Ep. 48: Hikaru allows Sai to play against Toya Meijin under strict conditions
Aired on September 11, 2002
Hikaru prepares for his debut match against Toya Meijin while Sai expresses a desire to participate. Akira, Waya, Ochi, Ogata, and Kuwabara are scheduled to watch the game. Hikaru agrees to let Sai play, but imposes a specific constraint: Sai must simulate a fifteen point handicap. This requirement forces Sai to adopt a sloppy and unrecognizable playing style to conceal his true identity during the match.
Episodes
- Ep. 44 · Hikaru Defeats Waya and Faces Ochi's Training Under Akira
- Ep. 45 · Hikaru confronts Ochi, who employs a technique inspired by Akira, while Waya fights Fuku for professional status.
- Ep. 46 · Hikaru and Waya secure victories while Isumi fails to advance professionally
- Ep. 47 · Hikaru, Waya, and Ochi gain professional status and face evaluation matches.
- Ep. 48 · Hikaru allows Sai to play against Toya Meijin under strict conditions
- Ep. 49 · Toya outsmarts Sai while Hikaru resigns, prompting a future handicap-free rematch request.
- Ep. 50 · Sai reveals his past and rivalry with Akira while fearing he may never play Go again.
- Ep. 51 · Hikaru plays a pro against overpriced boards while Kurata watches
- Ep. 52 · Hikaru faces Akira in his first professional match during a Go ceremony.