Ep. 17: Tournament players investigate Sai's identity while Akira recalls past matches with Hikaru.
Aired on February 6, 2002
During the tournament, competitors notice others attempting to uncover Sai's true identity. Many assert that Sai surpasses all previous opponents in strength. A Korean participant reveals that his friend Yu, a 7-dan professional, was defeated by Sai, proving Sai is not an amateur. While Waya suspects Sai is a child, Seiji Ogata claims Sai is the spirit of legendary Go player Shusaku Honinbo, citing the consistent improvement in Sai's online performance. This widespread speculation draws Akira's attention. After playing an online game against Sai, Akira is vividly reminded of a prior match with Hikaru. Following Akira's resignation from the online match, Waya becomes irritated by the situation.
Episodes
- Ep. 13 · Hikaru confronts Akira's strategic choice to secure the third spot for a match against Sai.
- Ep. 14 · Sai faces Akira while Hikaru questions his own progress during the match.
- Ep. 15 · Hikaru discovers online Go to entertain Sai and defeat top amateurs
- Ep. 16 · Internet fame follows Sai after defeating top players like Yoshitaka Waya
- Ep. 17 · Tournament players investigate Sai's identity while Akira recalls past matches with Hikaru.
- Ep. 18 · Akira skips Go exam to play internet game against Sai
- Ep. 19 · Hikaru Persuades His Grandfather to Buy a Go Board for Practice
- Ep. 20 · Hikaru sets professional goal after Kishimoto match and faces insei test with Ogata
- Ep. 21 · Hikaru plays simultaneous matches against Kimihiro, Kaga, and Yuki to qualify as an insei