Ep 22. The Insei Test

In the 22nd episode of Hikaru no Go, titled "The Insei Test," Hikaru starts his journey to become a professional Go player by taking the Insei entrance exam.

The episode begins with Hikaru and his friends visiting the Insei examination center, where they see a large number of young Go players who are also taking the exam. Upon entering the examination room, Hikaru meets a boy named Akira Toya, who he previously played against and lost.

The actual exam consists of a series of Go games against other Insei candidates, each one being more challenging than the previous. The first round goes smoothly for Hikaru as he manages to win his match without any difficulties. However, the second round is much harder, and Hikaru loses after making a critical mistake.

Despite this setback, Hikaru doesn't give up and continues to play with determination. His next opponent is a formidable player who puts Hikaru under intense pressure, but Hikaru manages to hold his ground and eventually wins the match.

The final exam is against none other than Toya Akira. Hikaru is nervous, knowing that this is his chance to prove his worth as a Go player. The game begins, and it is clear that Toya is still the better player and has a clear advantage. However, Hikaru doesn't give up and continues to play with his heart, trying to figure out Toya's strategies and tactics.

As the game progresses, Hikaru manages to turn the tables and starts gaining the upper hand. Toya, impressed by Hikaru's skills, begins to take him seriously and becomes more focused. Eventually, the game reaches a climax, and both players are down to their final moves. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the outcome of the match.

Overall, "The Insei Test" is a thrilling episode that showcases Hikaru's skills as a Go player and his determination to become a professional. It also introduces several new characters, including the ambitious and skilled Toya Akira, and sets the stage for the rest of the series. As always, the animation is top-notch, with each Go game being depicted in intricate detail. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this episode, while newcomers will be drawn in by the exciting gameplay and engaging characters.