Ep. 23: Chihaya emerges from hiding while Arata seeks Murao's help for karuta training.
Depressed after her loss, Chihaya remains hidden in a locker until Taichi urges her to support Harada. She exits, warning Taichi that she and Harada will be his rivals when he reaches Class A. Harada defeats Sudō but loses in the semi-finals, while Tsuboguchi and Yumi advance as eastern finalists. In the western qualifier, Arata is eliminated in the fourth round. He attempts to persuade Murao to return to karuta to help him train for the master title. Murao argues that the goal of karuta is not mastery but agrees to play with Arata for fun. Tsuboguchi loses the master challenger match, whereas Yumi wins the queen challenger match. On Christmas Eve, club members attend their respective class parties. After her party, Chihaya calls Arata using the phone number Taichi provided.
Episodes
- Ep. 19 · Chihaya reflects on faults while Komano loses to Kana and Taichi falls to Nishida.
- Ep. 20 · Taichi's Tournament Loss and Arata's Unsent Note to Chihaya
- Ep. 21 · Taichi advises Chihaya on strategy while she faces prodigy Ririka in the eastern qualifier.
- Ep. 22 · Chihaya loses to former queen Yumi Yamamoto in the second round
- Ep. 23 · Chihaya emerges from hiding while Arata seeks Murao's help for karuta training.
- Ep. 24 · Club members watch matches while Shinobu recalls her past and defeats Yumi to keep her title.
- Ep. 25 · Suō Retains Title While Arata Trains and Club Faces Dissolution