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!
Karuta players dream of the Master and Queen Matches, a stage that only the chosen can take. While Shinobu Wakamiya lacks an edge during the beginning of her best-of-three Queen Match title defense, she uses her overwhelming strength to win two and succeed in her first defense. Next is the third game of the best-of-five Master Match. Glued to the TV, Chihaya and friends are left breathless by the sight of Master Hisashi Suou.