CHECK-MATE

  CHAPTER V - THE PRODIGY KILLER

  [Somewhere in a Dark Alley in Tokyo]

  The fine rain fell, mixing with the blood that streamed onto the dirty asphalt. A young body lay contorted, eyes open in glassy terror, the last breath still hanging in the cold air. Above him, a hooded figure methodically wiped a short, cruel blade, the metal gleaming faintly under the dim light of a distant lamppost.

  "S-Someone... h-help me..." – The memory of the victim's last groan was almost inaudible under the sound of the rain.

  The hooded figure crouched down, ignoring the pool of blood that was forming. A sinister smile curved his lips, hidden in the shadow of the hood.

  "This..." the voice whispered, hoarse and devoid of emotion. "This is the last face you will ever see." The figure's eyes fixed on the almost imperceptible emblem on the victim's collar – a small symbol associated with a chess academy for promising youths. "Prodigy." The word was spat out like venom.

  He ran his tongue along the edge of the blade, savoring the taste of blood on the metal. No remorse. No guilt. Just the cold satisfaction of a job well done. Another piece of scum erased.

  "Shōtōgoroshi” - The Prodigy Killer. The name echoed in the dark alleys and the nightmares of those blessed – or cursed – by “mana”.

  [Flashback - The Birth of the Royal Twins - Decades Ago]

  (The sharp cry of two newborns echoes in a richly decorated but tense chamber)

  A doctor, dressed in fine robes, hesitated before the woman in the bed, a regal figure despite her pallor and sweat.

  Royal Doctor: My Lady... the first boy... he shines. With an immense amount of "mana", as expected from the royal lineage. A born prodigy, undoubtedly.

  A murmur of relief went through the few attendants present. But the doctor's gaze turned somber as he turned to the second cradle.

  Royal Doctor: But the other one, my Lady... the digital scan... showed no sign. It indicates "0" "mana". He is... a "Common".

  A heavy silence fell over the chamber. The babies' cries seemed accusatory.

  Mother: (Voice choked, tears streaming) How...? How is this possible? Both... they should have... (Sobs prevent her from continuing).

  Fear replaced the pain in her eyes. She knew what it meant to have a "Common" in the royal lineage, especially when the King, her lord, expected perfection, the continuation of mana's power. A son without mana was a disgrace, an unacceptable weakness.

  Mother: (Grabbing the doctor's arm with desperate urgency) My lord... the King... he cannot know about this!

  Royal Doctor: But, my Lady... the protocol...

  Mother: Hide the other one! – The order was a feverish hiss. – Say the birth... was not successful. That the second baby didn't survive! Do it, Doctor! NOW!

  The doctor hesitated, conflict stamped on his face. But his lady's gaze was unwavering, a mixture of royal command and maternal panic.

  Royal Doctor: (Bowing stiffly) Very well, my Lady. As you command.

  The mother picked up the small "Common" baby, cradling him against her chest. The tears now were of farewell. She caressed the tiny face, feeling the glaring absence of the energy that vibrated in the other child.

  Mother: (Whispering between sobs) I'm sorry, my son... you cannot stay here. Know that I love you very much... Wherever you may go... may “Ra” be with you and guide you... You shall be called: “Arakami”. I love you, my son... Goodbye, Arakami...

  Royal Doctor: My Lady, I must leave now with the baby. There is little time left before my lord arrives at his chambers. Please, hand over the child. I will arrange for a home... a discreet one.

  With a final kiss and a stifled cry, she handed Arakami to the doctor. The man took the small bundle and a bag of coins, disappearing through the secret passages of the palace.

  [Arakami's Childhood]

  The doctor fulfilled his promise to send him away, but not to find a loving home. Handed over to greedy intermediaries, Arakami ended up in a family 'affluent on paper', but cold and resentful in reality. A family of "Average People", where everyone possessed some “mana”, however modest.

  To them, Arakami was an anomaly, the boy with "zero". Despised, oppressed, a ghost in his own home. While his adoptive siblings learned the rudiments of chess, he was excluded, constantly reminded of his inferiority, his uselessness in that world. Resentment grew in his chest like a tumor, fueled by injustice, by abandonment, by the damned "mana" that defined everyone's value but his. He was the "Only One" – the only one with nothing in that universe.

  [The Night of the Accident]

  Years passed. Arakami became an embittered adult, stuck in a mediocre job as a "Common", drowned in debt, the rent for his miserable apartment overdue. Life was a cruel joke.

  One rainy night, returning from work, frustration bubbling, he distractedly fiddled with his phone while driving. He didn't see the figure crossing in the crosswalk. The impact was sudden, violent.

