Ep 38. The Challengers

The episode "The Challengers" begins with Hikaru and Akira getting ready to compete in the preliminary finals of the pro exam. Both are nervous but determined to win and move on to the next round. As they enter the playing hall, they are greeted by a large crowd of spectators who have come to watch the match.

The first match is between Akira and Koyo Toya, a former Meijin who has come out of retirement to compete in the exam. The two players are evenly matched and the game is intense. Akira makes some risky moves, but they pay off and he is able to secure a win over Koyo Toya.

Next up is Hikaru, who is set to play against a young prodigy named Ochi. The two players begin their match and it quickly becomes clear that Ochi is a formidable opponent. Hikaru tries his best to keep up, but he is soon outmatched by Ochi's skillful play.

Despite the setback, Hikaru remains determined to win. He studies Ochi's moves carefully and comes up with a strategy to counteract his opponent's strong points. The second game is much closer, with both players making clever moves to gain the upper hand.

However, Hikaru's strategy pays off in the end and he is able to secure a win over Ochi. The two players shake hands and congratulate each other on a well-played game.

The episode ends with Hikaru and Akira both moving on to the next round of the exam. They are both one step closer to becoming professional Go players, and the tension continues to mount as they face off against even tougher opponents.