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!
It's now the third-place playoff at Chihaya's final national high school tournament. Everyone is as quiet as can be, their hands clasped in prayer and anticipation as Chihaya quietly focuses on her fated match against Arata. Meanwhile, the battle to crown this year's champion is played between Hokuou Academy, led by Leero, and Fujisaki High, who aims to retake their lost crown. It is a place to believe in yourself and believe in your friends in order to make your dreams come true, and it's here that Taichi, who left his team once in the past, appears. Wipe away your tears, whether they're those of victory or regret, and keep moving forward. Those who fight blaze their own trail!