It seems rather random to incorporate six side stories of the minor characters within the story at present.

These side stories can offer additional depth and perspectives to the overall narrative. They might explore the backstories, motivations, and experiences of these characters that are not directly related to the main plot but still contribute to the richness of the fictional world.

By including these side stories, the author can engage the readers in a more comprehensive way, allowing them to form a deeper connection with the various characters.

However, it is important to ensure that these side stories do not overshadow the main plot or disrupt the flow of the story. They should be integrated seamlessly and serve a purpose in enhancing the overall reading experience.

Overall, while it may seem random at first, the inclusion of these six side stories of minor characters has the potential to add an interesting and engaging dimension to the story.

SPOILER

After Sai left, I really didn't anticipate that I would still be able to enjoy the story. However, now I have an intense curiosity to know where it will all culminate. I find myself constantly devouring the series, as if sleep is an unnecessary luxury. In this volume, we are reunited with the now older members of the school's Go club. We get to learn about their present circumstances and also delve into their past. It's truly fascinating to see how they have grown and changed over time. The story continues to unfold in unexpected ways, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these characters and how their stories will ultimately conclude.

This entry delves deep into the captivating histories of six of the remarkable characters within the series.

By doing so, it provides us with a wealth of additional information regarding their backgrounds and the driving forces that shape their actions and decisions.

We get to uncover the hidden details of their pasts, the events that have molded them into who they are today.

It's truly fascinating to explore how these characters have evolved and developed over time.

Their unique backstories and motivations add depth and complexity to the overall narrative, making it all the more engaging and immersive.

Whether it's a character's tragic past that fuels their desire for revenge or a hidden talent that emerges at a crucial moment, these aspects contribute to the rich tapestry of the series.

Overall, this exploration of the characters' histories offers a new and exciting perspective on the series, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the story and its inhabitants.

I truly cherished this additional volume that was filled with all the charming little mini stories of the people whose lives were influenced by Hikaru and Sai.

Each story was like a precious gem, shining a light on the different ways in which these two characters had made an impact.

It was heartwarming to see how their presence had brought about changes, both big and small, in the lives of those around them.

As I read through these stories, I couldn't help but smile.

The vivid descriptions and engaging narratives made me feel as if I was a part of their world, experiencing their joys and sorrows along with them.

This volume added a new dimension to the overall story of Hikaru and Sai, making it even more rich and fulfilling.

I'm so glad that it was included, as it gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the characters and their journey.

It's definitely a volume that I will treasure and revisit again and again.

In fact, it can be said that it has ended in volume 17. However, Hotta sensei wants to start a new chapter where Hikaru has developed without Sai. This volume 18 is a suitable prelude portion. There are 6 simple and light stories including the beloved old characters like Mitani and Kaga, and of course there is Sai (favorite!!! hha) and also Nase (so cute LOL).

This new volume brings a fresh start for the readers. It allows them to explore the growth and changes of Hikaru in a different context. The inclusion of the old characters adds a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while the appearance of Sai and Nase brings new excitement.

The simple and light stories in this volume are easy to read and enjoy. They offer a break from the more intense and complex plotlines of the previous volumes. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new reader, volume 18 is sure to capture your attention and keep you entertained.

Side and backstories for several of the characters add depth and complexity to a story.

For example, consider a character named John. John may seem like an ordinary person on the surface, but his backstory reveals that he grew up in a poor neighborhood and had to struggle to get an education.

Another character, Mary, might have a side story about her relationship with her sister. Their relationship has had its ups and downs, and this adds an interesting dynamic to Mary's character.

These side and backstories can also help to explain a character's actions and motivations. For instance, if a character is always hesitant to take risks, it may be because of a past experience that left them traumatized.

In conclusion, side and backstories are an important part of creating well-rounded and engaging characters. They allow readers to get to know the characters on a deeper level and make the story more interesting and believable.

There are amazing stories that all tie into the main story. Each one is unique and captivating in its own way. My favorite was probably the 5th game. It had its own set of thrilling moments and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. However, I believe that the end of game 6 was the best written. The way it ties in with the bigger plot is truly remarkable. It adds a new layer of depth and complexity to the overall narrative. The writers did an excellent job of building up the tension and then resolving it in a way that was both satisfying and unexpected. It makes me eager to see what will happen next in the story and how all of these amazing stories will continue to unfold.

Pretty much a collection of fillers of six side characters.

These side characters bring a certain degree of entertainment value. Their stories and interactions can keep the readers engaged until the next volume.

