: 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
: 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. Hikaru No Go Episode 22
Episode 22 of , titled " The Insei Test ," marks a major turning point where Hikaru moves from the small pond of school clubs into the deep end of the professional track. Plot Breakdown: A Reality Check : Joining the Insei class about a week