Another Great Episode!

by Barbara Kelley

The comparison between the manga and the anime is truly fascinating. While the manga is presented in black and white, the anime comes alive in vivid color. Despite this difference, the essence and story remain exactly the same, which is truly remarkable. I have developed a deep love for this series, especially when it is dubbed into English. In this particular volume, a significant event occurs as Sai disappears, leaving Hikaru in a state of distress. Hikaru decides to go on a search for Sai, but when he is unable to find him, he makes a drastic decision not to play GO ever again. However, with 8 more volumes to go, it is clear that this is not a likely outcome. The question that lingers is what will bring Hikaru out of his depression? I was so impressed with this volume that I毫不犹豫地gave it 5 stars. I am now eagerly looking forward to reading Volume 16 to see how the story unfolds.

Ini volume yg sendu setelah pukulan utk Isumi di hari terakhir ujian pro. Sai adalah karakter fave saya selain Isumi hhe.

Penyesalan memang selalu datang terlambat. Namun, Yumi Hotta sensei membuat perkembangan seperti ini untuk memperlihatkan kemajuan tokoh Hikaru.

This is the mysterious volume after the strike for Isumi on the last day of the pro exam. Sai is my favorite character besides Isumi, hehe.

Regrets always come late. However, Yumi Hotta sensei creates such a development to show the progress of the character Hikaru.

Maybe this is a turning point for Hikaru. He has to face the consequences of his actions and grow from them.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how Hikaru will overcome these difficulties and what kind of person he will become in the end.

The story of "Hikaru no Go" is so captivating, and I can't wait to read the next volume to find out what happens next.

There was some foreshadowing in the previous volumes that this was going to happen soon.

Although I didn't expect it to occur this soon, upon seeing the title of this volume, I knew it was about to happen now. When I initiated reading this series, I anticipated this event to take place at or near the end, not when there were still sixty-something chapters remaining.

I didn't like this volume for multiple reasons. One was that Hikaru was in such denial about what happened that he either ignored people he knew who were conversing with him or was rude to them, even though they were merely attempting to assist him and were unaware of the situation. I comprehend why he was behaving that way, yet it was still exasperating. Another reason was that I didn't desire that to happen (I'm endeavoring to state this without spoilers), but I do know the necessity for it to occur. This entire volume was so heartrending and it was a difficult one to endure. Hikaru did play one game of go, and the manner in which he was playing and the look in his eyes made him seem like a different individual. It wasn't mentioned in the book, but I felt I should discuss it here.

Hopefully, the next volume is more enjoyable. Although I do understand if there are chapters of grief since those things require time and it's not easy to return to normal so rapidly. I've already begun reading chapter 131 because I NEED to witness what transpires next.

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So far, this is my favorite volume.

I didn't think Sai would leave so early considering there are still eight volumes of the manga remaining. However, Hikaru's emotion was just so intense and genuine that I believe this was the best approach the writer could have taken.

Moreover, I have always had a great passion for learning more about Japan and its rich history.

The story not only engages me with its captivating plot but also provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical aspects of Japan.

It's truly fascinating to explore the world of Go through the eyes of the characters and witness their growth and development.

Each volume brings something new and exciting, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead in the remaining eight volumes.

I'm sure it will be an unforgettable journey filled with drama, emotion, and of course, more learning about Japan.

A really pretty great board game manga! It truly caught my attention. The story within it was extremely engaging, pulling me in from the very beginning. I found myself completely invested in the characters and their adventures. And let's not forget about the art! It was really nice, with beautiful illustrations that brought the story to life. The details in the art added an extra layer of charm to the whole manga. Each panel was like a little work of art. I couldn't help but smile and be in awe as I flipped through the pages. It's definitely a manga that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves board games or just enjoys a good story with great art. I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us!

This volume always makes me tear up. Sai!! T_T

It's truly remarkable how a simple volume can have such a profound impact on my emotions. Sai, the character within this volume, seems to possess a certain charm and essence that just tugs at my heartstrings.

Every time I pick up this volume and start reading, I find myself getting completely immersed in Sai's story. His struggles, his joys, and his growth all come to life on the pages, making me feel as if I'm right there with him.

The way the author has crafted Sai's character is truly masterful. His unique personality, his unwavering determination, and his kind heart all combine to create a character that is both relatable and inspiring.

Whether it's when he faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles or when he experiences moments of great happiness, I can't help but feel a deep connection to him. This volume is not just a story; it's an emotional journey that I'm always eager to embark on.

And every time I reach the end, I'm left with a sense of longing and a desire to know more about Sai's future. It's a testament to the power of this volume and the impact that Sai has had on me.

WAIT, WHAT, EXCUSE ME!?

