Hikaru finishes his game with Kadowaki, which he wins. Kadowaki admits that Hikaru is good but thinks that Hikaru was somehow better the last time they played (I'm pretty sure his last time was actually against Sai). He's shocked when Hikaru cheerfully agrees with him. A new character, Kiyoharu Yashiro from the Kansai Go Association, is introduced. He plays wild/risky Go, beginning with the middle (tengen) in one of his games. Hikaru plays against Morishita (his teacher in his study sessions) and Akira plays against Ogata (his father's student), resulting in two emotionally charged matches. Akira and Hikaru both lose, but they establish themselves as players to be watched. Then it's time for the Hokuto Cup qualifiers. In his second round, Hikaru plays against Yashiro, a game filled with risky and unexpected moves.

This was a fun volume. Again, a bit scattered, and I honestly have no clue what any of them are working towards anymore. Even Hotta admits that pros' schedules and tournaments are confusing and complicated. I'm better off just focusing on individual matches and their outcomes rather than trying to figure out the big picture. One thing I do know is that the Hokuto Cup qualifier determines who's part of the Japanese team in the big Japan-China-Korea tournament.

Yashiro and Hikaru's game is exciting, even though I suspect it's unrealistically reckless.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) ( )

Huh? A new character? Hmm.... a bit more story would be nice. ( )