Filler filler filler. We are currently in a state of ongoing SAD. But at least, we're looking up. There is motivation in the distance.

This feeling of sadness might seem overwhelming at times. It could be due to various reasons - personal setbacks, disappointments, or just the general stress of life. However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, we are choosing to look upwards.

Looking up gives us a new perspective. It allows us to see beyond our current困境 and envision a better future. The motivation that lies in the distance serves as a guiding light, leading us towards our goals and dreams.

Although the road ahead may still be filled with challenges, having this motivation gives us the strength and determination to keep going. We know that there is something worth fighting for, and that keeps us going even on the toughest of days.

So, let's continue to look up and move forward with hope and motivation. Filler filler filler.

Je veux pas que ça s'arrête.

This simple sentence holds a profound meaning. It expresses a strong desire to prevent something from coming to an end.

Maybe it's a beautiful relationship, a fulfilling project, or a moment of pure happiness.

Whatever it is, the speaker doesn't want it to stop.

It could be because they have invested a lot of time and effort into it, or because it brings them a sense of purpose and joy.

Sometimes, we get so attached to certain things that the thought of them ending makes us feel sad and scared.

However, we must also learn to accept change and move on when the time comes.

But until then, we can hold onto this desire and do everything in our power to make sure that it doesn't stop.

We can cherish every moment, work hard to maintain it, and hope that it will last forever.

Hikaru makes a comeback to the world of go, while Hotta delves into an interesting theme: "one genius alone isn't sufficient for a truly outstanding game."

This installment witnesses a significant amount of character development reaching its resolution. Initially, I was under the impression that this might be the conclusion of the series. However, upon checking the web, it seems that she is laying the groundwork for one more major storyline before the finale.

The scene of the older go players observing the new generation with astonishment can sometimes feel a bit overdone. Nevertheless, I am eagerly anticipating to see how the story unfolds from here.

It's exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead and how Hotta will bring all the loose ends together in the remaining installments.

I have a feeling that the upcoming storyline will be filled with intense go matches, unexpected twists, and further character growth.

Overall, despite the minor flaw in the portrayal of the older players, I remain highly engaged with the series and can't wait to see what's in store for Hikaru and the other characters.

Pretty great board game manga!

I really liked the story. It was engaging and full of excitement. The characters were well-developed and had their own unique personalities.

The art was really nice too. The illustrations were detailed and colorful, bringing the story to life. The use of colors and shading added depth and atmosphere to the scenes.

The manga also did a great job of incorporating the board game elements into the story. It made the reading experience even more interesting and immersive.

Overall, I would highly recommend this board game manga to anyone who enjoys a good story and beautiful art. It's a great read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

It was truly rather hilarious, yet somewhat predictable. When Hikaru Shindo discovered Sai in his Go and realized it was okay for him to continue playing Go, the very first thing he did was leave his house in a hurry and rush over to the place where Akira Toya was playing his match, eager to tell him that he was back.

His very first game back as a Professional was against the person who had beaten him in the Young Lions Tournament. But this time, he emerged victorious. Shindo kept on playing and winning as he chased after Toya, while Toya himself continued to pave the way, easily achieving each milestone. They both kept playing and winning, and then the fateful day arrived - the match of Shindo vs. Toya. Oh, as a side note, Shinichiro Isumi passed the Pro Exam without suffering any losses.

Unlike the last time these two were set to play (in tankobon #13), they both arrived on time. Toya noted that it had been two years and four months since they last played, and both were excited to engage in this game. The game spanned over several chapters and was truly intense, mainly because both players were so eager to play against each other. In the end, Toya narrowly won.

However, the most significant thing occurred that night. Shindo had a dream - he dreamt about Sai. In the dream, Sai didn't utter a word, but he was smiling at Shindo. One final act before he disappeared completely was to pass his fan to Shindo - the fan that he had always been holding. It was, in a sense, the symbolic passing of the torch. It was a good dream and a wonderful way to conclude the tankobon and the Sai arc.

All in all, I truly enjoy reading this tankobon. It finally provides Shindo with closure regarding the loss of Sai. While Fujiwara-no-Sai was my favorite character and I understood the reason why he needed to move on, I'm really going to miss him from this point forward. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series will continue to progress from here.

This story is like comfort food for me.

I can't precisely identify what makes me continuously reread or rewatch it and the anime. However, my interest in Go undoubtedly plays a significant role.

The game of Go has always fascinated me, with its complex strategies and deep intellectual challenges.

Moreover, I appreciate that this story is generally a positive one about the journey of getting good at something.

It shows the determination, hard work, and growth of the characters as they strive to improve their skills in Go.

It serves as an inspiration, reminding me that with perseverance and dedication, one can achieve great things.

Each time I engage with this story, it gives me a sense of warmth and satisfaction, like a delicious meal that nourishes both the body and the soul.

It's a story that I will continue to cherish and revisit whenever I need a boost of motivation or a moment of relaxation.

Hikaru has rediscovered his profound love for go, and once again, he is firmly set on his path with Akira.

