put in a recovery room and the doctor and nurse were just exiting his room when the three of them showed up.

The doctor turned to them when they rushed up. "Are you Shindou Hikaru's family?" he inquired.

"I'm his mother," she introduced herself franctically. "Is Hikaru okay?"

"There's no permanent harm done, don't worry. However, he does have two broken ribs, a broken right arm, fractured left wrist and a broken left leg. There is no head trauma, though, which is fortunate. He should make a full recovery, but it will take time; about two months or so. He is sleeping currently and we have him on painkillers, so he may be disoriented when he wakes. You may stay with him at the moment."

They thanked the doctor and nurse before entering the room. Shindou's left leg was raised into the air and encased within a cast as was his right arm, which was also raised slightly so it didn't rest against his chest, which was probably bandaged, but was currently covered by the blankets placed lightly over him. His left wrist was wrapped in bandages and lying limp against the bed. His expression was peaceful, but pale. Wrapped in so many casts and bandages, lying motionlessly in a hospital bed, it just didn't seem like Shindou.

His mother let out a sob and went over to sit in the chair by his bed. She smoothed out his blonde bangs, grateful he was still alive. He had shocked her so much these past few years she didn't know how many more surprises, pleasant or otherwise, she could take.

For her son though, if it was pleasant, she could handle it, but these kinds of shocks…oh, her poor boy. She kissed her unconscious son on the forehead, knowing it wouldn't have been tolerated if he had been awake. She smiled a little at that, relief and hysteria overwhelming her for a moment before she composed herself again.

Waya and Touya were standing uncomfortably by the door, knowing they shouldn't intrude on the family moment, but not knowing what else to do.

"I'm going to call Nase and the others to tell them what happened," Waya muttered, leaving the Touya with the Shindous.

Shindou's mother also stood after a moment. "I-I should also give my husband and father a call. They will want to know. Could you please stay with him for a while, um," she looked to him for a name.

"Touya Akira," he introduced himself, bowing. "I will certainly stay."

She bowed back and smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Touya-kun. Hikaru is lucky to make such good friends no matter where he goes."

Touya didn't bother to correct her on her assumption. He himself didn't know what he and Shindou were. Shindou was a mystery, had been ever since he had met him two years and two months ago. He was sucked in by him, disappointed by him and totally confused by him. They had been chasing each other back and forth for so long, yet now it had all come to a standstill. Would he never be able to measure Shindou's strength for himself? Things kept getting in the way.

Nevertheless, no matter how confused he was about his relationship with Hikaru, he had still been worried about him. That had to mean something. Perhaps they really were friends? He had never had a friend his own age before and he wouldn't really call all the adults he knew, friends. The label just didn't fit.

"I'm still waiting for you to catch up to me, Shindou," Touya whispered. "You had better not give up now. You still owe me a match."

Unknown to Touya, someone had been there to hear his words, who would surely relay them to Shindou. Sai smiled behind his fan, now ecstatic and immensely relieved since he had learned that Hikaru would be fine. His friend would be so happy when he learned that Touya acknowledged him.

I shall wait for you as well, Hikaru. Hurry and heal so we can play Go again.

The two conscious occupants in the room wordlessly watched the third unconscious one until Shindou's mother returned. Touya excused himself shortly after, aware that Waya and Shindou's other friends would probably be arriving soon and not wanting to be there when they did.

When he got home, his father was alone in his study, poring over a goban. Touya recognized the game to be the one his father had played on the net with Sai. His father looked up at his presence outside the door.

"Come in, Akira," his father invited.

Touya stepped into the room. "Is something wrong father?"

"No, nothing is wrong," his father shook his head. "You look troubled though. Has something happened?"

Touya nodded minutely and his father waited for him to elaborate. "Shindou didn't come to his dan match today."

Ah, the Meijin thought. Of course. Only Shindou-kun can make Akira lose his composure so."

Touya took a deep breath. "He was in a car accident and admitted to the hospital. I was just there."

"Is he alright?" the Meijin asked, concerned. Shindou-kun was a nice boy and was good for Akira.

