March Comes In Like a Lion 2nd Season Episode 20

GREAT

79%

of 4 scoutsrecommend

Animation & Style

Character Writing & Lore

Pacing

World Building & Setting

👀 SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY

This late-season entry shifts into a contemplative register, anchoring itself in the world of professional shogi with an unflinching focus on what high-level competition costs the people who pursue it. The episode splits across two chapter adaptations, moving from the lingering warmth of summer into the quiet reset of a new year. Expect Shaft's signature visual storytelling to carry the emotional weight as Rei Kiriyama and his mentor Kai Shimada grapple with the psychological and physical demands of pivotal matches. Pacing is deliberately slow, giving space for internal monologue and atmospheric tension rather than dramatic confrontation. The tone balances heavy introspection with moments of quiet human connection, reinforcing the series' core meditation on resilience, loneliness, and the people who make endurance possible. A deeply felt episode for those invested in these characters' journeys.

🔥 KEY MOMENTS

⚠️ Spoiler Alert!

Shimada's Road Not Taken

Shimada dreams of an alternate life where he never became a professional shogi player — a quiet, peaceful existence back in his hometown. The vision underscores the immense personal cost of his obsession and how far he's traveled from that simpler path.

Rei Behind the Commentary Desk

Rei is unexpectedly promoted to board commentator for the Lion King Tournament match, paired with the fiery and passionate Raidou Fujimoto. The contrast between Rei's reserved nature and Fujimoto's intensity makes for a charged dynamic as they break down the game for spectators.

Shimada's Body Betrays Him

Mid-match, Shimada is wracked by severe stomach pain — his chronic physical ailments flaring at the worst possible time. He refuses to yield, gritting through the agony as the board demands every ounce of his concentration.

Whispers of Doubt

Rei overhears spectators openly questioning whether Shimada has any real chance against Souya, stacking the emotional weight of the match even higher. The scene captures the cruel indifference of the crowd and the loneliness of fighting a battle no one believes you can win.

Souya Tightens the Grip

Reigning champion Souya methodically demonstrates why he holds the title, maneuvering Shimada into an increasingly desperate position on the board. With a potential fourth consecutive loss looming, Shimada's dream of winning in his hometown hangs by a thread.

📍 ARC CONTEXT

Positioned as episode 20 of 22, this installment arrives in the season's closing stretch, where the emotional and narrative threads established across the bullying arc and Shimada's professional struggles converge into quieter, more reflective territory. The preceding episodes laid the groundwork for these critical shogi confrontations while deepening Rei's bonds with those around him. With only two episodes remaining, this chapter sets the stage for the season's final emotional resolutions around growth, purpose, and belonging.

⚡ ALL REVIEWS

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com