  Arakami slammed on the brakes, his heart pounding. He got out of the car, trembling. A small crowd was already forming, despite the rain. Shouts. Someone pointed at the victim on the ground, then at him.

  "He's a Prodigy!" someone yelled. "He ran over a Prodigy!"

  "He'll get life!" another echoed. "No chance of parole!"

  Icy panic seized Arakami. Filmed. Recognized. The end. His miserable life was about to become a prison hell. His face would be all over the internet in minutes.

  With an impulse of pure terror, he got back into the car, started it with trembling hands, and fled, the distant shouts and sirens chasing him into the night.

  [The Transformation]

  Locked in his apartment, sweating cold, waiting for the knock on the door that never came that night, something changed. Panic gave way to terrifying clarity. He replayed the accident, the frightened face of the young prodigy... and felt no guilt. Felt no remorse. Felt... justice?

  "They have everything," Arakami growled at the peeling walls. "Money, respect, future... all because of this damned 'mana'. And me? I lose everything over a stupid mistake?"

  A low, sinister laugh began to bubble in his chest. It wasn't the laugh of someone who had lost everything. It was the laugh of someone who had nothing left to lose.

  "If I'm going to be arrested... probably killed... I'll take as many of you with me as possible." He stood up, his eyes gleaming with a new and terrible resolve. "You all deserve to die. Scum. This whole world is wrong."

  That night, Arakami died. And Shōtōgoroshi was born from the ashes of his hopelessness and hatred. He would start hunting “Prodigies". One by one.

  [The Reign of Terror]

  (News clippings, screaming headlines, graphs showing the rising death toll)

  Newscast (Voice Over): "Today, another prodigy was found dead... it's the 7th death since..."Newscast (Voice Over): "...a name has become known on the streets: Shōtōgoroshi – The Prodigy Killer..."Newscast (Voice Over): "...already the 52nd death in the last year... we are losing our national treasures..."Newscast (Voice Over): "...authorities have already registered 27 factions and criminal groups inspired by “Shōtōgoroshi”, focusing on prodigies..."

  Chaos ensued. The latent hatred of the "Common People" found a symbol, a distorted martyr. The hunt for prodigies exploded in Japan and began to spread across the world.

  It was in this climate of fear and violence that the OME (World Chess Organization) emerged, with the stated mission of protecting the remaining prodigies and trying to promote some form of coexistence.

  [The Dark Legacy]

  Years passed since the height of the terror. The OME brought a precarious order. "Shōtōgoroshi” became a legend, a specter. Many believed he was dead or imprisoned. He lived in seclusion, his name rarely mentioned aloud, but the story... the story was known by every prodigy who learned to fear the shadows. To the criminal factions and many resentful "Commons," he was a dark hero, the man who dared to challenge the unjust order of the world.

  But for "Shōtōgoroshi”, hidden in the depths of society, the mission never ended. The world was still infested. His mission was simple: erase the anomaly. Restore the world to its natural state.

  Without prodigies.

  [Fade in: Kurogane Academy – Classroom 25, IT Class - Present]

  The low hum of computers filled the room as the last groups presented their projects on technological evolution. The air was thick with the typical end-of-class drowsiness and pre-dismissal anxiety.

  Professor Tanaka: Very good. The last group, please. Kaoru Shimizu and Hanna Kobayashi, you may come to the front.

  Kaoru and Hanna exchanged a quick glance and stood up. Their presentation was fluid, a result of the easy collaboration they had established. Hanna spoke more naturally, while Kaoru supplemented with precise data and concise analysis. At the end, some polite applause sounded through the room.

  Professor Tanaka: Excellent, pair. I liked the approach. – He adjusted his glasses, addressing the class. – Very well, students. I will review all the work carefully, checking for any trace of AI, of course. Grades and comments will be available online on the school website later. That's all for today. You are dismissed.

  The room immediately erupted into the controlled chaos of the end of class: desks dragging, loud conversations, the sound of backpacks being zipped up. Kaoru remained seated for a moment, gathering his thoughts, until Hanna approached him.

  Hanna: (Smiling) Hey. It was good working with you. Less stressful than I thought.

  Kaoru: (Returning a small smile) Same here, Hanna. It was... nice.

  Before they could continue, the conversation and noise at the door abruptly ceased. Three figures stopped at the entrance, and the atmosphere in the room shifted, charged with respect and a hint of fear. They were members of the Student Council.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  At the front was Souta Kazami, the President. Tall, with an impeccable posture and a calm gaze that seemed to analyze everything. Beside him, Riku Asano, with a more impetuous air and a smug smirk, and Mizuki Hayashi, whose neutral expression and sharp eyes gave an impression of calculating coldness.