"The doctor said he would make a full recovery. It should take about two months though. He's hasn't woken up yet."

Kouya nodded. "I'll call the Institute to inform them of the circumstances. There's no use in scheduling games for him if he can't attend."

Touya just nodded again. Shindou was a mystery and had caught the attention of some of the best pros in the world. It wasn't surprising that his father was one of them. He remembered the confrontation at the hospital a while ago, how Sai and Shindou were perhaps connected. It was getting more confusing to him. He didn't believe they were the same person, hadn't believed it since he had caught Shindou at the Internet Café, yet he still could not let him go.

He had been sorely disappointed in Shindou's ability when they had played for the third time at the school tournament, especially after having been beaten by him the first two times, yet now Shindou was before him again as a Pro. He was such a contradiction that Touya didn't know what to believe. He couldn't tell if Shindou had talent or not, but everyone seemed to think he did. He wanted to see for himself, yet he was never given the chance to. It was so frustrating.

He could only wait now, as he had been doing for the last two years, for Shindou to appear before him so that they could finally play a game and start for real. If Shindou truly was his eternal rival, they would surely have to play a game someday. Until then, he would continue rising through the ranks. If Shindou was as great as everyone said, he would have to, to keep ahead. He wouldn't let Shindou catch up so easily and certainly didn't plan on letting him surpass him.

Meanwhile, Nase and Fuku were over at the hospital with Waya. They had come over as soon as they heard the news, but they were relieved that Shindou would be fine in time. Nase had even brought over a portable Go set to pass the time until Shindou woke up. The doctor had told them it would take a few hours.

Sai earnestly watched them play, commenting here and there, though no one could hear him. That move was pretty good, but she should have moved down there instead and protected first…That's clenched the game for him now.

After a few games, it was past noon and the occupants in the room were getting hungry. Shindou's friends had convinced Shindou's mother earlier to return home to rest since she seemed so stressed worrying over Shindou, promising to alert her when he woke up.

"Fuku, go buy something for us to eat," Waya whined after a game.

"Why don't you go?" Fuku asked, confused.

"What if Shindou wakes up, though?"

"So you can go, while Nase and I stay here," Fuku stated logically.

"What? No way! I can't carry all that food by myself anyways."

"Well, I can't either."

"Argh!" Waya growled at Fuku, who just sat there serenely.

"That's enough you two," Nase cut in. "You're acting like children. We'll all go down to the canteen quickly, pick up a lunch and rush back, okay? It shouldn't take too long. The longer we stay here arguing, the more likely it is Shindou will wake up when we finally leave."

"Don't jinx it, Nase," Waya warned, but she was already pushing him out the door, Fuku following obediently.

Sai watched them go before turning back to Shindou who hadn't moved an inch since he had been brought here. He was gaining colour back in his cheeks, but Shindou's liveliness and inability to stay still were absent as he lay in the bed. It was a few minutes later that he noticed something. Shindou was moving. He swept over to him. Hikaru! Are you waking up Hikaru? Wake up, Hikaru. Open your eyes.

Hikaru could hear someone calling him. He groaned. Damn it, Sai. Not so early in the morning. Let me sleep a bit more. That was when he noticed his entire body hurt, especially his chest. He tried to move, but it only hurt more, so he stayed still.

Stay still Hikaru. You're going to aggravate your wounds.

"What?" Hikaru was confused. He turned his head as much as he could from his position and looked around the room, taking in the white walls, his casts and the distinct smell of antiseptic. "I'm in the hospital," he whispered, almost to himself. Then it hit him.

"Sai! You're back!" He tried to get up again, but Sai pushed him back down gently.

Hikaru. Please. Stay still. You're hurt.

Hikaru did lie back down though his ribs hurt again as he did, but he continued his tirade. His mind was in a jumble right now, but he wanted answers. "Where have you been?! I searched everywhere for you! I went to Innoshima and visited all of Shusaku's shrines and everything. I couldn't find you anywhere."

