: Joining the Insei class about a week later, Hikaru’s arrival causes a stir when he blabs about being Akira Toya’s rival . This claim backfires; the other students, intrigued and skeptical, proceed to crush him in every match, including a humbling loss to a girl that forces him to realize how much he still has to learn. Key Themes & Analysis
The episode is split into two distinct phases that showcase Hikaru's entry into the world of Insei (pro-track students): Hikaru No Go Episode 22
: We see the first real glimpses of Waya , who displays a "cruel and mocking" side typical of the shift from the friendliness of primary school to the competitive edge of older students. : Joining the Insei class about a week