hikaru is upset and angry with himself over the setback, but i don't think that particular amount of self-doubt is particularly tragic or anything more than to be expected. it doesn't hurt his determination to keep going towards the future; on the contrary, it strengthens it. i think it's clear from the scenes after he loses the match that he's doing all right at absorbing it. he has his purpose in life laid out for him more clearly than it ever has been before; his inner fire has been properly lit; and he has akira there with him in a perfect harmony of quiet understanding, already taking care of him.