  The remaining students instinctively made way. Souta Kazami walked directly to Kaoru's desk, his council members close behind.

  Souta: Kaoru Shimizu. – His voice was polite but firm. – May we have a word with you?

  Kaoru met Souta's gaze, feeling the weight of everyone's attention in the room. Without a word, he stood up. Hanna took a step back, watching apprehensively.

  Souta: Congratulations on your victory in the Regional Championship. A remarkable feat for someone so... new to the competitive scene. – There was a subtext there, an implicit evaluation. – I heard you also qualified for the Nationals.

  Riku: (With a restrained laugh) Beginner's luck, I'd say. Don't get used to the spotlight, Shimizu. The Nationals are another level. I myself have a 3100 rating, and I know it's not for just anyone.

  Mizuki: (Adding coldly) And I, 3030. We are both members of this academy's selection for the Nationals. Your current rating... what is it again? 2800? It's almost insignificant at this level.

  Kaoru remained silent, just observing them. Their arrogance was palpable.

  Souta: What my colleagues mean to say, in a somewhat... direct manner, is that the challenge will be immense. I will be there too. And I assure you the competition will be fierce.

  Riku: Fierce? For him, it'll be a massacre! You don't stand a chance against Mizuki, let alone me, Shimizu. And don't even dream of getting close to President Souta. He's in another league.

  Mizuki: It would be smarter for you to focus on your studies. Maybe give up now, before embarrassing yourself on national television.

  The provocation hung in the air. Kaoru finally looked away from them, seeming to ponder for a moment. Then, he looked back at them, an almost imperceptible glint in his eyes.

  Kaoru: How about we prove it?

  Riku laughed loudly. Riku: Prove what? That you're weaker?

  Kaoru: How about... the two of you against me? Now.

  A shocked silence fell over the students still there. Riku and Mizuki seemed genuinely surprised, then their faces twisted into mockery.

  Mizuki: Are you serious? Two against one? You're asking to be humiliated.

  Riku: I like that idea! Let's go to the courtyard! That way the whole school can see the "Regional Champion" get crushed!

  As Riku and Mizuki were already turning, calling the remaining classmates to watch the "show," Souta Kazami intervened, raising a hand.

  Souta: One moment. – He turned to Kaoru, his gaze analytical. – Are you sure about this, Shimizu? An exhibition match, two against one?

  Kaoru: I am.

  Souta: (Nodding slowly) Very well. Then let it be done properly. I will be the referee. 5-minute blitz for each side. Riku and Mizuki will play as a team on white, consulting each other. Any attempt at cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct will result in immediate disqualification. – He looked at his council members. – Understood?

  Riku & Mizuki: (Exchanging an arrogant glance) Yes, President!

  Souta: Then let's go. Central courtyard.

  The news spread like wildfire through the corridors. When they arrived at the courtyard, a curious crowd had already formed. Souta retrieved from his briefcase an elegant solid wood chessboard and a set of finely crafted pieces, positioning them on a stone table in the center. The tension was palpable. Hanna watched closely, biting her nail. Renji Takahara was also there, his expression unreadable, counting on Kaoru's defeat.

  Riku and Mizuki sat on one side, exchanging confident whispers. Kaoru sat on the other, his expression calm, almost impassive.

  Souta: Are you ready? Riku and Mizuki on White. Kaoru Shimizu on Black. You may begin!

  (The Match - Accelerated Pace)

  The match started at high speed, as expected from a blitz. Riku, aggressive, wanted to apply pressure from the start. Mizuki, more cautious, tried to calculate the lines and contain her partner's impulses. Playing together, they represented a complex challenge: brute force and tactical precision.

  Kaoru defended with disconcerting calm. His movements were quick, economical, responding to the dual threats with an efficiency that began to annoy his opponents. The crowd watched in tense silence, many expecting Kaoru's imminent collapse under the combined pressure.

  After the 20th Move: The position was complicated, but balanced. Riku and Mizuki frowned, their initial confidence shaken. How could he anticipate their combined ideas? How could he not only defend but find precise little counter-attacks at every opening? The clock ticked relentlessly.

  Renji (thinking): He's... countering everything. How? He makes it look easy... Do I really know how to play chess?

  Kaoru's time was slightly higher (2:30 min) compared to Riku and Mizuki's (2 min), who spent precious seconds discussing each move. The pressure was clearly on them.

