Ep 14. The Third Match

The Third Match is the fourteenth episode of the anime series Hikaru No Go's first season. In this episode, Hikaru Shindo reaches his third match in the Insei tournament against his friend Waya. The episode begins with Hikaru asking Akira to watch his match. Akira agrees but doesn't want to sit with Hikaru's friends - Waya, Isumi, and Nase - since he thinks they are beneath him.

Hikaru starts off the game with a high-risk move, which puzzles Waya since Hikaru's style has changed drastically after playing Sai. Waya decides to play aggressively and the game quickly moves forward. However, soon Hikaru starts to feel the pressure of the game and slows down his pace. Waya starts to outmaneuver him, and Hikaru becomes anxious.

Despite his nerves, Hikaru manages to hold his own against Waya, trying different strategies to counter Waya's moves. The two players go back and forth, with neither giving the other an inch. The game remains close and intense, with Hikaru digging deep and using his instincts to stay in it.

As the game progresses, Akira watches from afar and starts to get nervous. He starts to realize that Hikaru has changed after playing against Sai. Akira then thinks back to his game against Hikaru, where he was utterly defeated by him. He realizes that his game against Hikaru was probably the best game he ever played. Feeling humbled, Akira starts to understand that Hikaru is a great Go player in his own right, despite not having Akira's prestigious pedigree.

As the match wears on, both Hikaru and Waya start to tire, but their competitive spirits refuse to give up. Hikaru continues to make risky moves, which Waya bravely counters. However, in the endgame, Waya starts to show signs of fatigue, making some mistakes. Hikaru capitalizes on these mistakes, gradually taking the lead, and finally beating Waya.

As the game ends, Hikaru is ecstatic about his win. Waya, while disappointed, is also amazed at Hikaru's style of play. Akira is equally impressed and starts to view Hikaru differently, realizing he has underestimated his friend all along. The episode ends with Hikaru, Waya, and Akira walking out of the Go center together, reminiscing about the match they witnessed.

Overall, The Third Match is a thrilling episode that highlights Hikaru's growing mastery of Go, while also showcasing his competitive spirit and his ability to change his style after playing Sai. The episode also touches on the changing dynamic between Hikaru and his friends, who are slowly starting to realize his true potential as a Go player.