[Iroha Isshiki]

Originally Posted by Kunagisa

Spoiler for Volume 7:

Volume 7 is an extremely poignant volume because the theme is family. A lot of the old geezers are retiring because they find themselves no match for the new generation. Meanwhile, Yaichi loses an old veteran that is theoretically weaker than him for that person's retirement match, but still manages to ranking up overall due to previous performance. He went straight to Ginko to cry afterward, which soothes Ginko because he does not seem as out of reach now. Yaichi's master Kiyotaki ended up dropping in rank despite an extremely well game played against Yaichi's cape-wearing rival (Ayumu) from volume 1 (situation is complete opposite of Yaichi), but he decided not to retire yet because of his family. Conclusion to this match was definitely the most touching scene so far in the series. I cried reading this part, as well as did everyone present including Keika, Ai, Ginko, and Yaichi. Everyone understood how significant the down-ranking was, and how much effort Kiyotaki exhausted just to maintain his rank, which he ultimately failed.

The parts where the Kiyotaki contemplates on his success so far, his daughter being born, his daughter help raising his disciple, how he has risen to the top but never reached Meijin status, the succeeding crash in rank and at risk of being outmatched by the newer generation, and his final transformation in giving up all his pride to ask people with much lower seniority than him for help are all very introspective heavy. A significant part (I want to say 30%) is written from the Kiyotaki's perspective.

Spoiler for Volume 5:

This parallels volume 5 where Keika prevails against Ayumu's master (Shiyakando), which I consider the second most touching scene in the entire novel because how emotional Keika got. Author really captured the essence of all the seemingly reward less effort finally giving Keika the single win that awarded her with the recognition that she never got over that many years. There are many characters featured that spent their live trying to pursue their career in this field and had to give up in the end. The tenacity to hold on and finally being rewarded is so overwhelming that there is seriously no word. Without Keika's win, I am sure Yaichi would not be able to beat Meijin.

In the end, Kiyotaki says boyishly that he still has not given up his dream/goal of becoming Meijin someday.

And we find out from the afterward that author's mother died while he was writing volume 5. Rest in peace.

I agree with what you said about Keika. Many readers completely underestimating her, but for me, she is one of the best characters so far in this series. She is my waifu and I really want her for Yaichi, especially when she admit that she loves Yaichi and wants him to take responsibility and marry her if she didnt get Ryou's title. Also when she gets her win against Ayumu's master, without it Yaichi will never win the match against meijin. But I'm so sad she was overshadowed by Ai and Ginko.