  After the 40th Move: The situation had turned. Kaoru, with a series of subtle maneuvers, had cornered the white pieces. Their king was exposed, and a mating net was beginning to form. Kaoru saw the line clearly – 10 moves, maybe fewer if they made a mistake.

  Souta (thinking, observing Kaoru's precision): Impressive. He transformed defense into a lethal attack. A few more moves and it's over.

  Riku, seeing the time run out and the position crumble, was visibly irritated. Mizuki, on the other hand, seemed to have accepted the inevitable.

  Mizuki: (Whispering to Riku) It's over, Riku. There's no defense left. We were lost since move 20, we just didn't see it. It's time to admit it.

  Riku: Shut up! It's not over yet! – In a fit of frustration and under time pressure, he made an impulsive move with a knight, trying to create a non-existent threat. It was a gross blunder.

  Kaoru: (Almost instantly) Check.

  Kaoru's move not only delivered check but exposed the mating sequence with brutal clarity. Now it was 5 moves, unavoidable.

  Mizuki: (Standing up abruptly) I resign!

  She walked away from the table, her face impassive, but her fists clenched. Riku looked at the board, then at Mizuki walking away, his face red with anger and humiliation. He glared at Kaoru, who just watched him calmly.

  Souta: Mizuki Hayashi resigns. The match continues with Riku Asano.

  But Riku knew it was futile. He looked at the clock, at the desperate position. With a grunt of anger, he knocked over his own king on the board.

  Souta: End of the match. Victory for Kaoru Shimizu.

  A shocked murmur ran through the crowd, followed by hesitant shouts and applause, then stronger ones. The "Regional Champion" had defeated two of the academy's best players, playing alone against both.

  Hanna (thinking, with an admiring smile): Kaoru... you really are amazing.Renji (thinking, shaken): He... beat them both... Alone... What am I compared to that? Just an extra? Kaoru... I need to catch up to you as soon as possible.

  Kaoru stood up calmly. Riku glared daggers at him, while Mizuki had already disappeared into the crowd. Souta Kazami approached Kaoru.

  Souta: Congratulations, Shimizu. For the second time. That was... an interesting match. We'll see each other at the Nationals. – There was a new respect, perhaps even a hint of caution, in his eyes.

  Kaoru: (Meeting Souta's gaze) Try to make it to the finals, Souta.

  Without another word, Kaoru picked up his backpack and started walking out of the school, leaving behind the agitated crowd and his new, and now very aware, rivals.

  As he walked, his phone vibrated in his pocket. A notification from CODE.

  [CODE: Notification]

  CODE: Match analyzed. Excellent performance under pressure, balancing defense and counter-attack with precision. Ability to handle multiple threat vectors demonstrated.

  CODE: Based on this match against opponents with a superior combined rating, your estimated probability of reaching the final of the National Championship has risen to 54%. Significant progress. Preparation schedule revised to include tactical simulations against multiple styles and approaches with simulated ratings between 5,000-6,000 to accelerate evolution in crucial areas.

  A small satisfied smile touched Kaoru's lips.

  Kaoru: Excellent, CODE.

  He put the phone away and continued on his way home. The Nationals were closer, and with every step, he felt more prepared.

  [Fade in: Hoshikawa Orphanage – Late Afternoon]

  The sun was beginning to set, painting the Tokyo sky orange and pink above the rooftops, as Kaoru pushed open the familiar gate of the Hoshikawa Orphanage. The sound of children's laughter and the faint smell of home cooking welcomed him, a balm after the tension at the academy.

  As soon as he stepped into the inner courtyard, a small whirlwind surrounded him.

  "Kaoru-nii!" shouted Mia, the first to reach him, clinging to his leg as always. Aito came right behind, brandishing a crumpled drawing of a warrior-like chess knight. Deku, more timid, just smiled and held onto the hem of Kaoru's shirt, while Yumi, a bit older, asked with curiosity, "How was school today, Kaoru-nii? You look tired."

  Kaoru ruffled Mia's hair and took Aito's drawing with a "Wow, that's cool!". He smiled at Deku and answered Yumi, "It was a long day, Yumi-chan, but everything went well."

  Suyuri appeared at the kitchen door, drying her hands on an apron, a warm smile on her relieved face.

  Suyuri: Hi, Kaoru. You're back. How was school? You were a bit later today.

  Kaoru: (Approaching her) Everything went well, Suyuri-chan. We had the project presentation and... some other things. But nothing to worry about.

  Suyuri watched him for a moment, her gentle eyes scanning his face, perhaps detecting the fatigue behind the calm. But she didn't press.

  Suyuri: I'm very happy, Kaoru. – Her smile widened. – Now sit down, come eat something before it gets cold. I made onigiri with umeboshi, I know you like them.

