Seeing Akira’s genuine pain and intensity sparks something in Hikaru. He realizes he can no longer rely on Sai if he ever wants Akira to look at him seriously.
Akira is deeply shaken by Hikaru’s actual skill level. Having expected the "divine moves" he encountered previously (which were played by Sai), Akira is frustrated by Hikaru’s clumsy, amateurish play. Hikaru No Go Episode 19
The episode focuses on the aftermath of the Kaio Middle School Go tournament, where Hikaru played against Akira. Seeing Akira’s genuine pain and intensity sparks something