Ep. 39: Hikaru faces undefeated Isumi who cheats during a tense match on day twelve.
Aired on July 10, 2002
On the twelfth day, Hikaru confronts the undefeated Isumi, who has only one loss remaining. Isumi grows anxious after Ochi reveals that Akira is pursuing Hikaru, causing the game to extend into overtime. Although Isumi initially dominates the match, he makes an illegal move under pressure and secretly alters it before passing the turn. Hikaru must now choose between ignoring the rule violation to complete the match or exposing Isumi’s infraction. This critical decision tests Hikaru’s integrity and strategic judgment in a high-stakes encounter where the outcome hangs in the balance.
Episodes
- Ep. 35 · Hikaru visits a Korean salon and challenges Su-Young Hong to prove Japan's Go strength
- Ep. 36 · Hikaru and Su-Young compete in a match where Hikaru's risky move leads to victory.
- Ep. 37 · The professional exam starts with increased intensity after pairings are decided
- Ep. 38 · Hikaru learns about professional exam struggles while Akira attempts to teach Kosuke Ochi.
- Ep. 39 · Hikaru faces undefeated Isumi who cheats during a tense match on day twelve.
- Ep. 40 · Isumi's Guilt and Ochi's Deduction Lead to a Critical Exam Match
- Ep. 41 · Isumi defeats Ochi while Hikaru reaches thirteen wins in fifteen days
- Ep. 42 · Ochi passes exam with one loss while Hikaru faces pressure for remaining spots
- Ep. 43 · Hikaru and Waya compete in the final match to determine professional status