Ep. 14: Chihaya struggles against Shinobu Wakamiya in the individual karuta tournament match.
Aired on January 11, 2012
The individual tournament begins with Taichi aiming for Class A to face Arata. Sudō informs Chihaya that Shinobu Wakamiya, the youngest karuta queen and first-year high school student, defeats Amakasu by 24 cards in the first round. Taichi receives a bye in the Class B tournament and attends Chihaya’s second-round match against Shinobu. Although Chihaya reacts initially, Shinobu’s superior speed and accuracy allow her to claim all cards. As Chihaya falls behind, she ceases her aggressive play, disappointing Shinobu. Remembering her inability to take cards against Arata previously, Chihaya resolves not to be weaker now. She changes her strategy and begins taking cards.
Episodes
- Ep. 10 · Chihaya struggles with Arata's silence while Taichi addresses team unity issues.
- Ep. 11 · Harada and Tsuboguchi cheer for Chihaya and Taichi while Hokuō underestimates them
- Ep. 12 · Chihaya faces pressure while her father creates a scrapbook and Miyauchi changes her mind about karuta
- Ep. 13 · Chihaya collapses at Ōmi Jingū while Arata reflects on his grandfather's legacy
- Ep. 14 · Chihaya struggles against Shinobu Wakamiya in the individual karuta tournament match.
- Ep. 15 · Shinobu and Chihaya reflect on tournament losses while Taichi identifies stamina as a critical weakness for the club.
- Ep. 16 · Recap of past events and omake segments on Mount Ogura
- Ep. 17 · Club members pursue karuta ranking goals while Chihaya adjusts her training strategy
- Ep. 18 · Chihaya loses to Kanai and learns about timing before watching finals