Shuho's Last Triumph

 A Cunning Proposal (Early 1886)

By 1886, the Japanese Go world stood at a crossroads. Murase Shuho, leader of the progressive Hoensha, had spent years battling the conservative Honinbo school, now led by Shuei. Though the Hoensha had grown dominant, Shuho knew true unity required merging both factions. Meanwhile, Shuei—desperate to save the bankrupt Honinbo house—schemed behind the scenes.

Shuei’s Secret Meeting with Gotō Shōjirō

One evening, Shuei met with his political ally, Gotō Shōjirō, a shrewd statesman who had long supported the Honinbo financially.

"Shuho is getting old," Gotō murmured, swirling his sake. "His health is failing. If we offer him the Honinbo title now, it will look like a surrender—but in truth, we are buying time."

Shuei frowned. "You suggest I just hand him my family’s legacy?"

Gotō leaned in. "Think. The Honinbo name is a burden now—its estates mortgaged, its disciples scattered. Let Shuho bear that weight. When he dies, who will the players turn to? You—the last true Honinbo heir."

Shuei’s eyes gleamed. The plan was diabolical:

1. Offer Shuho the Honinbo title—appeasing traditionalists while saddling him with financial ruin.

2. Demand joint certification of ranks—ensuring Honinbo received a cut of all future licensing fees.

3. Wait for Shuho’s death—then reclaim the title as his rightful successor.

Shuho’s Dilemma

When the offer arrived, Shuho gathered his inner circle:

● Kobayashi Tetsujirou, his pragmatic second-in-command, warned: "This is a trap. Shuei would never surrender willingly."

● Nakagawa Kamesaburou, ever the opportunist, argued: "Take it. With the Honinbo name, we can finally force unity."

Shuho coughed into his sleeve—a fleck of blood staining the fabric. He knew his tuberculosis was worsening. But the chance to cement his legacy was too tempting.

"We accept," he rasped.

The Treaty of July 10, 1886

The agreement was a masterpiece of political theater:

1. Title Transfer: Shuei would "abdicate," making Shuho the 18th Honinbo.

2. Rank Certification: All future diplomas required both Hoensha and Honinbo seals—giving Shuei a permanent revenue stream.

3. Succession Clause: Shuho’s heir would be chosen by "merit"—a vague term Shuei intended to exploit.

As they signed, the two men exchanged hollow smiles. Both knew: this was not peace, but a temporary truce.

Shuho’s Final Moves

Despite his failing health, Shuho worked feverishly:

● August 6, 1886: His last game against Shuei. Though weakened, he played brilliantly, losing by just 4 points. As they bowed, Shuei murmured: "A fitting end." Neither mentioned the dagger hidden in those words.

● October Preparations: Shuho personally inspected every detail of his inauguration ceremony, even as his cough turned violent. He wrote to allies: "This celebration will mark a new era—one where Go is truly united!"

The Night Before

On October 12, Shuho summoned Kobayashi.

"The Osaka branch must open next month," he whispered, gripping his disciple’s arm. "And the archives—promise me Shusaku’s games will be preserved."

Kobayashi, seeing the fever in Shuho’s eyes, hesitated. "Sensei... you should rest."

Shuho shook his head. "After tomorrow."

The Empty Throne (October 14, 1886)

Dawn broke over a silent Hoensha headquarters. By 11 AM, the hall was packed—but the guest of honor never appeared.

When Kobayashi entered Shuho’s chamber, he found him seated in full Honinbo regalia, his face eerily peaceful. A half-written speech lay before him, the ink still wet.

The 18th Honinbo had died at his post.

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Copyright Notice

This English adaptation is based on Japanese Go Stories (《日本围棋故事》, 2016) by Xue Zhicheng (薛至诚).

• For non-commercial use only: Shared for educational purposes under fair use.

• Rights retained: All copyrights belong to the original author and cited sources.

• Modifications: Minor narrative adjustments were made for readability; all historical content remains accurate.

• No affiliation or endorsement: This work is independent and unaffiliated with the original author or publishers.

Contact: For verification or takedown requests, please email help@zeejyan.com.

References

Adapted from:

• Xue Zhicheng (薛至诚), Japanese Go Stories (《日本围棋故事》), 2016.

Cited in original work:

• Watanabe Hideo (渡辺英夫), Shin Zaigin Dansō (《新坐隱談叢》)

• Watanabe Yoshimichi (渡部義通), Kodai Igo no Sekai (《古代囲碁の世界》)

• Lin Yu (林裕), Weiqi Encyclopedia (《围棋百科辞典》)