This story is like comfort food for me.

I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is that keeps me constantly rereading and rewatching this as well as the anime. However, my interest in Go definitely plays a significant role.

There's something about the game that draws me in and makes this story even more captivating.

I also really like that it's a generally positive story. It's about the journey of getting good at something, of persevering through challenges and setbacks, and ultimately achieving success.

It gives me hope and inspiration, and makes me believe that I too can achieve great things if I'm willing to put in the effort and dedication.

Overall, this story holds a special place in my heart and I know I'll continue to come back to it time and time again.

Hikaru No Go's pro test arc reaches its conclusion in this volume, with all the anticipation building up to the highly-anticipated match between Hikaru and Ochi. Akira has been rigorously training Ochi, while Sai has been patiently tutoring Hikaru. This creates an interesting dynamic that adds multiple layers to the story. There is a bit of attention given to the other finalists, but the main focus of this volume remains on Hikaru and Ochi. The final match is truly enjoyable and lives up to all the build-up. It is a battle of skills and determination that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

All of this is beautifully complemented by Obata's stunning art. The detailed illustrations bring the characters and the Go games to life, adding an extra dimension to the story. Fans of Hikaru No Go will not want to miss this emotional and fulfilling climax to the pro test storyline. It is a volume that will leave them satisfied and eager for more.

It all comes down to one game – it always comes down to one game.

By the twenty-fifth game of the Pro Exam, Kosuke Ochi has already secured one of three spots for becoming a Go Professional. However, he isn't resting on his laurels. He is determined to beat Hikaru Shindo. If he succeeds, Akira Toya would publicly recognize him as his rival and he would be able to join his father's study group.

Entering the final game, Ochi has an outstanding record of 25-1. Yoshitaka Waya and Shindo are tied with a record of 23-3 each, and Shinichiro Isumi has a record of 22-4. If Isumi wins and either Waya, Shindo or both lose, there will be a play-off for the remaining Professional spots. Isumi easily wins, and so does Waya, who defeats fellow insei, Yuta Fukui, whom he is notoriously difficult to beat. Now, it all comes down to one game. If Shindo wins, he takes the last spot for being a pro. But if he loses, he has to play a rematch with Isumi, which he could potentially lose. Once again, it always comes down to one game.

Prior to the last match, Ochi purposely reveals that Toya was tutoring him to beat Shindo, hoping to unnerve him. And he is successful to some extent. However, he brags too much, which gives Shindo the opportunity to turn the tables on him. The answer is clear – the victor of this match would be Toya's true rival.

The game is extremely tough. Toya's guidance helps Ochi to outwit some of Shino's plans. But Shindo discovers a weak spot against Ochi that he fails to notice, making the game highly volatile and the certainty of a victor becomes uncertain. They have to battle it out until the very end. And in the end, there is only one winner – Shindo. So, there isn't going to be a playoff. Ochi loses the recognition of being Toya's rival and his seat at the Meijin's Go Study Group, while Shindo would be joining the Pros.

Reading this tankobon is filled with intense tension and drama. While the match between Ochi and Shindo takes the center stage, there is another match that is equally dramatic, the match between Waya and Shindo in which Shindo also emerges victorious, making him one of Waya's three losses.

All in all, I'm really excited. The moment has finally arrived and Shindo is now a Professional Go Player on par with Toya Akira. I can't wait to see what happens next.