"Akagi" is a psychological and strategic manga centered around the game of mahjong, written and illustrated by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. The narrative revolves around Shigeru Akagi, a young and enigmatic prodigy who enters the underground world of high-stakes mahjong in post-war Japan. Akagi’s journey begins when, as a teenager, he stumbles into a yakuza-run gambling den while fleeing the police. Despite having no prior experience with mahjong, he displays an extraordinary aptitude for the game, quickly mastering its intricacies and using his sharp intellect to outmaneuver seasoned players. The story delves into Akagi’s rise within the gambling underworld, where he faces increasingly dangerous opponents, each with their own unique strategies and psychological tactics. His cold, calculating demeanor and willingness to take extreme risks set him apart from other players, earning him both admiration and fear. Akagi’s matches are not merely games of skill but intense psychological battles, where bluffing, intuition, and the ability to read opponents play crucial roles. The stakes are often life-threatening, with yakuza involvement adding layers of tension and danger. Key characters include Washizu Iwao, a wealthy and eccentric gambling magnate who becomes one of Akagi’s most formidable adversaries. Washizu’s matches against Akagi are central to the narrative, characterized by their high stakes and unconventional rules, such as the use of transparent tiles to eliminate the element of chance. Another significant figure is Yagi, a yakuza member who initially underestimates Akagi but later becomes a reluctant ally, recognizing his unparalleled talent. The manga explores themes of risk, survival, and the psychological toll of gambling, with Akagi’s character embodying a blend of genius and recklessness. His unorthodox methods and fearless approach to the game often push him to the brink of disaster, yet he consistently emerges victorious through a combination of skill, intuition, and sheer audacity. The narrative is driven by the tension of each match, with detailed explanations of mahjong strategies and tactics woven into the story, making it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with the game. "Akagi" is notable for its intense pacing, intricate plotting, and focus on the psychological aspects of gambling. The series captures the high-stakes atmosphere of the underground mahjong world, blending suspense, strategy, and character-driven drama into a compelling narrative.