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 heated East Japan qualification tournament to decide who will challenge the Master and Queen continues. Chihaya gains momentum when she defeats a speedy sixth grader in her first match. However, a shadowy figure watches over the energetic matches played by these elite competitors. Who will win their way through and earn the right to stand on this much dreamed-of stage? The Master and Queen make a joint appearance at last as the veil is lifted on the highest level of the karuta world!