Handlung:

We step right into the scene where Tetsuo Kaga is introduced. He is now playing chess instead of Go since he realized he would never be as good as Akira. Then his ambition is awakened and together with Tsutsui and Hikaru, they sign up for a Go tournament. We end with a scene where classmates at Akira's new school discuss giving him a cheat sheet.

First of all, poor Akira. He is talked badly about a lot in this volume, and completely undeservedly. Yes, he defeated the nice third-best in the Go club and will take his tournament spot away, but it's not his fault that he is better! And overall, I always find Akira very nice and very polite. He doesn't fit the cliché of the asshole genius at all (for that, Hikaru is an even bigger asshole -.- ). Overall, everything in this volume went a bit too fast for me. Kaga is well introduced and although not always likable, he is at least an interesting character. In the tournament, however, a whole bunch of people then just wander through the scenes and in the games, one doesn't have a feeling for who the opponents actually are. And then a whole bunch of people are also introduced in Akira's Go club, and I currently have no feeling for who is still relevant and who isn't.

Lieblingsszene:

No favorite scene, but instead a scene that triggered deep anger in me: When Hikaru yells at the poor Akari after she wants to learn Go and acts stupid at the beginning. You acted just as stupid, Hikaru!! A bad scene that is not made better by the fact that at least Sai briefly says that women can also play Go well.... (a statement that is directly undermined again by the fact that in the flashback scene, mainly beautiful young ladies are seen who are obviously ogling him... implicitly, it is more or less that women play Go if they find the Go players cute........)

Lieblingszitat:

"But one is still better. Hikaru Shindo of Haze School. (...) But you, you could beat him."

Akira: *places a stone with a dramatic ZAPP!* "That's what I'm planning too."

Was habe ich gelernt:

Women are allowed to play Go, but only if they also ogle the male Go players.

Cover:

This time, the cover finally gives me Sai, with a deadly serious face and his funny hat ♥️ Very high quality!

In an era where we have achieved the remarkable feat of going to the moon, surprisingly, the umbrella remains just an umbrella.

This second volume offers a somewhat slower reading experience when compared to the first. Although it lacks some of the initial excitement and energy that initially captivated me and drew me into this series, I can clearly understand the significance and necessity of this volume. It places greater emphasis on establishing the plot and enhancing our understanding of the game of Go.

The pacing is indeed slower, which at times might give the impression of being a bit dull. However, this is an essential aspect as it devotes a significant amount of time to character development and explaining the crucial aspects of the game. By doing so, it lays a solid foundation for future developments in the story, ensuring that readers have a comprehensive understanding of the characters and the game, which will undoubtedly enhance their enjoyment and engagement as the series progresses.

This volume significantly intensifies the rivalry between Hikaru and Akira Toya.

It becomes evident that Hikaru is not only developing a profound affection for Go but also desires to master the game and prove himself more independently, without relying solely on Sai.

The story is endearing, and having volume 3 at hand, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma.

While I am eager to see what further developments lie ahead, I am somewhat uncertain if I will continue reading beyond this volume.

On one hand, the captivating nature of the rivalry and Hikaru's growth as a player draw me in.

On the other hand, I wonder if the story will maintain its charm and offer enough new and exciting elements to keep me engaged.

Only time will tell if I will succumb to the allure of the Go world and continue following Hikaru's journey.

It's so refreshing and youthful to read, following heroes in the midst of learning in a good-natured atmosphere, but one can feel it rising and with the most charming touch!

This sequel, though less flamboyant than the first volume, still remains of high quality. The authors here display all the talent of a simple and comfortable narration in the service of a story that takes its time to settle and pose. We have met the main characters, and now it's just a matter of fleshing them out with the story that will make them grow.

Thus, with great pleasure, I amused myself by following the vicissitudes of Hikaru in his Go club, with matches where he wishes to play himself but fails and cries out of frustration, with friends he makes to play with, with a rival he frustrates to the utmost and encourages. Everything is hyper-classical for a title with the look of a shonen sports manga, but it's of irresistible effectiveness and it works like a charm. Hikaru is a sunny, funny and likable character. Akira is a bit the shadow of his light with his more lunar side, and Hikaru's rebuffs push him even further in that direction.

I liked to see Hikaru get hooked on the game here and decide to really take an interest in Go and not just let Sai play through him. One can thus feel that we will have a great learning manga with a hero who will discover everything, sometimes fall, get up, but always fight. This is already the case. The authors also wonderfully transcribe Hikaru's frustration of failure and disappointment for others during his first tournament. There is also the formation of a small group around him, with his neighbor who has been following him since elementary school, but also the bespectacled Tsutsui, the president of his new club, and the rebellious Kaga who also plays shogi. The authors begin to build their galaxy, and it remains simple and delicious, very youthful. We like it.

In parallel, they also address more serious issues such as the ostracism of an "intellectual" club among junior high school students who find it "boring" or the hazing, not to mention the harassment, of someone who is both younger and different, Japanese society being very harsh towards those who don't fit the mold, even if they are brilliant. I liked that Hotta and Obata took the time for this and denounced these false little thugs.

Meanwhile, in this new volume, the Hikaru-Akira rivalry is growing stronger and stronger, as is Hikaru's passion for Go, which gives rise to very beautiful scenes full of the fire of learning and progress. The authors truly master their classics and unfold a perfectly coordinated narration where everything sounds just right and simple. But simplicity is often the hardest thing to achieve. Bravo!