Hikaru. Sai smiled sadly. I'm sorry for worrying you. Hikaru humphed, and probably would have crossed his arms, had he been able to. Sai almost laughed at the cute picture, but knew Hikaru wouldn't appreciate it. My job here was done. God gave me 1000 years of extra time to show you the game between myself and Touya Kouyo. After that, I had to leave.

"I-I remember that," Hikaru whispered shakily, the memories coming to him now as he thought about it. "You said you didn't have much time left. I thought you were joking though. We were supposed to stay together forever."

Hikaru's eyes were stinging, but he blinked the tears back and continued. "Why are you here now then? Did-Did you come to say goodbye?"

Sai shook his head violently. Never Hikaru. If I had a choice, you know I would never leave you. He looked upwards with a wistful smile. You have become such an important part of my life, Hikaru. I existed to teach you Go, to help you reach your full potential and that made me content. I promise you that I'll stay with you for as long as you want me to.

"You're not going anywhere?" Hikaru was both wary and hopeful.

I'm not, Sai assured him. Then he turned stern. So I had better not hear any more ridiculous rumours about you not playing Go anymore.

"I didn't say I wouldn't play Go anymore," Hikaru protested. "I said I wouldn't play until you came back. You're here now, so we can play together now."

Yes, yes we can. Sai smiled at Hikaru. We'll play many, many more strong opponents and you will continue getting stronger, Hikaru.

"Definitely," Hikaru smiled. "I'm glad you're back, Sai. I was worried how I was going to explain to Touya-sensei that he couldn't play Sai anymore."

Sai continued smiling. I am sure that in time, had you continued studying Go, he would have been able to, Hikaru, because no matter what, I will always exist as long as you continue playing for the both of us.

"That doesn't mean I want to play without you there, though," Hikaru objected.

Sai laughed. Me either, Hikaru. I completely agree with you.

"Good," Hikaru concluded, yawning. "You'll stay, right Sai?"

Sai nodded as Hikaru closed his eyes again. I'll be right here when you wake again, Hikaru. Rest now. Sai only remembered Hikaru's friends after Hikaru had drifted off to sleep again. Oh well. Hikaru will see them when he wakes again. For now, he needs more rest.

It wasn't even a minute later that Sai heard voices and the door to Hikaru's room opened again. "See?" Nase pointed out. "He's still asleep, so quiet down or you'll wake him up."

Waya just set his tray down huffily and started eating, the other two following suit, but without the attitude. They finished eating and started playing Go again. It was an hour later that Shindou stirred again. The others noticed his movement and rushed over, abandoning the new game they had been about to start.

"Shindou!" Waya shouted. "You're awake!"

"Yeah," Shindou stared at them from the bed. Then he remembered Sai. He whipped his head over to the side looking for him, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw him. Sai put a finger to his lips, indicating that Shindou shouldn't blurt anything out, as he was prone to, right now with his friends present. If any of them found Shindou's flitting expressions weird, they chalked it down to his disorientation and the drugs in his system. "What happened? I feel like I've been run over by a truck." Shindou remembered he had never gotten that answer from Sai.

"Actually, I don't know what you were run over by, but it wasn't a truck. A car, I think," Waya informed him.

"What?!" Shindou shouted, only to aggravate his ribs. He tried to move his hands to soothe it, but they were also occupied. He coughed. Nase was immediately trying to soothe him, Sai flapping about in worry and scolding him while he was at it. Didn't I tell you not to move around so much, Hikaru? You're hurt!

"Don't move so much, Shindou," she said and swatted Waya. "You could have hurt Shindou, Waya! He shouldn't be so active at the moment."

She moved away to get a glass of water. "Drink some water, Shindou. It'll make you feel better."

"Ah, thanks, Nase, but I don't think I can hold the glass right now," Shindou said.

She didn't relent though, and stuck the cup under his mouth. "It's okay. Just drink."

He looked at her aghast and turned his eyes to Waya who looked stuck between wanting to laugh at the situation and sympathetic for him at Nase's mothering. Nase didn't pull the glass away though, so Shindou took a tentative sip. He was thirsty after all. The water didn't hurt going down, so he drank more. When he drank about half the glass, he stopped.

