Ep. 21: Taichi advises Chihaya on strategy while she faces prodigy Ririka in the eastern qualifier.

Nishida critiques Taichi’s mental approach to karuta, urging him to practice swings to gauge card distance. Meanwhile, at the eastern qualifier, Sudō informs Chihaya about scholarships for top national tournament finishers, leading to a bet where the first loser must shave their head. Chihaya defeats Ririka Tachikawa, a child prodigy compared to Shinobu, by balancing timing and speed. Harada instructs Tsuboguchi to help Chihaya develop skills beyond her natural talent. In the western qualifier, Shinichi Murao, Arata’s regular partner, loses early and claims no one can defeat current master Hisashi Suō. Taichi texts Arata to confirm Chihaya’s first-round victory and expresses confidence that Arata will reach the western finals.

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