Ep. 14: Rei struggles against Shimada's superior skill while receiving subtle guidance from his opponent.
Aired on January 21, 2017

Rei recognizes too late that he underestimated Shimada’s abilities, leaving him trapped in a losing match with no clear path to recovery. Overwhelmed by embarrassment and confusion, a shaken Rei manages to complete the game only because Shimada provides subtle messages. Once the match concludes, Rei flees the shogi hall in shame. Shimada observes his departure and, remembering the words of his young disciple Nikaidou, considers inviting Rei to join his shogi workshop.
Episodes
- Ep. 10 · Rei prepares for his match against Manabu Yasui while reflecting on a past Christmas with the Kouda family.
- Ep. 11 · Akari, Hinata, and Momo visit bedridden Rei on New Year’s Eve
- Ep. 12 · Rei recovers at home and faces Takeshi Tsujii in the Lion King Tournament
- Ep. 13 · Smith prepares for Gotou while Rei faces pressure against Kai Shimada in the Lion King Tournament.
- Ep. 14 · Rei struggles against Shimada's superior skill while receiving subtle guidance from his opponent.
- Ep. 15 · Chapter 30 Moonlight and Chapter 31 Lump of Ego depict the first Gotou versus Shimada match.
- Ep. 16 · Hayashida helps Rei with a lab report before he watches a crucial Lion King Tournament match.
- Ep. 17 · Chapters 34 to 36 cover the Lion King Tournament festivities and a meeting with Touji Souya
- Ep. 18 · Shimada prepares for the third Lion King Tournament match while Rei faces a disturbing board setup.