We witness his return to the realm of professional players, and there are echoes of Sai at every turn. Most significantly, we finally get to see Akira and Hikaru engage in their highly anticipated rematch. It has been a long time in the making, and when it finally arrives, it exceeds all expectations.

The Sai arc of this series concludes with chapter 148. Interestingly, if one so desires, it can even serve as a satisfying end for the entire series.

It brings a sense of closure to Hikaru's journey thus far, while also leaving room for further exploration and development in the future.

The rematch between Akira and Hikaru is a pivotal moment, not only for the characters but for the readers as well.

It showcases their growth, determination, and the deep bond that has formed between them through their shared passion for go.

Overall, this part of the story is a testament to the power of the game and the impact it can have on people's lives.

All good stories have a dip, a moment when the main character must find the strength to get themselves up off the ground and forge forward. Well, this volume is precisely that!

I'll leave out the details for now, but let's just say that this volume is truly excellent. When you hold all the books in your hand, they are so addictive that you'll want to immediately dive into the next one as soon as you finish the previous.

The series seems to be drawing closer to its end. Honestly, I could say that this volume was an almost perfect ending. However, perhaps what comes after this might earn even more praise. But if this were the end, I might have given this very volume a full 5 stars.

It's a testament to the author's skill that each volume builds on the last, creating a captivating and immersive world that keeps readers coming back for more. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or new to it, this volume is sure to satisfy.

So, pick up this volume and prepare to be swept away by the story. You won't be disappointed!

Play go until you gotta go.

This simple phrase encapsulates the intense and captivating nature of the game of go.

Go is a strategic board game that has been enjoyed for centuries.

It requires deep thinking, planning, and the ability to anticipate your opponent's moves.

When you start playing go, it's easy to get completely immersed in the game.

The board becomes a battlefield, and you are the general leading your troops.

You focus intently on each move, weighing the pros and cons, and trying to outwit your opponent.

Time seems to fly by as you engage in this mental battle.

You might play for hours, completely oblivious to the outside world.

And it's not until you really have to go, whether it's to answer nature's call or attend to other obligations, that you reluctantly tear yourself away from the go board.

But even then, the game lingers in your mind, and you can't wait to return and continue the exciting struggle.

The beginning and ending of this volume truly touch me deeply.

Hikaru's determination to finally forge ahead is also a great pleasure to read. The interaction between Hikaru and Akira has always been one of the core relationships in the series, and thus seeing them take center stage in this volume is highly satisfying. I also adored the light-hearted banter that Hotta inserts between the two at the end of the volume. They are always so serious about Go that it's easy to overlook the fact that they are merely in middle school. The laid-back aspect of their relationship helps to relieve the tension, much like the childlike whining of Sai did. (Only in manga would I find the whining of a grown-up endearing. Anywhere else, I would probably want to give someone a smack.) But seeing Hikaru and Akira act their age for once is like a breath of fresh air.

The dynamic of the series has indeed changed with the departure of Sai, yet the note of bittersweetness contributes to moving the series forward in an intriguing manner. I'm looking forward to witnessing Hikaru truly come into his own, both in terms of Go and art! I believe this is the volume when I became aware of just how much Hikaru has matured. He was such a small and cheeky character in volume 1!

SPOILER

In this volume, a significant event takes place as Hikaru makes a return to the tournament. He faces off against Toya in a thrilling encounter. During the game, Toya expresses his belief that Hikaru is Sai or perhaps Sai is Hikaru's alter ego. Hikaru, in response, makes a promise to Toya that he will tell him the truth someday.

This interaction between Hikaru and Toya reveals the first inklings of what could potentially develop into a life-long Bro-Enemy relationship. It is an interesting dynamic that adds depth to the story.

This particular scene also gives me the idea that the author might have planned for Hikaru to emancipate himself from Sai. It seems as if Hikaru is gradually moving towards establishing his own identity independent of Sai.

However, I was still holding out hope for Sai to come back. My hopes were further kindled when Hikaru had a dream where Sai gives him his fan. This dream sequence adds an element of mystery and anticipation, leaving the readers wondering what the future holds for Hikaru and Sai.

Shindo is back, and he is better than ever!

Moreover, in this volume, I have come to understand the reason why I have such a strong inclination towards shipping Akira and Hikaru. Hikaru is truly the only one who can make Akira second-guess himself and lose his composure. Around Hikaru, Akira behaves in a way that is more in line with his actual age. Yes, it is because he views Hikaru as a rival, but there is no harm in my also shipping them romantically. :P

It's quite fascinating to observe the dynamic between these two characters. Their interactions are filled with tension and excitement, which makes it all the more enjoyable to imagine them in a relationship. Whether it's their intense go matches or their casual conversations, there is always an underlying current of something more.

Perhaps it's the way Hikaru challenges Akira, or the way Akira seems to have a soft spot for Hikaru despite their rivalry. Whatever the reason may be, my love for shipping them only continues to grow with each passing volume.