3.5 stars.

This volume had a really good beginning. It managed to capture my attention right from the start and set the stage for an interesting story. However, as it progressed into the middle, it didn't quite maintain the same level of excitement. It felt a bit like it was treading water for a while.

Thankfully, though, the end was quite nice. It wrapped up the loose ends in a satisfying way and left me with a generally positive impression. Overall, while it may not have been a perfect volume, it had its strengths and weaknesses, and I would still say it was an enjoyable read.

I'm curious to see where the story goes from here and if the next volume will be able to build on the good aspects of this one and improve on the areas that needed a bit more work.

Meh,

this volume is pretty much a "filler" as the players are gearing up for the highly anticipated Japan-Korea-China Junior Tournament. The only go game that stands out is when Ochi, in an attempt to prove himself, ends up hoisting himself on his own petard. As a result, the Japanese team consists of Akira Toya, Hikaru Shindo, and Kiyoharu Yashiro.

A bit of tension is rather artificially introduced into the story through a Japanese reporter's interview with Korean go professional Ko Yong Ha. Due to an inadequate translator, Hikaru mishears and believes that Ko Yong Ha has insulted Honin'bo Shusaku, the legendary go player who was tutored by Fujiwara-no-Sai before Sai came to haunt Hikaru. Now, Hikaru feels a strong need to defeat Ko as a matter of both personal and national pride.

Overall, there really wasn't a whole lot else to this installment. It's simply a prelude to the climax of the series, setting the stage for the exciting events that are yet to come.

The tournament is on the verge of commencing, and everyone is busily preparing themselves. There is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air as the players gear up for the intense battles that lie ahead.

Meanwhile, Akira's father makes the decision to retire from his current pursuits and embark on a quest to search for The Divine Move. This mysterious and elusive move is said to hold the key to ultimate success in the game.

Despite the fact that the game in question involves people sitting for long periods of time, it is astonishingly gripping. The strategic depth, the mental较量, and the unpredictable nature of the matches all contribute to its captivating allure. One cannot help but be drawn into the excitement and drama that unfolds on the board.

As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the players, eager to witness their skills and strategies in action. And who knows, perhaps Akira's father will discover The Divine Move and bring a new level of excitement to the game.

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They must have elaborate plans to do some truly amazing things with this Hokubo tournament. Because for me, the build-up has already started to feel a bit excessive. It's as if I'm being primed for an inevitable letdown. This realization took a star off for me. The pervasive feeling that this might be the case constantly lingered, preventing me from fully enjoying things as much as I would have liked to.

A significant amount of time is dedicated to the supporting characters here, and it's at least equally balanced with Shindo. I particularly relished seeing Ochi in the early issues display some character traits that I didn't think he possessed. So far, I've found him rather annoying. However, the grand gesture of putting his spot in the tournament on the line in a game with Yashiro that he didn't have to play completes a nice little character arc for him.

I was also intrigued to see the time spent on Koyo Toya. Despite having "retired," he is still very much engaged in playing and is a part of the Go world. I have a hunch that there's something more that can be done with him before he and the young protagonists conclude their storylines in this series.

The highly anticipated Hokuto Cup is on the verge of commencing.

This tournament will witness the intense competition among the top young players under eighteen from Japan, China, and Korea.

Hikaru, in particular, will once again face Hong Suyong.

However, what really fuels his determination is the opportunity to take on Ko Yongha in a match.

Hikaru has learned that Ko Yongha made a rather audacious statement in an interview with a Japanese reporter, claiming that Ho'ninbo Shusaku is not a strong Go player.

This blatant disrespect has surely riled Hikaru, and he is determined not to let this grave offense go unpunished.

The first international tournament in the captivating world of Hikaru No Go is just around the corner.

With only two more volumes remaining, fans like me can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation.

Although I know the end is near, I will surely miss this wonderful manga that has brought so much excitement and inspiration.

Not much occurs in this part. It is simply the preparations for the Hokuto Cup. They assemble at Akira's residence and engage in some games.

Well, as I mentioned earlier, nothing is extremely exciting. Hikaru desired to be the first because a certain Korean individual spoke ill of Shusaku. However, eh, that's just how life is.

Upon the second reading, it is not that terrible. Nevertheless, the conflict regarding Shusaku is not presented effectively. It makes sense conceptually, but it fails to be well-executed in the play. The rivalry between the new guy and Toya is also rather feeble, as is the continuous bickering between Hikaru and Akira. Despite its flaws, it is... acceptable.

While I stated that the previous natural ending was not a flawless endpoint, it is evident that the series does not enhance with these additional episodes.

Hikaru Shindo, Akira Toyo, and Kiyoharu Yashiro have all managed to secure their spots on the team for the highly anticipated international Hokuto Cup tournament.

Volume 21 mainly focuses on solidifying them as a team and delving deeper into Yashiro's character. Hotta does an excellent job of integrating him into the group. It's truly wonderful to witness their growing bond as they study and prepare together.

This volume progresses at a rather slow pace, but the character development moments make it feel more like a refreshing break before the tournament. The art in this volume is simply beautiful, as Obata's style has been refined to perfection for this series.

Overall, Volume 21 is sure not to disappoint the dedicated fans of Hikaru no Go who have been following the series faithfully. It sets the stage for an exciting tournament and further exploration of the characters' relationships.

It's like a training arc while preparing for the Hokuto Cup, but without any real training.

As we enter the final stretch, we're delving into the mind of Hikaru. Why does he want to win so badly? Yes, he's driven by the determination to defeat Akira Toya and excel at the game. But why should he care about the Hokuto Cup specifically? Is it for Japan's pride? He doesn't truly seem to care about that.

So, let's give him something else to strive for, some other personal motivation to fight! This is all well and good, but I'm eager for the actual tournament to commence rather than watching them hem and haw over what might happen during it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the intense battles on the go board, the strategic moves, and the psychological warfare between the players.

Will Hikaru be able to overcome his opponents and achieve victory? Only time will tell.

Hikaru is now on his way to his first international tournament!!

This is also a significant step towards the peak of his Go journey as he will be participating in the Honinbo.

The excitement is palpable as he embarks on this new adventure. The international stage awaits him, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Hikaru has been training hard and preparing himself mentally and physically for this moment. His skills and determination have brought him this far, and now he is ready to show the world what he is capable of.

Competing in the Honinbo is a dream come true for many Go players, and Hikaru is no exception. He will be facing some of the best players in the world, but he is not afraid.

With his unique playing style and strategic thinking, Hikaru is sure to make an impact in this tournament. Fans from all over the world are eagerly waiting to see him in action.

As he steps onto the board, Hikaru will carry the hopes and dreams of his country and his fans. Let's wish him all the best in his first international tournament and may he reach new heights in his Go career.