Competitive nature is an inherent trait within many individuals and entities.

It drives people to strive for excellence, to outperform others, and to constantly push the boundaries of their capabilities.

This nature can be seen in various aspects of life, such as in sports, where athletes compete to win medals and set records.

In the business world, companies compete for market share and customer loyalty.

Even in academic settings, students compete for top grades and scholarships.

The competitive nature can have both positive and negative effects.

On one hand, it can lead to innovation, growth, and personal development.

On the other hand, it can also cause stress, anxiety, and a sense of dissatisfaction if one is unable to achieve the desired level of success.

However, it is important to note that competition is not always about winning at all costs.

It can also be about learning from others, improving oneself, and building healthy relationships.

In conclusion, the competitive nature is a powerful force that can shape our lives in many ways.

We should embrace it while also being mindful of its potential drawbacks and strive to find a balance that works for us.

Ochi defeats Waya and qualifies for the Hokuto Cup. However, when he witnesses Hikaru and Yashiro's game, he realizes it is several levels superior to his and Waya's. He requests an extension of the Hokuto Cup qualifiers so that he can play against Yashiro, who lost to Hikaru, and prove to himself and others that he belongs at the Hokuto Cup. Unfortunately for him, Yashiro emerges victorious and becomes part of Japan's Hokuto Cup team.

Yashiro, Hikaru, and Akira temporarily stay at Akira's currently unoccupied home, engaging in nonstop practice matches against each other until they are exhausted. Meanwhile, Akira's dad is competing as an "amateur" in Korea, striving to become stronger for a rematch against Sai (which, unfortunately, will never occur *sob*). Additionally, one of Korea's professional Go players, Ko Yong Ha, disrespects Shusaku, causing Hikaru to view him as someone who must be defeated.

This is another enjoyable volume, although I deeply miss Sai. It pains my heart that Akira's dad is working towards a rematch that he is unaware can never happen. I'm not certain that even a match against Hikaru after he has gained a few years of experience would be sufficient.
Oh, Ochi. If not for his pride, he would have gone to the Hokuto Cup. That being said, I believe Hikaru, Akira, and Yashiro formed a more entertaining group than Hikaru, Akira, and Ochi would have been. I liked that Yashiro's unsupportive parents made Hikaru more aware and appreciative of his supportive mom. Although she may not understand Go at all, she does her utmost to ensure he has the time to focus on it.
One quote I liked from this volume is: "...it must be lonely to be the God of Go. You'd have no equal, no rival." (Hikaru to Akira and the people at Akira's Go salon) I still wonder about Sai. Did he disappear because he finally found his perfect rival (Toya Meijin?), or did he disappear because he had helped guide Hikaru along the path of playing his own style of Go? Considering the series title, the latter seems likely, although perhaps there is an element of both.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

The art is nice as usual (as expected from Obata). His skills in creating beautiful and detailed illustrations are truly remarkable.

However, the story and drama leave much to be desired. It is as exciting as a tempest in a teapot. The grudges that drive the plot seem to be based on artificial misunderstandings and coincidences.

There is a lack of depth and authenticity in the relationships and conflicts. The characters' actions and decisions often feel forced and contrived.

Overall, while the art is a strong point, the story fails to engage and satisfy on a deeper level. It could have benefited from more careful planning and a more developed narrative.

This ongoing manga centered around the game of Go is truly captivating.

However, this particular volume was not the best in the series and would not serve as a great starting point for a new reader. Nevertheless, it still held a great deal of interest.

One of the main storylines revolved around a rather strange set of misunderstandings that felt a bit contrived. But, the character development in this volume was strong enough to make up for it.

Hikaru, the central character, has just qualified for a significant tournament where young players from Japan will compete against their counterparts from China and Korea. For those unfamiliar with the game, these are the "big three" nations in the world of Go, and thus the matches draw the attention of the press.

One reporter arrives on what might be the wrong day to interview the Korean team. Through an emergency substitute translator, the answers he receives seem like a deliberate insult to Japanese Go. This incident adds extra stress to Hikaru and the others.

The quiet, philosophical aspect of the story is where it truly shines. Characters of all ages are depicted at different stages of their lives and in relation to the game. A subplot about a grandmaster who has taken a step back to reflect on his life and the game itself is peculiarly fascinating.

Overall, while this volume had its flaws, it still managed to maintain the charm and interest that makes this manga series about the game of Go so engaging.

I know that I’ve said it like twenty times already, but I just love the dynamic between Hikaru and Akira. Their relationship is truly captivating. Hikaru, with his impulsive and passionate nature, constantly challenges Akira, who is more composed and strategic. The way they interact on and off the shogi board is a sight to behold. Their intense competitions bring out the best in each other, pushing their skills to new heights. But it’s not just the rivalry that makes their dynamic so special. There is also a deep respect and admiration between them. They understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they are always there to support and encourage one another. It’s this combination of competition and camaraderie that makes their relationship so unique and endearing.

The last of the series that I have neatly arranged in my bookcases; it gradually grew on me.

At first, I might not have paid it much attention. But as I delved deeper into its pages, I found myself becoming more and more captivated.

The storylines were engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing style was simply charming.

I encourage you to do the same. Find this wonderful book. Go to the bookstore or search online and purchase it.

Then, sit back, relax, and lose yourself in its pages. You won't be disappointed.

