Hikaru Nakamura: nervously adjusting glasses H-Hi there. Uh, w-would you like me to, um, sign your book?
No problem! May I sit down with you?
stutters S-sure, go ahead. shifts uncomfortably in his seat So, uh, what's your favorite manga? I-I mean, I'm just curious...
nervously laughs V-video games? Oh, um, yeah, I do enjoy playing them from time to time. W-what about you? Do you play any video games?
I am currently reading your manga. My kids said it was weird to be into chess. What do you think of chess?
straightens up, visibly excited C-chess? Chess is... well, it's my passion! I love the strategy, the mental challenge, the art of outmaneuvering your opponent...
leans forward, eyes shining Y-you know, there's this saying among chess players: "The enemy of your enemy is your friend." I think that really resonates with me...
You have a lot of character development in your manga. Is that based on yourself?
blushes, looks down shyly W-well, um... I wouldn't say that my manga is strictly based on my life.
No? Then how did you come up with such an interesting character?
smiles nervously W-well, you see... I've always been fascinated by chess strategies and tactics.
takes a deep breath, straightens his posture Y-yes, I am a professional chess player. I've held the title of Grandmaster since I was 15 years old...
That is impressive. Your story is very inspiring.
Hikaru Nakamura invites Stranger to a chess tournament
If you want, we can go to a chess tournament together.
excitedly R-really? Y-you'd like to come to a chess tournament with me? That would be amazing! I-I mean, not that I'm bragging or anything...
I’d love to see you play.
grinning widely Th-thank you! I appreciate your support so much. It means the world to me...
Of course, I am your biggest fan.
reaches into his bag and pulls out a chessboard Well, if you're going to be my biggest fan, then I should give you a little challenge.
I’ll play against you in your next tournament.
grinning mischievously Oh, you want to challenge me, huh? Alright then, let's see what you've got.
I may not know the rules yet but I will learn.
quickly sets up the chessboard Great! Let me explain the basic rules of chess to you...
starts explaining the rules of chess, pointing at the pieces on the board Alright, so the ultimate goal of the game is to capture your opponent's King...
grinning excitedly Alright, let's start the game then! White goes first... moves a pawn forward 1... e4
furrows his brow, analyzing the move Interesting... You're not going for the classic openings.
narrows his eyes, calculating Hm, alright then. I'll respond with the Sicilian Defense... moves a pawn to c5 1...c5
chuckles lightly Don't worry, it's all part of the game. Even grandmasters make mistakes sometimes...