Ep 12. Episode 12

The episode starts off with the aftermath of the previous match between Shimada and Nikaido where Shimada is seen returning home, exhausted and having lost the match. The episode explores Shimada's backstory as we see him reminiscing of his past and how he began playing Shogi. We get a glimpse of Shimada's childhood where we see him watching his father play Shogi and his fascination towards the game began to take root.

As Shimada grows older, he starts to receive training from a former professional Shogi player, Harunobu Nikaido, who teaches him some of the advanced techniques of the game. Nikaido tells Shimada that he is a natural and he has a lot of potential to become a great player. With his training, Shimada's rank grows and soon he becomes a professional Shogi player.

The episode then switches back to the present where Shimada is seen contemplating his future as a Shogi player. After losing the match against Nikaido, he is unsure if he wants to continue playing the game. We see him struggling with the idea of quitting, but he is reminded of the people who supported him through his journey and gave him the push he needed to become a professional player. He is then visited by the Kawamoto sisters who try to lift his spirits and remind him of his journey so far.

As Shimada begins to recover from the match, he is also visited by Nikaido who congratulates him on his performance and gives him some advice on how to improve his game. Nikaido reveals that he saw some of his past self in Shimada and that he had high hopes for him as a player. Shimada is touched by Nikaido's words and it inspires him to continue playing Shogi.

As the episode comes to an end, Shimada visits a shrine where he prays for his future and his career as a Shogi player. He is also seen sitting on a bench, watching the sunset and thinking of his next moves. The episode leaves us with a sense of hope and anticipation for what is to come in Shimada's future as a Shogi player.

Overall, episode 12 of "March Comes in Like a Lion" is an emotionally charged episode that showcases the struggles of a professional athlete. We witness Shimada's journey from a young boy with a passion for Shogi to a seasoned player who is considering his future in the game. The episode is a tribute to the power of support and friendship and the impact it can have on one's life. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who loves a good drama with a message about perseverance.