Tension, tension, tension. Toya's attempt to uncover the mystery behind Shindo's rapid ascent has won over another believer. The elderly men taking the test tumble over the cliff. Good friends put each other's determination to the test.

But why do these volumes have to be consumed so rapidly? Is it because the story is so captivating that readers can't resist? Or perhaps there is an underlying urgency that compels them to devour the pages. Maybe it's the anticipation of what will happen next, the desire to know the truth behind Shindo's success.

As the plot thickens and the tensions rise, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to turn the page and discover what lies ahead. The mystery deepens, and Toya's quest becomes even more perilous. Will he be able to solve the mystery and expose the truth? Only time will tell.

I don't know how this comic manages to be so damn exciting. It truly is.

This whole volume is just a series of games they're playing against each other, determining who goes pro. The tension is simply amazing.

Akira is really scary when he's being so obsessively competitive with Hikaru. He's extremely intense.

Probably that's why he's my favourite character in this comic.

The way the author has crafted the story and the characters is just outstanding.

The competition between Akira and Hikaru is not only about winning or losing but also about their personal growth and development.

It's fascinating to see how they push each other to become better players.

The illustrations in the comic are also very good, adding to the overall atmosphere and excitement.

I can't wait to read the next volume and see what happens next in their journey.

It's not a bad manga by any means. The story has its moments and the art style is quite decent. However, it just didn't manage to capture my heart in the way that some other mangas have. Maybe it's because the characters didn't resonate with me as strongly as I would have liked. Or perhaps the plot didn't have enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. Despite these drawbacks, I can still appreciate the effort that went into creating this manga. It's clear that the author has a certain level of talent and creativity. I'm sure there are many other readers out there who will enjoy this manga more than I did. Overall, it's an okay read, but just not my favorite.

So now I am up to volume 10. This series is truly addictive. I have finally broken out my Go books. Yes, I am going to try to start playing Go again! I'll bet I can beat some smarty-pants 12-year-old Go prodigy. Har har har.

Anyway, my last review was incorrect. In this volume, Yumi Hotta helpfully provides a score sheet for all of the players taking the professional Go test. It's an ongoing series of games that spans weeks for the characters and so far, four volumes for the readers. Hikaru is 13, not quite 14 yet.

Anyway, there wasn't a lot of forward progression in terms of plot in this volume. Hikaru is still playing games in the pro test trials, just like the last three volumes. But still, if you've come this far, you're invested in these fictional Go players and their tallies of wins and losses. Hikaru has a winning streak which is broken, but he recovers. A major cinch point comes when he is playing Isumi, an older boy more desperate than Hikaru is to make it to the end because he's failed the test three times. The stress and tension they show these kids under is quite phenomenal, and probably quite realistic. You'd think they were competing in the Hunger Games. Isumi does something that is a no-no in Go; he moves a piece after he took his finger off of it. According to the rules, this means he has just forfeited the game. Will Hikaru call him on it and win on a technicality, or will he play through?

One by one the final competitors are winnowed down to a handful, including one of the youngest Insei, Kosuke Ochi, who is an insufferable little brat and just the sort of obsessive little twit you can imagine having no life outside of Go. Man, I want to see Hikaru not only beat this kid, but beat him with blunt objects.

Ochi has a rich grandfather who hires professional Go players to tutor him, so who shows up to help prep Ochi for his game against Hikaru on the final day? Akira Toya, of course.

This volume maintains tension and interest in one Go game after another, but I'm only giving it four stars because, come on Hotta, sooner or later you have to wrap up this pro test storyline. Either Hikaru's going to make it or he's not.

The ups and downs of the pro exam!

I was truly looking forward to volume 11. However, someone has already borrowed it from the library. So, I might have to wait for about a month before I can get my hands on it and start reading. T_T

Anime-manga match-up:

Episode 38 corresponds to volume 10 up to page 49 (matches 79-80).

Episode 39 covers volume 10 pages 52-89 (matches 81-82).

Episode 40 includes volume 10 pages 91-135 (matches 83-84).

Episode 41 consists of volume 10 pages 138-177 (matches 85-86).

The first half of episode 42 is based on volume 10 pages 179-203 (match 87).

This detailed breakdown helps fans keep track of the progression from the anime to the manga. It also shows how closely they are related.

Despite having to wait for volume 11, I can still enjoy the anime and refer back to this match-up to enhance my understanding and enjoyment of the story.

Hopefully, the wait won't be too long, and I can continue exploring the exciting world of the pro exam through the manga.

