I really hate it when Sai was disappeared.

It was such a heart-wrenching moment for me.

Every time I think about it, a sense of sadness wells up inside.

I vividly remember that when I saw the anime version and witnessed Sai's disappearance, I couldn't hold back my tears.

The scene was so touching and emotional that it deeply affected me.

Sai was such an interesting and unique character, and his presence added a lot of charm to the story.

His disappearance felt like a void that was hard to fill.

I still hope that there will be a way for him to return in the future, so that I can see his growth and development once again.

Until then, I will always cherish the memories of Sai and the impact he had on me.

I'm sobbing so hard that I feel sick.

My heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of pain and sadness. The tears stream down my face continuously, as if they will never stop.

I can't seem to catch my breath, and my body is racked with convulsive sobs.

Every time I try to hold back the tears, it only makes the pain worse.

I don't know how much longer I can endure this intense emotion.

It feels like my world is crumbling around me, and I'm completely helpless.

I just want the pain to go away, but it seems to be here to stay.

I'm lost in a sea of grief, and I don't know how to find my way out.

Bye-bye, Sai. (hey! it rhymes!) This simple phrase holds a certain charm and finality. It's like a gentle wave goodbye to someone or something named Sai. Maybe Sai is a friend, a pet, or just a passing acquaintance. The act of saying goodbye can be bittersweet. On one hand, it marks the end of a particular chapter or encounter. But on the other hand, it also opens the door to new possibilities and experiences. As we utter those two words, "Bye-bye, Sai," we might feel a tinge of sadness or a sense of relief. It all depends on the nature of our relationship with Sai. Nevertheless, this little rhyme serves as a memorable way to bid farewell and move on to the next phase of our lives.

Sayonara Fujiwara no Sai.

This simple yet profound statement seems to carry a world of emotions. It marks the end of an era, a farewell to a beloved character or perhaps a significant event.

The phrase "reached its emotional apogee" further emphasizes the intensity of the moment. It implies that all the pent-up emotions, the joy, the sadness, the anticipation, have finally reached their peak.

It is a moment that will be etched in our memories forever, a moment when our hearts are filled with a mix of emotions that words can hardly describe.

As we say goodbye to Fujiwara no Sai, we can't help but feel a sense of loss. But at the same time, we are also grateful for the journey that we have shared with him.

He has taught us many lessons, inspired us with his courage and determination, and touched our hearts with his kindness and compassion.

Sayonara Fujiwara no Sai. You will always be in our hearts.

Okay, I take it back.

The storyline of Sai's confusion truly paid off over the last two volumes. Sai has now come to a new and profound understanding of his role in Hikaru's life.

And, apparently, he is departing the series. I really can't tell if he's going to come back or not. However, if he doesn't, then it's a very typically Japanese ending.

For a while, I had thought that the series itself was on its very last volume. In fact, it probably could have ended right here.

On the other hand, it seems that the story is now picking up steam for at least one more set of exciting plot and character developments.

As a result, I have a completely renewed interest in seeing what thrilling events will happen next.

I'm eager to discover how the story will unfold and what new twists and turns await the characters.

The anticipation is building, and I can't wait to see the conclusion of this captivating series.

Finally, the arc of Sai reaches its more or less necessary end. It has been a long time since Sai no longer truly fit the narrative. I feel that finally, Hikaru can mature as an individual. After Sai repeatedly nudged him that he would disappear soon, he finally vanishes after some demonstration games and after playing the new title holder who drunkenly asked Hikaru to play Sai.

But Sai can no longer offer any helping hand to Hikaru, and he feels that it is his time to go away. He cannot take over like he did with Torajiro, so he can finally rest easy, knowing that he fulfilled his purpose.

Hikaru is scared by Sai's abrupt departure, not having the same understanding as the reader about why he left. He is upset and searches everywhere for him. He takes a train to Hiroshima and visits his birthplace and grave in Innoshima. Back in Tokyo, Hikaru chooses to quit go altogether. Akira tries to prompt him on his choice and question his motives, but Hikaru is just too depressed.

At times, it does seem like the Sai-Hikaru relationship just didn't work. While it was a strong point in the beginning of the manga, it is definitely the weaker point in the last few volumes. I think their relationship was truly mishandled by the author. However, this is the redeeming moment, a good solution that will allow Hikaru to be his own person.

Second reading: Now, while I still agree with my initial thoughts on the volume, for certain, the finale of the Sai-Hikaru relationship hits a sensitive spot. The moment is emotional, it does strike hard and makes you tear a bit. That aspect is well done.

This volume is truly heart-breaking.

The story of Hikaru and Sai has been gradually unfolding over so many volumes. As they started to drift apart, you could clearly see the fear in Sai's eyes as he had to helplessly sit back and watch Hikaru pursue and accomplish his dreams. However, Hikaru, being the selfish and unassuming kid that he is, fails to realize this. And by the time he finally does notice it, it might already be too late.

This volume completely upheaves the dynamic that lies at the core of this series right from the very first chapter. But strangely enough, it makes perfect sense. This is all about Hikaru's journey, and it delves into the concept of tradition and legacy that lies at the heart of these centuries-old games. It's never simply about Sai and Hikaru; rather, it encompasses everyone who came before them and everyone who will come after. Sai begins to recognize this profound truth, and most of the volume is dedicated to Hikaru having to come to terms with the fact that the past is in the past and the future is yet to unfold. Things aren't going to remain the same forever. Growth inevitably means leaving some things behind. And yes, it is undeniably sad. But at the same time, it is also hopeful and good to know that things will continue to change and develop as time progresses.

It was an extremely bold move to retire one of the main characters when the series was still in progress.

In an instant, half of the original charm vanished along with it. Nevertheless, it did conform to a theme that continuously recurred within the series.

The recurring theme of this series was the loss and loneliness that one has to endure in order to reach the top. It wasn't readily apparent as this manga was relatively light-hearted. However, during his journey to become a better go player, several characters dropped by the wayside and were relegated to the background while he continued to move forward.

He left his middle school go club friends to become an insei. He abandoned his insei classmates when he became a professional. Now, Sai has disappeared. All that he has left now is his rival, waiting for him at the opposite end of the board. Because in go, there are only two pieces, the black and the white, with no room for any other shade in between.

This theme of loss and loneliness adds a deeper layer of complexity to the story, making it more than just a simple tale of a go player's ascent. It makes the readers reflect on the sacrifices one has to make in the pursuit of their dreams and the consequences that come with it.