Read it and let it transport you to a different world, filled with adventure, mystery, and excitement.

Trust me, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

The series is gradually coming to an end, but the excitement of the Go play is still on the rise!

Perhaps I am pausing a little too soon, yet I firmly believe that Yumi Hotta, Takeshi Obata, and Yukari Umezawa have crafted a masterful class in storytelling and entertainment. Their work has the power to keep you completely engrossed, with every page and every match captivating your attention.

The characters in this story truly matter. Their individual personalities and struggles add depth and authenticity to the narrative. And of course, the games themselves are of utmost importance. They are not just about winning or losing, but about the journey of self-discovery and growth that each player undertakes.

Now, the highly anticipated Hokuto Cup is just around the corner. It will bring together those talented young players from China, Korea, and Japan, pitting them against each other in intense and thrilling matches. The future of Go looks incredibly bright with these emerging stars!

As the story progresses, the pages seem to flow effortlessly, building up the anticipation for the big finale that is about to unfold. We can't wait to see how it all ends!

SPOILER

Well, here's the deal. First of all, why on earth is there an elegant Yagami Light on this cover? It's quite a surprise, to say the least. Over the years, the drawing style has indeed changed. And now, it's 100% certain that it's the artist who drew Death Note. And yes, I have a great love for Death Note, not only because of the story but also because of the amazing drawing style. Obata's clear lines are just perfect and exactly what I'm always looking for in a manga. It gives the whole thing a unique and captivating look.

Now, let's talk about the three players from Japan. They move in with Akira in his house and play Go day and night. It's quite the intense scene. Hikaru and Toya have these really great Bro-enemy conversations that add a lot of flavor and excitement to the story. It's really refreshing to see Akira come out of his shell so much. It makes the whole atmosphere more lively and engaging. You can't help but get drawn into their world and root for them as they face various challenges and battles.

This story is like a warm and delicious comfort food for me.

I just can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is that keeps me coming back to reread the book and rewatch the anime.

However, my interest in the game of Go definitely plays a significant role.

There's something about the strategic and intellectual nature of Go that draws me in and makes me want to explore more.

But it's not just the game itself.

I also really like that this is a generally positive story 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's inspiring to see how they face challenges and overcome obstacles along the way.

Overall, this story has a special place in my heart and continues to bring me joy and entertainment whenever I engage with it.

As we are getting close to the end of the series, it has been truly enjoyable to witness the return of the characters. They engage in lively conversations, passionately discussing the quest for the Divine Move. The anticipation and excitement in their voices are palpable, as if the Divine Move holds the key to something truly extraordinary. Each character brings their own unique perspective and motivation to the table, adding depth and complexity to the story. The interactions between them are filled with drama, tension, and moments of unexpected humor. It makes me eager to see how their journey will unfold and what challenges they will face along the way. The quest for the Divine Move has become the central focus of the series, captivating my attention and keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The Japanese Team for the Hokuto Cup has been formed. It consists of Akira Toya, Hikaru Shindo, and Kiyoharu Yashiro, with Atsushi Kurata serving as Team Leader.

Hon Suyon will return as a representative of the South Korea Team, and Zhao Shi will return as a representative for the China Team, with Yang Hai serving as Team Leader.

Yashiro only got the spot on the team because Kosuke Ochi, who had officially won the seat, demanded a playoff match with him. Everyone was truly impressed with Ochi's skill and disappointed he wouldn't be on the team. I was generally surprised by Ochi's demand as it seemed incongruous to what we were led to believe. However, Ochi's request was granted, and he lost the playoff match, giving the spot to Yashiro.

Tension builds as Ko Yongha does an interview with a Japanese reporter from Go Weekly. Either he was early or the Korea Baduk Association was prepaid for his arrival, and they couldn't find an appropriate translator. Instead, they found a custodian who could speak a little Japanese, but rather poorly. Through a mistranslation, the reporter thought that Ko Yongha disrespected Honinbo Shusaku, which he then told Shindo.

To the public, Shindo considered Shusaku as his mentor, but in reality, Fujiwara-no-Sai played through Shusaku in his previous incarnation. So, Shindo was led to believe that Ko Yongha had insulted Shusaku, and the only way to redeem Sai's name was to beat him in a match using Sai's Go. The problem is that Ko Yongha would probably be first board, which means Shindo has to go through Akira Toya to play him.

All in all, I really enjoyed the tankobon. It was mainly a prelude to the tournament but was filled with drama. With this new development of Ko Yongha insulting Honinbo Shusaku, it provides new tension to the newly formed Japanese Team.

I have a particular fondness for Ochi, who functions as a villain (or comes close to being one in this story). However, there is also something rather admirable about him here.

The background plot involving Touya's father is quite engaging. But upon a reread, it gives the impression that this might be a story that was abandoned before the manga was cancelled.

My perception from this reread is that the key to the greatness of this series lies in Sai's appearances. Whether it's the enigma surrounding Sai in Hikaru or the encounter between Sai and Touya's father, these moments truly enhance the overall experience.

It makes me wonder what could have been if the story had been allowed to develop further without the premature cancellation. Perhaps there were more secrets and revelations waiting to be uncovered, and the full potential of these characters and their relationships could have been realized.

Nonetheless, even in its current state, the series still manages to captivate and leave a lasting impression.