Hikaru no Go: Hokuto Hai e no Michi

Hikaru receives an unexpected call inviting him toward the Japan/China/Korea Junior Tournament—only to learn he must first survive a preliminary event to earn one of Japan’s three slots. When he talks it over with Akira, Hikaru discovers Akira has already secured a place and won’t be competing in the qualifiers.

Determined to stand alongside Akira on the team, Hikaru sets a personal condition: he won’t return to Akira’s Go salon until he’s earned his spot. The path proves demanding, as he must face familiar rivals for the limited openings, while a talented new contender from the Kansai Go Institute threatens to reshape the competition.