Hikaru's professional life has truly begun in earnest!

However, it should be noted that some of these chapters seem a bit meandering. There are times when the narrative doesn't flow as smoothly as one might hope.

On the positive side, it's great that they decided to follow up with Kadowaki's story. This addition adds another layer of depth and interest to the overall plot.

Kadowaki's character has always been an intriguing one, and exploring more of his backstory and actions helps to flesh out the world in which Hikaru operates.

Despite the occasional meandering, the story still has the potential to be a captivating and engaging read. With the right amount of focus and direction, it could really take off and become something truly special.

Readers will be eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how Hikaru's journey continues and what new developments await in Kadowaki's story.

Although I don't really care much about the 'Japan-China-Korea Junior Team Tournament', it just seems like an artificial plot filler to me. However, I still find the characters themselves interesting enough to enjoy this volume.

The tournament might not hold a significant place in my heart, but the individuals involved bring a certain charm. Each character has their own unique traits and personalities, which makes the story more engaging. Whether it's their skills, their rivalries, or their friendships, there is something about them that keeps me hooked.

Despite the lack of excitement regarding the tournament itself, the characters manage to salvage the situation and make this volume worth reading. Their interactions and developments add depth and interest to the overall narrative. I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and evolve in the upcoming volumes.

Although this was really only an average installment, I'm being generous and giving volume 19 four stars because it's nice to see the story move forward again.

So, it appears that Hotta has made the decision to establish a significant international tournament as the storyline that will take up the remainder of the series. Specifically, it's the "Japan-China-Korea Junior Team Tournament," which is open to professional players 18 years old and younger from all three countries. In other words, it's an opportunity to bring back the Chinese and Korean players that Hotta introduced in earlier volumes. Additionally, it gives Hikaru another objective to strive for. Unlike Akira Toya, who has automatically been seeded due to his higher rank and superior record, Hikaru actually has to qualify for a seat on the Japanese team.

It will be great to see Hong Suyong and the bratty Chinese geniuses who defeated Isumi again. Meanwhile, Hikaru and Akira are definitely developing a "Foe Yay" friendship/rivalry. In this volume, we also witness the return of the corrupt professional go player whom Hikaru exposed a year earlier for selling fake Shusaku antiques. There are also a few brief scenes that show what Mitani, Akari, and Hikaru's other middle school friends are up to. Oh, poor Akari, who clearly has a crush on Hikaru despite the fact that so far he's shown about as much romantic inclination as a go stone. Will Hotta ever do anything with this hint of a subplot? Am I becoming a ridiculous manga shipper? Well, the series only has four volumes left...

I don't despise the arc that comes after volume 17 to the same extent as many others do.

Yes, indeed, the story did experience a decline in quality. However, I still found certain aspects of it quite appealing. For instance, I really liked the way Hikaru and Akira developed a sort of friendship. It was an interesting dynamic to witness. Additionally, I was intrigued by how Kadowaki perceived Hikaru's growth in a reverse manner compared to Akira. It added a unique perspective to the story. Moreover, I appreciated how they delved a little deeper into Hikaru's "obsession" with Shusaku/Sai in the later volumes. From a story perspective, ending at volume 17 would have been a poetic choice. But, the volumes after that presented a much more realistic portrayal of the characters and their lives.

Overall, while the post-volume 17 arc may not have been as perfect as the earlier parts, it still had its own charm and elements that made it worth reading.

A truly remarkable board game manga! The story within it is simply captivating, drawing you in from the very first page. It has this unique charm that keeps you engaged and eager to see what happens next.

And let's not forget about the art! Oh my goodness, it is really nice. The illustrations are so detailed and vivid, bringing the characters and the board game world to life. Every panel is like a work of art.

I can't help but give this manga a big thumbs up. It's a great combination of an interesting story and beautiful art. I'm sure anyone who gives it a try will really like it too.

**Title: 4 Stars**

4 stars is a rating that holds a certain significance. It indicates a level of quality that is above average. When a product or service receives 4 stars, it means that it has met most of the expectations and has several notable features or qualities.

For a product, 4 stars might mean that it functions well, has a good design, and offers good value for money. It could be a gadget that is user-friendly, a book that is engaging and well-written, or a piece of furniture that is sturdy and stylish.

In the case of a service, 4 stars might suggest that the staff is friendly and efficient, the service is delivered on time, and the overall experience is satisfying. It could be a restaurant with delicious food and excellent service, a hotel with comfortable rooms and helpful staff, or a hair salon that provides great haircuts and styling.

However, 4 stars also implies that there is still room for improvement. It may not be perfect, but it is definitely值得 considering. It gives consumers an idea of what to expect and helps them make an informed decision.

In conclusion, 4 stars is a positive rating that indicates a product or service has many good qualities. It is a rating that should not be overlooked and can often lead to a great experience.

Arriving at the 19th volume, I would really like it if the strings could be pulled as soon as possible because I'm starting to feel a bit tired. However, the China-Japan-Korea tournament should be exciting...

Perhaps it's the cumulative effect of so many volumes that has led to this weariness. But then again, the anticipation for the China-Japan-Korea tournament is palpable. It's a highly anticipated event that always brings out the best in the teams.

Maybe with the start of this tournament, my energy will be rejuvenated. I'm looking forward to seeing the intense competition and the outstanding performances that are sure to take place. I hope that the teams will give their all and make this tournament a memorable one.

As I wait for the tournament to begin, I can't help but think about the possible outcomes. Which team will come out on top? Will there be any surprises? Only time will tell, but I'm excited to find out.

SPOILER

From a storyteller's point of view, we require a huge final BOOM effect at the conclusion. What could be a better way to achieve this than by commencing an international match?

A Japanese broadcaster (whether it's a radio or television, I can't recall) introduces a novel competition. It involves Go players under the age of 18 from Japan, Korea, and China.

This is a stroke of genius! All the young heroes of the series converge in one location! And yet, we still get to encounter new characters. This international match not only brings together the familiar faces we've come to know and love throughout the story but also introduces us to a whole new set of players.

The anticipation builds as we wonder who will emerge victorious in this intense battle of wits and skill. The stage is set for an exciting showdown that is sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

As the competition unfolds, we'll witness the young players' determination, strategy, and growth. It's a thrilling addition to the story that adds a new layer of excitement and drama.

This international match is the perfect way to create that big final BOOM effect and leave a lasting impression on the readers or viewers.