First Battle

Written by Yumi Hotta · Illustrated by Takeshi Obata

Book #2 in the Hikaru no Go series

A haunted board, a ghostly mentor, and a schoolboy's quest to defeat a Go prodigy.

4.2 Goodreads · 2,054 ratings

195 pages· ~340L

$9.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Hikaru Shindo's life changes when he encounters a haunted Go board and the spirit of master player Fujiwara-no-Sai. With Sai's guidance, Hikaru discovers his hidden talent for Go, setting his sights on defeating the renowned prodigy Akira Toya. As Hikaru's fame grows, he navigates school antics, Sai's emotional outbursts, and unexpected alliances, including a rival-turned-teammate. Can Hikaru balance his chaotic life and newfound passion to challenge Akira? Dive into the thrilling world of Go, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce.

From the publisher

After stumbling across a haunted go board, Hikaru Shindo discovers that the spirit of a master player named Fujiwara-no-Sai has taken up residence in his consciousness. Sai awakens in Hikaru an untapped genius for the game, and soon the schoolboy is chasing his own dream–defeating the famed go prodigy Akira Toya! With sure and steady moves, Sai and Hikaru are making a name for Hikaru Shindo as the one who might possibly beat the venerable Akira Toya. Wait. Who are we kidding? Hikaru: sure and steady…? Yeah, right! In between all the shenanigans Hikaru gets himself into during school and after, and dealing with Sai’s unhappy sobs when Hikaru tries to run away from playing Go, his fame is growing. Principals, teachers and Go tournament kids alike are all wondering who this unruly bronco of a Go player is. Tetsuo, a Shogi punk who has a beef of his own with Akira, harasses poor Hikaru at first–then later puts him on his own Go team! Meanwhile, Akira, looking for a rematch with Hikaru, is surprised to find Hikaru playing with a third-rate Go club. You won’t be disappointed with the further adventures of this dynamic Go duo!

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