MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION GN (2025)

Kiriyama is moving up the ranks and now he is even appearing on television. With the new exposure means, more unusual exposure to his friends, family and classmates. Suddenly everyone seems to know what he meant when he said playing Japanese chess is his profession. But that doesn't mean he's suddenly a celebrity. But being in magazines and on TV does have its perks, as well as its drawbacks.

Rei is ill after a few stressful tournaments but rushing to his aide are the Kawamoto sisters. They hold an intervention and spirit him away to their place after they find that he was sick and had forgotten to charge his phone. Even when times are down for the young shogi phenom, there are still old friends that are out there to watch over him however the pieces fall.

Shimada 8-dan challenges Soya Meijin for the Shishioh Tournament. Concerned about Shimada's poor health, Kiriyama heads for Kyoto to pick up the challenger's spirits. A tender love story that moves along like a flowing river.

After struggling in his attempt to win the Shishioh title, Shimada now settles into his role as shogi ambassador. His shogi courses are lively affairs and this is no exception. And even with rain tempering some of the festivities, the energy from the youth as well as his fellow professionals has given the title challenger renewed hope for the future. A future where titles continue to be achievable if not won.

Hina is bullied at school for defending her friend. Rei desperately searches for what he can do to help her fight against the bullies. And eventually he is admonished by his former teacher, Mr. Hayashida, 'Do what you can do, one thing at a time,' and vows to fight for Hina.