Chapter 20: Pro debut

The press conference room at the Korea Baduk Association.

Over a hundred reporters jostle for position in a fierce race for coverage.

Seoa Ryu, the center of the Go world’s attention, yet a mystery with little known about her.

The youngest-ever inductee and the current youngest professional Go player.

Not even a trainee or a junior tournament participant, she seemed to drop from the sky, defeating multiple male pros and nearly reaching the main stage of a world tournament.

Daegil Kong, editor-in-chief of a Go magazine, swallows hard, squeezing through the crowd to get closer.

“Seoa Ryu, 1st-dan. This is Jieun Kim from OO Daily. Congratulations on your induction! You’ve broken records at such a young age—under whom did you train to build your skills so quickly?”

The first question is directed at the girl with long blonde hair tied back with a large ribbon. Despite facing countless cameras and reporters, she shows no signs of nerves, looking relaxed.

“Oh… my Go-loving grandfather helped a lot. I solved life-and-death problems from a young age, studied standard moves in my spare time, and played online or at local Go clubs, which I enjoyed and worked hard at. I think that led to good results!”

Daegil Kong is stunned by her words. Just life-and-death problems and online Go to beat three pros? Male pros, at that?

“This is Minkyoo Park from OO Sports. May I ask your grandfather’s name?”

Daegil isn’t the only one with doubts, as another reporter tosses out the question.

“Haha… my grandfather isn’t a pro or famous, so you probably wouldn’t know him. He plays as a hobby, but he’s played so long I learned a lot from him!”

So, no proper teacher. Unbelievable. Is it purely Seoa Ryu’s talent? Can someone reach that level without formal training?

They can’t press further when she says there’s no teacher. The reporters shift topics.

“This is Seojin Han from OO Daily! A question for Jinyoung Park, 9-dan. Some in the Go community claim Seoa Ryu, 1st-dan, received excessive favoritism. Was the board’s decision to allow her special induction based on clear criteria?”

A question aimed at an association insider at the press conference. It suggests the association rushed the special induction for publicity and marketability.

“The special induction system has already benefited several talented players, and Seoa Ryu, 1st-dan, met the criteria, so claims of favoritism are unfounded, I can confidently say.”

“This is Jiwon Chae from OO Go. I was impressed by the match between Pilgyu Park, 9-dan, and Seoa Ryu. But she showed physical weaknesses and inexperience. Even if she met internal criteria, isn’t this a hasty decision?”

Seoa Ryu is remarkable. A once-in-a-century prodigy. But no one knows her exact skill level. A few matches might be overhyping her.

Online, some argue the three pros she beat were in poor condition and underestimated her, gaining traction. Even Daegil Kong can’t fully dismiss the possibility.

“To address those concerns, as announced, an exhibition match will follow this press conference. She’ll face Hayul Joo, 7th-dan.”

Hayul Joo, 7th-dan.

The fifth-ranked female player, who won her first title a few months ago.

If Seoa performs well against her, public skepticism about her skills being overrated will fade.

Daegil Kong observes Seoa Ryu, calmly handling the barrage of questions.

A strange environment, unfamiliar people, and an upcoming match against a top female player. It’d be natural to show some nerves, but she’s eerily unfazed.

Instead, her eyes are lost in deep thought. What’s going on in that innocent, wide-eyed girl’s mind?

He feels a slight thrill, hoping the upcoming match will reveal something.

*

Hayul Joo, 7th-dan, sighs inwardly, watching the small girl sitting composedly.

No matter how she thinks about it, the match is a losing proposition. Winning gains nothing, but losing costs too much.

A kid who beat several male pros and matched Pilgyu Park, 9-dan.

She hasn’t seen her play, but she knows she must win at all costs.

The opening follows standard moves.

For someone self-taught, her fundamentals are solid.

But to challenge a titleholder like her with a direct power struggle instead of gambits?

Is it arrogance or confidence?

Either way, it’s intriguing. This kid might soon blossom and face her in major tournaments.

Testing her tendencies and skills aggressively doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

Hayul Joo, 7th-dan, initiates a local skirmish on the left side.

The kid boldly responds, entangling stones.

The fight escalates. Both sides clash with shaky positions.

The game naturally spirals into chaos.

Seizing the initiative, Hayul Joo pressures the weak group.

One misstep could send it plummeting.

Compromising to find a safer path would be easier, but the kid nonchalantly continues the tightrope act, unwilling to concede even a small loss.

It’s an exhibition match with ample time. Hayul Joo meticulously targets critical points.

Calculated, restrained attacks. Yet the girl slips through with unbelievably light and flexible countermeasures.

Annoyingly, she secures every gain along the way.

“…Alright.”

At least she’s not just hype, as some online claim.

But she has no intention of being the sacrificial lamb for a ten-year-old’s pro debut win.

Spotting a clever move, Hayul Joo swiftly picks up a stone and places it with a crisp snap.