"Thanks, Nase."

Nase smiled. "No problem. Fuku went to get a doctor to inform them that you're awake. Ah, here they are."

The door opened, admitting Fuku and the doctor who had been there the first time. "Hello. I just need to do a quick check-up, so if you would please all leave the room for a moment?"

The three teens obeyed, gathering their trays to bring them back to the canteen in the meantime and call Shindou's mother. The doctor turned back to Shindou.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine mostly," Shindou answered. "My chest hurts the most, but the rest seems fine."

"Good, good," the doctor said as he checked his eyes. "You seem fine. I've informed your mother that your full recovery should take about two months, but it may take a bit more time to regain your full motor movements again. You'll be staying here for at least a week, but after that, if you want to leave the hospital, we can have you discharged. You'll need a wheelchair though, since crutches are out of the question, as you won't be using either hand for at least two weeks. Your wrist should be healed by then, but it will be another two weeks or so before the cast on your arm comes off. Your ribs should be fine by then as well. However, your leg will take another month. Take it easy for a while. That means no strenuous exercise, no sports, no straining any of your broken bones."

"Can I play Go?" Hikaru asked.

"Go?" the doctor repeated. "Well, you won't be able to play for a while with your arms out of commission, unless you have your opponent move for you. After the two weeks are over though, yes, you should be able to. Go is a relatively still activity. There shouldn't be a problem."

Hikaru released the breath he hadn't even known he had been holding. "Okay then. Thanks doctor."

"You're welcome," the doctor smiled. "I'll leave you with your friends then."

Waya, Nase and Fuku came back in. "So, what happens now?" Waya asked.

"I can't play Go for a while," Hikaru said, "Since I can't use my hands."

"Hey, no problem," Waya said. "We'll play for you. You're going to have to get your mom to call the Institute and inform them what happened though. You wouldn't want them to schedule games for you while you're here. She said she'd be around tomorrow with your grandfather."

"Thanks," Hikaru answered.

"What are friends for?" Waya grinned. "There's a study session in two days, but I'll tell Morishita-sensei what happened. He'd blow his top otherwise, wondering where you are."

Hikaru laughed nervously, knowing it was true. "Let's play a game now," he suggested. Waya agreed. Sai, I've grown stronger again while you were away. When I was searching for you in Hiroshima, I beat the strongest player there.

I had no doubts that you would have been able to, Hikaru.

When I'm all better, I'll recreate the game for you. I had really wanted you to see it.

Sure Hikaru. I would love to see it.

Then Hikaru and Sai turned their attention to the board and the game started. It was hours later, when it was starting to get dark that a nurse came to inform them that visiting hours were over. Fuku, Nase and Waya promised to come back tomorrow.

However, now Hikaru was left all alone. "I'm bored Sai," he whined. Hikaru still preferred talking to Sai aloud than in his head. It just felt more comfortable to him. He had only recently grasped the concept of talking to Sai in his head when others were around, but was still prone to blurting things out anyways.

Would you like to play a game, then, Hikaru?

"How do we do that?" Hikaru asked.

We will play with an imaginary board as neither of us can move the stones. You will have to keep track of all your own moves as well as your opponents in your head. It is sort of like Blind Go, only both the players are at the same disadvantage, instead of just one.

"Okay. Let's do it," Hikaru agreed. This would be a new challenge, but he had already learned to play multiple games, tie games and one-colour Go. Blind Go would be just like any other game.

They started and played well into the night, where Hikaru drifted off to sleep again, Sai watching over him. You have gotten stronger again, Hikaru, though I have only been away for a short time. Even at the rate you are growing though, I feel as if it will be a while before you reach your full potential. It is as if it is limitless right now. How much further can you go? How much higher can you rise? I have a feeling it will be further and higher than even I managed to go, but I have always expected it of you, Hikaru. God wouldn't have chosen me to guide you otherwise.