However, it's important to note that this collection is not essential reading. While it may offer some light-hearted moments and distractions, it doesn't have a significant impact on the overall narrative or the development of the main plot.

It's more like a supplementary piece that can be enjoyed for its own sake, but it's not something that the readers must read to understand the full story.

Nevertheless, for those who are fans of the series and are interested in learning more about the side characters, this collection can be a fun addition to their reading list.

Vol. 18 acts as a kind of interlude between the two major arcs of Hikaru no Go.

It is followed by Vol. 19 which commences the next significant arc.

Vol. 18 is an anthology consisting of six short stories. These stories center around Akira Toya, Tetsuo Kaga, Asumi Nase, Yuki Mitani, Atsushi Kurata, and Fujiwara-no-Sai.

The quality of these stories varies from decent to good.

For me, the Sai story was the standout of the collection.

It provides a little more of Sai just before the next big overarching storyline gets underway.

This interlude in the form of Vol. 18 offers readers a chance to explore different aspects of the characters and their relationships.

It also builds anticipation for what is to come in the subsequent volumes.

The short stories add depth and variety to the overall narrative of Hikaru no Go.

They give fans a taste of different perspectives and storylines within the world of the manga.

Overall, Vol. 18 serves an important purpose in the progression of the series.

This is the "short story" volume of the series. It is an anthology consisting of shorts that center on specific characters.

"Akira Toya" occurs just before Akira first meets Hikaru and reveals his loneliness due to not having kids his own age to play Go against properly. He plays against a kid who overestimates his own skills only to completely crush him.

"Tetsuo Kaga" takes place after all the original Go club members have left. Kaga, the kid who is good at both Go and Shogi, returns to his junior high and is accidentally mistaken for Tsutsui. He uses this misunderstanding to gather new members for the school's nearly dead Go club.

In "Asumi Nase," Asumi contemplates quitting being an insei and skips Go to go on a date. They end up at a sketchy Go salon, where her obvious skill and ease in that environment end up scaring off her date.

"Yuki Mitani" is set at some point in the past. Mitani cheats at Go for cash but isn't as smooth as he thinks.

"Atsushi Kurata" occurs prior to Kurata becoming interested in Go. When he was a student, Kurata used to collect horse-racing data and guess winning horses, becoming increasingly proficient at it, although he never placed any bets.

The final story in the volume is "Fujiwara-no-Sai," which clearly takes place in the past. Hikaru and Sai play a game of Go to win back a prized Keicho vase that has a "floating" flowers optical illusion when filled with water.

This volume was okay, I guess. The best stories were Sai's and Asumi's - they felt the most complete. Sai's story gave me a little Sai fix. It was wonderful to see him again, and Hotta managed to make him experience his full range of emotions in a single story - adorably earnest, goofy, serious, and a bit nostalgic about the past. Asumi's story made me wish the series focused more on its female Go players. It was nice to see her actively choose Go over a "normal" life. Kurata's story was also nice, a glimpse of what he was like before getting into Go. However, most of the other stories unfortunately felt more like outtakes from the original series rather than complete stories on their own. Mitani's was particularly annoying as it ended just before the game that was supposed to teach him a lesson about his behavior up to that point.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

Rather than continuing our storyline, this volume takes a different turn. It beautifully collects six stories, each centered around six diverse characters, both minor and major.

My personal favorites among them were the ones about Akira (and it's no surprise there), Kaga, and Nase Asumi. These stories were not only great fun to read but, in some cases, they actually managed to reveal more depth and nuances about the characters.

However, there was a slight disappointment as well. The story about Sai was a bit underwhelming. It didn't offer much that was different from the time when Sai told Hikaru that the salesmen at the go tournament (?) were selling fake gobans. Overall, despite this small drawback, the collection of stories in this volume provides an interesting and engaging read, offering new perspectives on the beloved characters.

Cute short stories are a wonderful source of entertainment and inspiration.

They have the power to make us smile, laugh, and even shed a tear.

These stories often feature charming characters and heartwarming plots that touch our hearts.

Whether it's a story about a little animal's adventure or a friendship that blossoms in unexpected ways, cute short stories have a universal appeal.

They can be read in a short amount of time, making them perfect for a quick break or a bedtime read.

Moreover, they can teach us valuable lessons about kindness, courage, and perseverance.

In a world that can sometimes be harsh and unforgiving, cute short stories offer a much-needed escape into a world of warmth and happiness.

So, the next time you're looking for a little pick-me-up, reach for a collection of cute short stories and let the magic begin.