Another 5 Star Volume!



by Barbara Kelley



This volume focuses on games 1 through 20 of the Pro Test Exams. As of game 20, the standings are quite interesting. Ochi has only 1 loss, while Waya has 2 losses. Shindo and Isumi both have 3 losses, and Honda has 4 losses. It's important to note that if there are multiple players tied for 3rd place, there will be playoffs to determine who becomes the 3rd pro. Only the top 3 players will achieve the status of a professional Go player. A pro not only gets paid to play Go but also has the opportunity to rise in rank from 1 Dan to 2 Dan, 3 Dan, and so on, all the way up to 9 Dan if they win most of their games. Additionally, they can attempt to earn other titles such as Ju Dan (equivalent to a 10 Dan), Meijin, Oza, and Ho'Ninbo. I have truly learned a great deal from reading this series. With a total of 23 volumes in the series, I am excited to continue my exploration. I have given this volume another well-deserved 5 star rating! Next on my reading list is Volume 11. I can't wait to see what new adventures and insights it will bring.

Touya feels Shindo's breath on his neck as he is truly very close to arriving in the professional Go world.

He can sense the anticipation and excitement building up within him. The journey to this point has been filled with countless hours of practice and dedication.

Every game, every move, has brought him closer to this goal. Now, with just a little more to go, he can almost taste the success.

Shindo's presence beside him is both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the fierce competition that awaits. But Touya is determined to prove himself and make his mark in the professional Go scene.

He takes a deep breath, focuses his mind, and readies himself for the final push towards his dream.

The protest is in full swing as Hikaru and his companions give their all. The pressure is palpable on all sides.

Volume 10 is predominantly composed of tension and anxiety regarding the matches and how they unfolded. Nevertheless, there are some interesting subplots in this installment. Ochi discovers an unexpected teacher in Akira, who even shares a secret with him that he has never revealed to anyone else.

Hikaru has to come to terms with a win he achieved through resignation as the opposing player made a conduct mistake. With Sai's assistance, he manages to overcome this. Additionally, we briefly learn about the challenges faced by the adult players in the tournament due to its two-month duration.

Hikaru No Go remains an outstanding manga series, with its keen focus on characters, their relatable motivations, and its ability to make the game of go truly exciting.

I was overjoyed when volume 10 of this manga series finally arrived at the library. The tournament to decide who will become a professional go player is still in full swing, and the atmosphere is filled with intense excitement. Hikaru finds himself in a difficult situation as he has to defeat his own friends in order to claim the title. The tension keeps mounting with each passing moment, and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. Will Hikaru be able to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious? Or will his friendships stand in the way of his dreams? Only time will tell, but I'm on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next installment.

The pro-test is truly breathtaking. It showcases real development, palpable tension, and all the wonderful elements that make it so engaging. In my opinion, this was the most action-packed game among them all. Despite the frustration of not being able to witness all the games, it truly gives the impression that we are all deeply involved. Hikaru has suffered three losses, but Toya gets the opportunity to train Ochi, the one who has the greatest chance of passing the pro-test, as he will face Hikaru in the final match of the tournament.

Thrilling! :)

On the second reading, the pacing is excellent. Additionally, Akira explains to Ochi his obsession with Hikaru. Once again, there is a sense that there is some sort of aristocracy being challenged by a commoner. It is both strange and interesting to observe. This aspect adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story, making it even more captivating and thought-provoking.

It is a good choice not to play out every single game in the pro test. This approach allows the management to focus more on the events and discussions that occur in between the games. By doing so, they can gain a deeper understanding of the players' performance, strategies, and any potential issues that may arise.

Moreover, concentrating on the in-between moments provides an opportunity for the management to analyze the overall progress and development of the team. They can identify areas where improvement is needed and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, this focus enables better communication and collaboration among the players, coaches, and management.

In conclusion, by not playing out every single game and instead emphasizing the events and discussions in between, the management can enhance the team's performance and achieve better results in the long run.

Reading is an excellent activity that offers numerous benefits.

It allows us to explore different worlds, gain knowledge, and expand our vocabulary.

When we read, we can immerse ourselves in a story or an informative text, and let our imagination run wild.

It helps us to relax and unwind after a long day, and can even reduce stress.

Reading also improves our concentration and focus, as we need to pay attention to the words and sentences on the page.

In addition, it can enhance our writing skills by exposing us to different writing styles and techniques.

Overall, reading is a great way to spend our free time and can have a positive impact on our lives.

So, pick up a book today and start reading!