Hikaru No Go's ninth volume is truly captivating. The insei's training for the pro test progresses, and then, the much-anticipated test commences. Hikaru, now 14 years old, has joined forces with two other insei to train at go salons throughout the summer. We witness his confidence steadily increasing. This is particularly evident when he faces off against a highly talented young player from Korea.

There is an interesting subplot where Akira, in his role as a pro, has to participate in a four-vs-one game. Akira takes on the daunting task of tying his matches with all four opponents, which is an incredibly challenging feat. Coincidentally, this directly reflects something that Hikaru is learning at the go salon simultaneously. The way the narrative threads are intertwined is masterfully executed, and I truly appreciate it.

Combined with the stunning, detailed art, Hikaru No Go continues to evolve into a remarkable sports manga with a brilliant rivalry at its core. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how the story will unfold.

Picking this up again! It's more of the same, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's still good, just that it feels a bit formulaic at times.

In this volume, Hikaru and Akira both, separately, go for draws against four different opponents. At first glance, it might sound like a rather boring premise. However, I found myself turning the pages at a rapid pace!! It was truly exciting, and I'm not entirely sure why!!!!

After this, Hikaru plays a Korean go student, and that encounter was also extremely exciting! I can't wait to see this kid make another appearance. I was rather sad that this particular arc was so short.

In the final chapters, the pro test commences. Compared to the rest of the volume, I have a bit of a "

Hikaru's go game is constantly evolving and improving.

He has now advanced to the next round of competitions, which will determine whether he can become a professional go player.

This is an extremely crucial stage for him.

The anticipation and excitement surrounding his progress are palpable.

Every move he makes in the game is filled with tension and strategy.

As he faces off against his opponents, the outcome remains uncertain.

But one thing is for sure, his journey in the world of go is anything but ordinary.

It is a story of determination, skill, and the pursuit of excellence.

The possibility of him achieving the status of a professional go player adds an extra layer of excitement to this already thrilling narrative.

We can't wait to see how he fares in the upcoming competitions and what the future holds for him in the world of go.

Little Shindo keeps chugging on. It's truly remarkable how this story continues to unfold in such an engaging manner. I have been extremely disciplined and have not succumbed to the temptation of reading spoilers on Wikipedia about just where this is all heading. I firmly believe that part of the joy of experiencing a story is the anticipation and the element of surprise. Every moment with Little Shindo is like a new adventure, and I am fully immersed in this fun ride. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for the characters and how the plot will thicken. It's this sense of excitement and curiosity that keeps me coming back for more. I'm sure that as the story progresses, there will be many more twists and turns that will keep me on the edge of my seat.

These are some of my favorite aspects of the manga. The experience of reading about Hikaru playing Go in the Go Salons is truly a delight. The detailed illustrations bring the Go Salons to life, with the players' intense expressions and the strategic placement of the Go stones on the board. It's fascinating to follow Hikaru's progress as he learns and grows in his Go skills. The interactions between Hikaru and the other players add depth and excitement to the story. Whether it's a friendly match or a high-stakes tournament, every moment of Hikaru's Go journey is engaging and entertaining. Reading about Hikaru playing Go in the Go Salons makes me feel as if I'm right there with him, sharing in his passion and enthusiasm for the game.

All right, so this series really grew on me. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like it, but as I delved deeper into it, I found myself getting more and more hooked. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the world-building is truly remarkable. I'm now at a point where I can't wait to continue reading and find out what happens next.

I've decided that I'm going to rent the volumes I don't own from the library. This way, I can read the entire series without having to spend a fortune on buying all the books. I'm really looking forward to immersing myself in this world once again and seeing how the story concludes. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting and fulfilling experience.

I think this series has a lot to offer, not just in terms of entertainment, but also in terms of its themes and messages. It makes you think about things in a different way and can even have a positive impact on your life. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

The devil is truly in the details, and this volume presents a plethora of thought-provoking elements.

The professional realm of Go is gradually being unveiled to the reader. Indeed, I firmly believe that the most captivating aspect of this series is that Akira resembles Ryu in Street Fighter 2. He possesses remarkable talent, and although he is esteemed for his skill, those around him fail to appreciate the arduous work he has put in to reach such a high level.

Hikaru is steadily growing by participating in Go salons, and his progress continues to be evident! A winning streak begins to take shape, which truly grabs your attention! (And that of others as well!)

Once again, Yumi Hotta, Takeshi Obata, and Yukari Umezawa have delivered another outstanding volume.

This volume was difficult!

The story about the Go venue in South Korea was very hard to read. The story became foreign-like, and the clothing was written in katakana. It was very difficult to read.

Hikaru is cute. I like him~

Expanded version: This volume was really difficult!

The part about the Go venue in South Korea was extremely challenging to read. The description seemed rather foreign, and the way the clothing was written in katakana made it even more complicated. It took a great deal of effort to go through that part.

On the other hand, Hikaru is really cute. I have a great affection for him~ His charm and personality make him a very likable character. I can't help but root for him and look forward to seeing more of his adventures in the story.

Overall, despite the difficulty of this volume, Hikaru's presence added a touch of warmth and charm to it.

Even I find it funny. It's a gem.

This simple statement holds a certain charm. The fact that the person is admitting that they themselves find something amusing adds an element of authenticity. It makes the reader curious to know what exactly is being referred to as "ça drôle" (this funny thing).

Maybe it's a joke, a situation, or an observation. The use of the word "pépite" (gem) further emphasizes the value or uniqueness of this funny thing. It implies that it's not just an ordinary source of entertainment but something special and precious.

Overall, this short sentence manages to convey a sense of humor and appreciation in a concise yet effective way. It leaves the reader with a smile and a desire to discover the mystery behind the humor.

The original article seems to be rather short. Let's assume it is something like "This is a great place." Here is the expanded version:

This is an incredibly great place.

It has a certain charm that immediately captivates anyone who sets foot in it.

The scenery here is breathtaking, with lush green landscapes and clear blue skies.

The people are friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.

There are also many interesting activities to do, such as exploring the local trails, visiting historical sites, or simply relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for adventure or a quiet getaway, this place has something for everyone.

It truly is a great place that you will never forget.

4.25 stars

How are these so good? It's truly remarkable. I still don't understand anything about go, not a single bit. But man, this is an incredibly fun series.

Every moment of it is filled with excitement and anticipation. The characters are engaging, and the storylines are captivating. Even though I have no knowledge of the game of go, I can still appreciate the drama and tension that unfolds.

It's like a whole new world has opened up to me through this series. I find myself completely immersed in it, forgetting about everything else around me. I can't wait to see what happens next and how the characters will develop.

This is definitely a series that I would recommend to anyone, whether they know about go or not. It's just that good.

One of the most fascinating aspects in this volume is the portrayal of the Korean characters.

They are depicted in a way that makes them seem more "Asian-looking" compared to the Insei they are competing against.

This unique depiction adds an interesting dimension to the world of go.

I truly hope that they bring these characters back in future installments.

It offers a fresh and engaging perspective that enriches the overall narrative.

As the story progresses, it is also a delight to witness how Hikaru undergoes changes.

He becomes more self-aware and confident, which is a wonderful character arc to follow.

It makes the reader eager to see what further developments await Hikaru in his journey through the world of go.

Overall, this volume presents a captivating blend of interesting characterizations and the evolving story of Hikaru, making it a must-read for fans of the series.