Akira looked at the game and concluded that Hikaru is winning. Meanwhile Ochi won against Waya, and he declared that he was indeed stronger than Waya. Then Ochi and Waya had a glance at Hikaru-Yashiro game and were surprised by it. Soon after, Ochi requested for a match against Yashiro to decide who will get Hokuto Cup third seat.

Waya felt Ochi's pride and felt ashame that he was actually happy for not playing against Hikaru or Yashiro. After being approved, Ochi had his match against Yashiro. Ochi played well but could not beat Yashiro in the end. So the teams for Hokuto Cup had been decided:

Japan: Touya Akira, Shindou Hikaru, Yashiro Kiyoharu. Captain: Kurata Atsushi
Korea: Ko Yonha, Lin Rihuan, Hon Suyon. Captain: An Teson
China: Lu Lee, Wang Shi Chen, Chao Shii. Captain: Yan Hai

Note: I am not sure if the names are correct. Please Email me if you know if any of this is correct, thanks.

Ogata won against Zama Ouza and will face Kuwabara for Honinbo Title. Hikaru is back playing with Akira in Go Salon, though Kitajima is pissed off seeing him back ^^; After some conversation, Hikaru mentioned about being the God of Go must be really lonely, because he could not find a true opponent. The man in the Go Salon replied that God of Go must be busy teaching the people, so that one day they will become strong enough to be his opponent. Later that night, Akira woke up to find out his father was sitting alone in the room, waiting for "someone's" next move.

Hikaru visited the Go Salon he used to visit (Kawai-san etc). Hikary felt comfortable with everyone being really nice to him. He thought of bringing Akira along too someday but changed his mind upon seeing everyone's "mad" reaction in hoping to see Akira. Akira had a dinner with his family. Akira's mother was excited about their next trip to Fukakawa. Koyo said he will come back to watch Hokuto Cup. Meanwhile, Hikaru received a call from Waya. Waya told him that everyone (Isumi, Saeki, Ochi, etc) is coming to the discussion group and play somekind of competition. Waya also wished Hikaru good luck for the Hokuto Cup.

Hikaru told Akira that he and Yashiro are thinking about practicing together before Hokuto Cup. Akira suggested to stay together at his house and play till they drop. Meanwhile, there was an interview with Ko Yonha. The translator said that Ko Yonha felt that Honinbo Shusaku isn't strong at all and he is just a person of the past. The reporter who heard it was shocked by Yonha's comments.

Touya Koyo had a talk with a man in Fukakawa. He asked Koyo why he retired. Koyo replied that he is actually hoping to play again against someone. On the other hand, Hikaru heard about Ko Yonha interview from a reporter.

Hikaru and Yashiro went to Akira's house by train. Yashiro said how great Hikaru's parents being supportive about Hikaru being a Go Pro, especially Hikaru's mum, she even made bento for Hikaru, while Yashiro's family barely allowed him to become a Pro. Then, they "finally" reached Akira's house. Akira suggested to start out with fast Go (one hand 10 seconds only). Whoever loses exchange place. Yashiro started first against Akira, but lost. So Hikaru was next. Hikaru wanted to become more stronger so that Yonha will never able to say anything bad about Shusaku, because Sai is still living in Hikaru's Go.

3 days before Hokuto Cup... The first thing we saw is Akira finally lost against Yashiro. Soon after, Kurata came to visit. After some lunch (Because Kurata can't live without one), Hikaru asked how they will decide the 1st, 2nd, 3rd captains. Kurata said it will most likely decided by strength, so they will have a match. Kurata VS Yashiro, while Hikaru VS Akira. During match, Hikaru felt that he is lacking the spirit and determination to win, unlike Akira.

Hikaru lost by 5 1/2 moku. Yashiro felt the strength of Akira, but was even more bewildered by Hikaru's ability, because Hikaru just started playing Go 3 years ago. Hikaru was extremely unhappy for not able to defeat Akira. He asked if he can be the 1st captain, even if it's only against Korea. That night Yashiro asked why Hikaru wanted to play against Yonha. Hikaru mumbled that if "he" still existed, "he" will definitely kick Yonha's butt upside down. Then finally the day of Hokuto Cup came, Hikaru got to meet Suyon.