4.25 stars

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This is an extremely powerful series. Indeed, when you analyze it, it truly adheres to a straightforward pattern: fight - become stronger - engage in more fighting - grow even stronger. However, I find it convincingly engaging enough to thoroughly enjoy.

And within the story, it doesn't come across as monotonous as it might seem. A significant portion of this is attributed to the characters and the diverse situations they encounter. Here, Hikaru suddenly confronts Touya Meijin, Akira's father, and it is truly remarkable to witness the different characters' responses to this match.

In fact, they are almost more thrilling than the game itself, although I must admit that I find the majority of the games truly captivating. This is especially because at times, you don't know which side you desire to emerge victorious. I am truly relishing this, but I suppose that much is evident :D

Pretty great board game manga!

I really liked the story. It was engaging and full of interesting twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The art was also really nice. The illustrations were detailed and colorful, bringing the characters and the game world to life in a vivid way.

The combination of the great story and the beautiful art made this manga a real pleasure to read.

I found myself completely immersed in the world of the board game and rooting for the main characters as they faced various challenges and obstacles.

Overall, I would highly recommend this board game manga to anyone who enjoys a good story and beautiful art. It's a great read that will keep you entertained for hours.

Now that Hikaru has become a professional go player at the young age of 14, the question of where the story will lead looms large.

Obviously, the series is steadily building up to the highly anticipated big confrontation between Hikaru and Akira Toya. However, just like in many of the games within this series, we witness intermediate proxy fights where Hotta ingeniously comes up with new twists. In volume 12, she has Hikaru participating in the "Shinsodan" series, which pits rookie go professionals against the top veterans. Surprisingly, Akira's father, Toya Meijin, requests Hikaru as his opponent.

Sai, Hikaru's unfortunate ghostly sidekick, has been eager to play against Toya Meijin ever since they first met. At this juncture, it's difficult to determine whether to feel more sympathy for him, who is trapped haunting a 14-year-old, or for Hikaru, who now desires to play for his own development but has a ghost pleading with him to let him play. Of course, if Hikaru allows Sai to play against Toya, everyone will observe that he is playing at a level far beyond what he has previously demonstrated. This will raise uncomfortable questions and set unreasonable expectations for Hikaru in future games. So, the dilemma for Hikaru is how to fulfill Sai's wish without ruining his own prospects. It's a captivating bit of character drama that Hotta resolves with yet another dose of go trickery.

The "B" plot in this volume involves Hikaru and Sai attending a go festival and encountering an unethical professional and a shady vendor selling cheap go boards fraudulently marked up as valuable antiques. The sole purpose of this subplot seems to be to provide Sai with something else to do and to introduce a new character. Consequently, I am deducting a star from this installment due to the rather mediocre side plot.

I am now approximately halfway through the series. Sooner or later, Hikaru and Akira must have their ultimate showdown, and Sai must play a "real" game against Toya Meijin. I推测 this will occur around the series climax. Therefore, this is the point where I wonder if Hotta will manage to craft some brilliant new storylines to maintain the intensity of the series until then, or if we will be subjected to 12 volumes of "filler." Although, to be fair, even the filler has been quite readable thus far.

And I am still feeling inspired to enhance my own go game.

Yumi Hotta,

Hikaru no Go, vol. 12: The Shinshodan Series (ViZ, 1998)

The Pro Test may have come to an end, but for Hikaru, it is just the commencement of his exciting adventures. His initial match as a professional takes place in the Shinshodan Series. Hikaru has managed to draw attention from unexpected quarters. It transpires that a mysterious competitor has specifically demanded him as an opponent. The entire Go world is eagerly anticipating with bated breath to witness how this match will unfold. When Sai discovers who the opponent is, he pleads to be permitted to play the match himself. However, Hikaru is worried that his style of play has now diverged significantly from Sai's, and people might notice. This volume is yet another outstanding addition to the series. ****

I found myself completely engrossed in this one.

Now that Hikaru has become a professional and a strong player on his own, his reliance on Sai is gradually decreasing.

Conversely, Sai's longing to play against the stronger opponents that Hikaru is encountering is intensifying.

It will truly be fascinating to observe how their relationship develops and evolves in the future.

I have already ordered the next volume.

(Regrettably, my local library does not possess this Manga, so I have been borrowing these through the inter-library loan system.

I am extremely grateful to the Wake County Libraries in NC for kindly lending me this volume.)

Hikaru's first series as a professional takes an unexpected turn when Toya Meijin requests Shindo as his opponent in a series that pits new pros against old veterans. Hikaru, perhaps out of a sense of respect or a desire to see Sai shine, allows Sai to play the match instead. This decision plays out fairly early in the series.

However, it leads to a series of incidents that gradually change the dynamic between Hikaru and Sai. As the series progresses, Hikaru finds it increasingly difficult to give Sai the freedom to play go on his own as he had earlier. The situation becomes more complex as it becomes increasingly important for Hikaru to "fight his own battles."

Consequently, Sai is pushed further and further away from the board and into a more advisory role. This shift not only affects Sai but also has an impact on Hikaru's growth and development as a professional go player. It forces him to confront his own abilities and limitations and to make difficult decisions about his future in the world of go.

3.5★

I think that if I hadn't watched the anime and already known the story, this volume would deserve four stars. I truly have sympathy for Sai. Interestingly, the anime actually includes a few elements that aren't in the book, which gives it a slightly more positive and upbeat feel. However, perhaps that's precisely why I was so saddened when <....>. I wonder if I had read the manga from the very beginning, I might not have been nearly as shocked when <...>, maybe.

Anime-manga match-up:

ep 47 = vol 12 up to pg 53 （第９７～９８局）

ep 48 = vol 12 pgs 56-99 （第９９～１００局）

ep 49 = vol 12 pgs 102-137 （第１０１～１０２.７５局）

ep 50 = vol 12 pg 138 （LOL only one page! The rest of the ep was review!）

ep 51 = vol 12 pgs 139-end （第１０２.７５～１０４局）

Hikaru and Toya Meijin are two renowned figures in the world of [relevant field]. Their encounters have always been highly anticipated by fans and enthusiasts.

Hikaru is known for his exceptional skills and innovative strategies. He has a unique approach to the game, often surprising his opponents with his bold moves. His determination and focus on every match have earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor.

Toya Meijin, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. He has a deep understanding of the game and a calm and composed demeanor during matches. His ability to read his opponents and make calculated decisions gives him an edge in many situations.

Whenever Hikaru and Toya Meijin face off, it is always a battle of wits and skills. Their matches are filled with intense moments and thrilling exchanges. Fans eagerly follow their every move, speculating on who will come out on top.

The rivalry between Hikaru and Toya Meijin has not only added excitement to the [relevant field] but has also inspired a new generation of players. Their dedication and passion for the game serve as an example to all, showing that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve great things.