Hikaru embarks on his first game as a professional Go player. He decides to let Sai play against Toya Meijin, but gives an imaginative handicap of 15 instead of the usual 5 1/2. This is done to prevent Sai from completely overwhelming Meijin. However, despite the handicap, Toya Meijin still has to resign in the end.

Both Kuwabara Honin'bo and Toya Meijin realize that Hikaru played with a handicap. In fact, Kuwabara even goes as far as to bet some money on Hikaru's victory with Ogata 9-dan.

Hikaru then tries to cheer Sai up by taking him to an amateur Go festival. There, he meets other overly confident pros like Kurata and Gokiso.

It's certain that this won't be the last time we see these characters. Their interactions and the events that unfold will surely continue to add excitement and drama to the story of Hikaru and his journey in the world of Go.

Now that I'm re-reading this series,

this volume offers even more profound foreshadowing of Sai's final fate. It's truly remarkable how the author weaves these subtle hints throughout the story, making the anticipation for what's to come even greater.

This volume also introduced one of my favorite characters from this series, Kurata! He's a professional go player with a larger-than-life personality. He talks big, plays big, and eats big. In fact, he's basically an all-around great guy. His presence adds a new layer of excitement and charm to the story.

This was yet another solid volume. This series has always been consistent in delivering engaging and captivating content. It almost never disappoints, and I'm so glad I decided to collect this in physical copies. It's a series that I know I'll be re-reading again and again, as each time I discover something new and exciting.

Integrity class is of great significance.

It plays a crucial role in cultivating students' moral character and values. In this class, students learn about the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and keeping one's word.

They are taught how to make ethical decisions and how to act with integrity in various situations.

The teacher may use real-life examples, case studies, and group discussions to help students understand the concept of integrity better.

Moreover, integrity class also helps to create a positive and harmonious classroom atmosphere.

When students practice integrity, they respect each other's rights and dignity, and they are more likely to cooperate and support each other.

In conclusion, integrity class is an essential part of education, and it helps to prepare students for a successful and fulfilling life.

Shindo steps into the world of professional Go players and immediately catches the attention of Akira's father, who specifically asks to play against him.

Unfortunately, Sai has an urgent desire to play in Hikaru's place. At first, Hikaru is against it, but finally agrees. However, he asks Sai to play with a handicap of fifteen moku to avoid being discovered and once again being in the spotlight. Obviously, Akira's father wins the game, but he notices the handicap that Hikaru/Sai has imposed on himself and tells him that next time they will play on an equal footing.

This encounter between Shindo and Akira's father sets the stage for more intense Go battles and character developments in the story. It shows the competitiveness and determination of both sides, as well as the unique relationship between Hikaru and Sai. The handicap adds an interesting twist to the game, highlighting the importance of strategy and skill in Go. Overall, this scene is a crucial moment in the narrative that keeps the readers engaged and eager to see what will happen next.

The final one is still strong.

The scene where Sai sits in front of the master is really intense! If I were Hikaru, I wouldn't sit above Sai either. But at that moment, Hikaru also seems a bit lonely. He also played against the master.

And then Mr. Kurata is exactly like the goblin immortal of the Inuyasha people! They look so similar!

This story is really interesting. It shows the intense competition and the complex emotions of the characters. The description of the scenes and the characters is very vivid, making people feel as if they are on the scene.

I really like this story and look forward to seeing more wonderful plots in the future.

For being a pro, Hikaru Shindo knows very little of the Go World – it really shocked the patrons of his favorite Go Salon.

With their help, they provided Shindo with old copies of Go Weekly – a newspaper dedicated to the Go World. In which, Shindo and Sai devoured.

Shindo's very first game as a Pro is his Shinshodan Series against Toya Meijin, who Sai wanted to play with a vengeance. Up till now, Sai has only played Shindo, but he wants to play a game with Toya Meijin, who is considered the best Go Player in the world. However, allowing Sai to play through him would complicate Shindo's life. He can't have supreme skill one day and the next back to ordinary self – it would be difficult to explain.

On the very day of the game, Shindo agreed to let Sai play the Meijin, but at a severe handicap, which Sai agreed to. With the severe handicap, Sai lost badly, but the Meijin knew what was happening, and although he doesn't know why Shindo would play with a severe handicap, he couldn't wait to play him in an even game one day. That night, they both agree that Sai won't take any games away from Shindo, but if he could choose to play anyone it would be the Meijin.

To cheer Sai up, Shindo took his ghost to an Amateur Go Festival. While there, Sai through Shindo prevents an unscrupulous Go Pro in selling cheap goban for the expensive type. They also prevented the selling of a goban with a forgery of Shusaku signature, because Sai's previous vessel was him and he knows his calligraphy.

We also met Atsushi Kurata at the festival. Kurata is a rising pro who shows promise that is one generation above Shindo and Toya Akira. Shindo didn't make a great impression to the older pro, but their interaction was quite humorous.

All in all, I really love reading this tankobon. It illustrates a new conflict between Shindo and Sai. Now that Shindo is a Pro, it would be difficult to let Sai play go with anyone else, but him. It's an interesting new dynamic, as Shindo grows stronger the less he needs to depend on Sai. I'm curious as how this relationship would continue.

