Chihaya is a girl in the sixth grade, still not old enough to even know the meaning of the word zeal. But one day, she meets Arata, a transfer student from rural Fukui prefecture. Though docile and quiet, he has an unexpected skill: his ability to play competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game.Chihaya is struck by his obsession with the game, along with his ability to pick out the right card and swipe it away before any of his opponents. However, Arata is transfixed by her as well, all because of her unbelievable natural talent for the game. Don't miss this story of adolescent lives and emotions playing out in the most dramatic of ways!
The Master Match with Hisashi Suou's fifth consecutive title on the line has come to a close with Master Suou successfully defending in a hard-fought battle. As all eyes gather on Suou, who had stated before that he would retire after winning five championships in a row, Arata cuts him off to declare that he will come to defeat the Master next year, creating a commotion in the crowd. Suou then gives Arata a one-year extension. Taichi is also present, standing motionless as he sees these two, only to face none other than Arata the next day in the Takamatsunomiya Cup tournament! These players with unshakable convictions who have vowed to never stop chasing their goals now take the first steps into a new year!