caught up to the ao ashi chapters. i love this new arc and how it gives us a new perspective on what it takes to be a pro. it was never going to be an easy feat for ashito to adjust to such experienced players. kuribayashi sums up the circumstances so perfectly.

arata's invitation to the room from chihaya feels symbolic as well, provided that he was the one who inspired her to dream in the first place. she wanted to show him her journey and how she will win.

i especially loved the detail about shinobu's refusal to enter that room after chihaya invites her. it's a wonderful way to illustrate that shinobu, despite all their mutual understanding and respect, remains an opponent with her own goals and, thus, her own "room" as well.

lastly, it comes full circle with little chihaya, the girl who dreamed, coming in the clubroom. from chihaya's acceptance "the chiha card is me" to the embrace between her past and current self when the (floating) card is called out, it's absolutely wonderful writing.

akatsuki no yona 224 i was so excited for the yona/hak reunion where i thought they'd hug once they reunited but kusanagi-sensei knows better and destroyed me with THIS as the chapter's final scene. AAAAAAHHHHHH