HOW DARE

I CLEARLY did not read this whole series as a child, because I WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED THIS. Are they even allowed to do that??

Things start to get depressing. It's as if a dark cloud has descended upon my life, casting a shadow over everything I do. The once bright and vibrant world now seems dull and colorless. Every task feels like a burden, and the simplest of decisions become overwhelming. I find myself lost in a sea of negative thoughts, unable to see a way out. The days blend together, and I struggle to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. The weight of depression is heavy, and it seems to be pulling me down further and further with each passing moment. But I know that I have to keep fighting, even when it feels like there is no hope.

I didn't see this one coming at all.

Hotta truly delivers some highly compelling storytelling here. It's really quite remarkable how he manages to engage the reader with his narrative.

However, I do think that it sells Hikaru a bit short. Even considering that he's supposed to be as young as he is, there seems to be more to him that isn't fully explored.

There are a few cool games mentioned, but interestingly, they're not the focus this time around. Instead, the emphasis is on other aspects of the story, which makes it all the more intriguing and keeps the reader hooked.

Overall, it's a great read that leaves you wanting more and eager to see what else Hotta has in store for us.

This volume truly shocked me.

The changes in the story were not only logical but also something that I kind of intuited had to occur.

However, when I closed this volume, a profound sense of loss washed over me.

The creative team persists in crafting a narrative that, in my opinion, has the power to engage both young and older readers alike.

Although this volume seemed necessary in the grand scheme of things, I still found myself reluctant to embrace it wholeheartedly due to what it entailed.

Nevertheless, the art and the story remain of the highest caliber.

They continue to draw me in and keep me captivated, even as I grapple with the complex emotions that this volume has evoked.

It's a testament to the talent and skill of the creators that they can elicit such a strong reaction from me.

Despite my initial misgivings, I know that I will continue to follow this story with great anticipation.

So, there was one aspect that I found rather appealing in this otherwise somewhat lackluster volume. Namely, the author is engaged in "something" with Fujiwara no Sai, which holds the promise of leading to some character development for Hikaru.

The thing is, Hikaru no Go is essentially a blend of a bildungsroman and a typical adolescent boy's power-up progression series. It follows the pattern of playing a game, getting better, facing a tougher opponent, and improving further, taking on increasingly challenging "bosses" one after another. What sets this series apart and makes it more refined than DragonBall-Z or Pokemon is that it is set in the real world with real-world contests. The most outstanding sequences occur when the author, Yumi Hotta, successfully conveys all the tension that actual go players experience over the board, where every single stone is a matter of life and death, and character truly shines through on the board.

However, there wasn't much of that in this volume. This is because Hotta finally confronts the supernatural element that has been looming large in the story: Hikaru has been haunted from the very beginning by the ghost of a Heian nobleman and go master. Apart from Fujiwara no Sai, the series has been largely devoid of fantasy elements, which makes sense. But now that Hikaru no longer requires a ghostly tutor to nudge him into playing and improving, Sai seems more like a plot device that doesn't quite fit.

Consequently, in this volume, Sai disappears. Hikaru panics and goes in search of him, scouring what were supposedly his old (physical) haunts in Hiroshima. This volume leans more towards a road trip than a go contest, although we do finally get some interaction between Hikaru and Akira Toya.

It will be fascinating to see whether Hotta has truly written Sai out of the series for good or if the ghost will make a comeback. It will also be interesting to observe the impact this has on Hikaru. However, the immediate effect, where Hikaru becomes completely emo, cries his eyes out, and decides to give up playing go, left me somewhat baffled. I mean, it's great that the kid finally learns a lesson about taking others for granted. He has been quite a jerk to everyone, especially Sai, although no more so than most teenagers. But considering how he treated Sai more as a nuisance and/or a pet rather than a friend, his sudden and overwhelming depression when Sai vanishes doesn't seem entirely believable.

Anyway, I suppose it does provide a convenient excuse to postpone the Hikaru/Akira showdown for a while longer. But come on, let's bring some intense go games back into the plot.

I can understand Hikaru's feelings.

But giving up Go? Where does that make Sai happy? Nowhere.

It just makes Sai feel even lonelier.

Why doesn't Hikaru notice that?

The game in Hiroshima was amazing.

Hikaru's decision to give up Go might seem like a way out for him at that moment, but he fails to see the impact it has on Sai.

Sai has dedicated his life to Go, and it is his passion and purpose.

By quitting, Hikaru is essentially taking away a part of Sai's existence.

The game in Hiroshima was a significant event, perhaps a turning point in their journey.

It was a moment when they both showed their true skills and determination.

But Hikaru's subsequent thought of giving up Go casts a shadow over that otherwise amazing game.

Hopefully, he will realize the importance of Go to Sai and find a way to continue their shared adventure.