Full review: https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....

**Title: An Excellent Article**

Original Article: This is an excellent piece of writing. It showcases great skill and creativity. The author has done a wonderful job.

Expanded Article: This is truly an excellent article. It stands out for its remarkable skill and boundless creativity. The author has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in crafting this piece. Every word seems to be carefully chosen, and the sentences flow smoothly, creating a captivating read. The ideas presented are unique and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It is evident that a great deal of effort and talent has gone into writing this article, making it a remarkable achievement. Overall, it is a shining example of excellent writing.

**Original Article**:
This is a great story. It tells about a brave hero who overcomes many difficulties. The hero's actions inspire others.

**Expanded Article**:

This is an incredibly great story that truly captivates the reader's attention.

It vividly tells about a remarkably brave hero who faces and overcomes numerous and extremely challenging difficulties.

The hero's actions are not only heroic but also highly inspiring to those around him.

His determination and courage serve as a shining example for others to follow.

As we read this story, we are drawn into the hero's world and are left in awe of his remarkable feats.

It makes us believe that with enough courage and perseverance, we too can overcome the obstacles in our own lives.

This great story has the power to touch our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

It is a story that will be remembered and shared for a long time to come.

I have actually watched all the episodes, so there isn't really anything that surprises me in the books. However, they are still truly awesome!

The storylines and characters that I have come to love through the TV show are brought to life in a different way on the pages.

Even though I know what's going to happen, there are still details and nuances in the books that add depth and richness to the overall experience.

It's like revisiting an old friend and discovering new things about them each time.

The books allow me to immerse myself even further in the fictional world and really understand the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Overall, while the lack of surprises might seem like a drawback, the awesomeness of the books more than makes up for it.

They are a great addition to the franchise and a must-read for any fan.

A significant number of new characters made their appearance in this volume, and numerous thrilling events took place as well. In particular, Hikaru's interest in Go underwent a remarkable transformation. On the contrary, Akira's determination against Hikaru grew even stronger. I simply cannot tear my eyes away from what is going to happen next. It is truly captivating to witness the development of these characters and the unfolding of the story. The new characters bring fresh perspectives and add more depth to the narrative. Hikaru's changing attitude towards Go is both fascinating and unexpected. Meanwhile, Akira's unwavering resolve makes for an intense rivalry. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how this story will continue to evolve and what new surprises it has in store for us.

The tension between young rivals escalates as Shindo Hilary emerges more prominently in the Go world.

Shindo Hilary's growing visibility has caught the attention of her competitors, sparking a sense of unease and determination among them.

As she continues to make her mark and gain recognition, the other young players are feeling the pressure to step up their game.

This newfound competition has led to a more intense atmosphere, with each player vying for the top spot.

Their rivalry is not only a battle for personal glory but also a test of skill and strategy.

With Shindo Hilary's star on the rise, the future of the Go world looks set to be filled with even more excitement and drama.

The stage is set for an epic showdown between these young talents, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the outcome.

Will Shindo Hilary continue to dominate, or will one of her rivals manage to dethrone her? Only time will tell.

Hikaru takes his first steps towards becoming a Go player, independent of Sai!

He is still a novice, but he has a strong desire to learn, even if it is only a little bit at a time.

My favorite aspect of this volume is how it establishes the Hikaru/Toya rivalry.

Toya is by far the best player, outperforming everyone else. However, due to Sai's play, he still views Hikaru as a mysterious and powerful opponent yet to be defeated.

Hikaru, on the other hand, is beginning to recognize Toya's skill and has a burning desire to surpass him on his own merits.

Hikaru has unexpectedly found himself in a rivalry that he may not yet fully deserve, but it still drives both of them forward, just like any good rivalry.

The only difference is that this one is based on a deception.

This adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the story, making it even more engaging and captivating.

As the story progresses, we can only wonder how this rivalry will unfold and what the consequences of the deception will be.

Will Hikaru be able to overcome Toya and prove himself as a true Go player?

Or will the truth about Sai's influence come to light and shatter the foundation of their rivalry?

Only time will tell.

Anime/Manga Stay Close Together


by Barbara Kelley


This second volume of the series remained closely adhered to its original form. There was precisely one scene that I don't recall seeing in the anime. That particular scene was Yun Sensei, the GO teacher from Kaiao Middle School, engaging in a game of GO with Akira. I awarded this volume a full 5 stars as it was extremely accurate and in sync with the anime version. I am well aware that the manga was written prior to the anime, but there are certain mangas that I would never have bothered to read if I hadn't first watched the corresponding anime. It's truly remarkable how closely the two mediums can mirror each other. I am looking forward to purchasing volume 3 very soon, eager to see how the story continues to unfold and how the manga and anime will once again remain in harmony.

Original Article: The importance of exercise cannot be ignored. It helps keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can improve our cardiovascular system, increase our muscle strength, and boost our immune system.

Expanded Article:

The significance of exercise simply cannot be overlooked. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and strength of our bodies.

Engaging in regular exercise offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it has a profound impact on our cardiovascular system. By getting our hearts pumping and blood flowing, it helps to keep our hearts healthy and reduces the risk of various heart diseases.

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Finally, regular exercise also has a positive effect on our immune system. It helps to boost our body's natural defenses, making us less susceptible to infections and diseases.

In conclusion, incorporating exercise into our daily lives is of utmost importance for our overall well-being.