Hikaru receives a phone call inviting him to join the Japan–China–Korea Junior Tournament, only to learn that he must first compete in a preliminary tournament that will select Japan’s three representatives. After discussing the situation with Akira, Hikaru discovers that Akira has already been chosen and will bypass the preliminaries. Consequently, Hikaru resolves not to visit Akira’s Go salon until he secures his spot on the team with Akira. The challenge proves harder than expected, as Hikaru must contend with former friends for one of two coveted positions and may face a new rival, a promising player from the Kansai Go Institute.