201 pages, コミック
First published January 6,2003
A continuation of the final arc, this is truly a sign of great storytelling. The way the plot unfolds and the characters develop is captivating. However, it did feel a bit drawn out at times. There were moments when it seemed as if the story could have been condensed into a more concise form. Almost as if it could have been presented in just 2 volumes instead of the current length. But despite this minor drawback, the overall quality of the story remains high. The author has managed to create a world and characters that are engaging and memorable. The final arc is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats as they await the conclusion.
Hikaru no Go has reached a bit of a slump for me. The prelims to determine who will compete in the tournament are so intense that there is very little room for error in getting the spots. It makes the whole situation rather nerve-wracking.
There is one standout game in this volume. Hikaru has to play against someone who employs unconventional tactics. This brings an element of surprise and excitement to the story. It's interesting to see how Hikaru will handle this unexpected challenge.
Other than that, it is a standard affair with a slow pacing that doesn't really pay off. The story seems to be dragging at times, and I find myself losing a bit of interest. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Hotta's characters still keep me motivated to read this series through to the end. Even with the absence of Sai, the other characters are so well-developed and engaging that I can't help but want to see how their stories unfold.