  Kaoru: (The familiar aroma hit him, and he felt the day's tension ease a little more) Thank you very much, Suyuri-chan.

  He spent the rest of the afternoon immersed in the comforting routine of the orphanage. He ate the rice balls, helped Aito and Deku with a simple math lesson, played a quick game of cards with Mia and Yumi, listening to their stories of the day. Here, he wasn't the "Prodigy," the "Regional Champion," or the target of rivals; he was just Kaoru-nii, the older brother.

  When night fell and the younger children went to get ready for bed, Kaoru placed a gentle kiss on Suyuri's forehead, a silent gesture of thanks and affection, before heading up to his room. The silence of the small room was a stark contrast to the buzz of the day. But instead of resting, he sat at his desk, turned on the lamp, and opened an old book with a worn cover: "Principles of Dynamic Defense and Counter-Attack". The pages were filled with complex diagrams and notes he had made himself. With determination renewed by the victory in the school courtyard and the notification from CODE, he dove into study, his mind already visualizing lines of attack and defense, preparing for the much greater challenges that awaited him in the "National Championship".

  [USA – Training Facility of the “Order White King", Nevada - Simultaneously]

  Far from Kaoru's humble room, in an elegant, high-tech underground facility in the Nevada desert, the atmosphere was electric. Complex holograms of chessboards floated in the air. A dozen youths, the elite of American prodigies, sat at ergonomic consoles, their faces tense with concentration.

  Trainer Marcus Davies, a middle-aged man with a penetrating gaze and an impeccable suit, stood on a raised platform, observing his pupils.

  Trainer Davies: Very well, prodigies. Attention. Today's training will be... a test of endurance and tactical capability under extreme pressure. All against one.

  A murmur went through the youths. They all knew what that meant.

  Trainer Davies: You all have a rating of 10,000+ Elo. A remarkable achievement. But today, you will measure your strength against a different level. You will play directly against Mister Fisher.

  Their gazes instinctively turned to the figure seated casually at a central console, slightly apart from the others. “Adam Fisher” seemed almost bored, twirling a holographic piece between his fingers, without even looking at the other prodigies.

  Despite Adam's apparent indifference, the tension among the others was palpable. Elias Vance, the oldest and closest to Adam in rating (around 12,800 Elo), maintained his composure, but his knuckles were white where he gripped the console controls. Seraphina Bellweather (11,500 Elo), known for her aggressive style, had her eyes fixed on Adam, a mixture of reluctant respect and fierce competitiveness shining in them. The youngest of the group, Javier "Javi" Morales (10,100 Elo), tried to hide his nervousness with a forced smile, repeatedly adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

  Trainer Davies: Everyone to their positions. Concentrate on your terminals. Coordination will be essential, but individual initiative will also be evaluated. Total focus. Mister Fisher... are you ready?

  Adam just gave a slight nod, without looking away from the holographic piece.

  Trainer Davies: Let the match begin!

  The central holograms sprang to life, the pieces positioning themselves for the start of the game. Twelve of America's brightest chess minds against one. The silence in the room was absolute, broken only by the low hum of advanced technology, as the final battle of the chapter began, not with a bang, but with the silent click of the first move on the digital board.

  [End of Chapter]

  And that's Chapter V wrapped up! Wow, that was a heavy start with Shōtōgoroshi's backstory, right? A fallen royal twin driven by the world's injustice – definitely adds a complex layer to the threats Kaoru might face beyond the chessboard.

  Then we had the showdown at Kurogane Academy! Kaoru taking on Riku and Mizuki 2-vs-1 was intense. Loved writing his calm demolition of their arrogance. Shout out to Hanna for being supportive, and poor Renji having an existential crisis watching Kaoru play! It seems Kaoru made quite an impression, and his CODE probability is rising!

  We ended with a stark contrast: Kaoru finding solace and focus back at the orphanage, preparing diligently, while Adam Fisher casually takes on a dozen 10k+ Elo prodigies simultaneously in a high-tech facility. It really highlights the different worlds they inhabit and the sheer scale of the mountain Kaoru has to climb.

  What did you think of Shōtōgoroshi's origin? And the school confrontation? Will Souta, Riku, Mizuki, or even Renji become significant rivals at the Nationals? And what's going on in Adam's mind during that "training"?

  Thanks so much for reading! In the next chapter, the two-month countdown to the Nationals truly begins. Kaoru needs to balance intense training, finding a way to save the orphanage, and perhaps dealing with the growing shadow of Shōtōgoroshi... Stay tuned!