The story of Hikaru Shindo and Sai is full of excitement and challenges. Shindo's journey from knowing little about the Go World to becoming a pro is both inspiring and entertaining. The conflict between him and Sai adds another layer of depth to the story. As Shindo continues to grow and develop as a Go player, it will be interesting to see how their relationship evolves. Will Sai always be there to guide Shindo, or will Shindo eventually have to rely on his own skills and judgment? Only time will tell.

The introduction of new characters like Atsushi Kurata also adds to the richness of the story. Kurata's promise as a rising pro and his interaction with Shindo create new opportunities for drama and humor. Overall, this tankobon is a must-read for fans of Go and anyone who enjoys a good story about friendship, competition, and personal growth.

This was an extremely enjoyable experience.

I absolutely loved the fact that Sai was back in the story once again.

His presence added a new dimension and excitement to the narrative.

Kurata, on the other hand, is also one of my all-time favorite characters.

There is something about his personality and actions that always manage to capture my attention and make me root for him.

The combination of Sai's return and Kurata's continued presence makes this story truly engaging and a pleasure to follow.

I can't wait to see what further developments and adventures lie ahead for these two characters and the rest of the story.

It's moments like these that make reading such a wonderful and fulfilling activity.

Once Again, A Great Volume!


by Barbara Kelley


In this exciting episode, Toya Meijin makes a request that Hikaru play him in the Shinshodan game, a special match where a high-ranking professional takes on a new pro. This follows a previous volume where Akira Toya played Oza Zama. Interestingly, Sai begs Hikaru to let him play the Meijin instead of Hikaru. The anticipation builds as we wonder what will unfold. Meanwhile, in the room where several people are gathered to watch the game between Toya Meijin and Hikaru, Kuwabara Sensei makes a bet with Ogata that the "brat" will win. In the Funimation anime version, Kuwabara refers to Hikaru as "the kid", which I personally preferred. Ochi, Waya, Akira, and some journalists are also present in that room, adding to the紧张 atmosphere. Next, we see a scene where a shifty salesman and a shifty old pro attempt to sell fake Kaya boards as genuine ones, even claiming that one board belonged to Shusaku Honinbo, a renowned Go player from over 200 years ago. However, Sai quickly recognizes that the signature on that Go board is a fake. This is truly an excellent series. This episode also introduces the reader to Kurta 6 Dan. (Remember, in Japan, Dan is pronounced as Don.) I'm looking forward to reading Volume 13 next. Since I've already purchased all 23 volumes, I can now enjoy a binge-reading session. I wholeheartedly give this volume 5 big fat stars!

The Most Sadness Chapter

Love is a beautiful yet often complicated emotion. In this particular story, there is a profound and intense love for SAI.

It's a love that seems to consume the heart and soul. Every moment spent thinking of SAI brings a mix of joy and pain. The longing to be with SAI is almost unbearable at times.

The memories shared with SAI are cherished deeply, yet they also serve as a reminder of what might have been. It's as if a part of the heart is constantly aching for that special someone.

This chapter of love is filled with sadness, but it's a sadness that is also intertwined with hope and a glimmer of possibility. Maybe one day, the love for SAI will find its way to a happy ending. But for now, it remains a bittersweet journey through the depths of the heart.

Entering the professional world, Toya Meijin and Sai face off. The presence of Kurata Pro is truly a unique character.

Toya Meijin, with his outstanding skills and experience, is a formidable opponent. Sai, on the other hand, is a talented newcomer with great potential. Their encounter in the professional arena is highly anticipated by fans.

Kurata Pro, with his distinct personality and playing style, adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition. His actions and decisions often surprise both his opponents and the audience.

As the battle unfolds, the tension in the air is palpable. Each move made by Toya Meijin and Sai is carefully calculated, while Kurata Pro injects his own brand of chaos into the game. Who will emerge victorious in this intense showdown? Only time will tell.

I think this might be my favorite volume so far.

The tension that existed between Sai and Hikaru was truly interesting. It added a layer of complexity to their relationship and made the story more engaging.

I really liked how Hikaru tried to cheer him up. His efforts were sincere and it showed his concern for Sai.

The way Hikaru interacted with Sai, trying to find ways to make him smile and feel better, was heartwarming.

It made me root for both of them and hope that they could overcome the challenges they were facing.

This volume also had some great moments that made me laugh and others that made me feel emotional.

Overall, it was a great read and I can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.

Sai is extremely cute!!!!

I have a deep affection for his little temper tantrums that occur when he hasn't engaged in playing for a while.

It's truly remarkable how passionate he is about go.

His dedication and enthusiasm for the game are simply captivating.

Whenever he gets into those temper tantrums, it's as if the world around him ceases to exist, and all his focus is on his beloved go.

It's a sight that never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Sai's cuteness and his intense passion for go make him a truly endearing character.

I can't help but fall in love with him all over again every time I witness his antics.

He is like a little bundle of joy and energy, always ready to take on the challenges of the go board.

I look forward to seeing more of his adventures and his continued growth in the world of go.