Ep. 8: Komano and Taichi select Tsukuba as their starter against Chiba International High School
Komano and Taichi choose Tsukuba to start the first round against Chiba International High School of Information Sciences, a team composed entirely of ethnically non-Japanese members. While gathering intelligence on Fujisaki, the previous year's national champion, and First Akashi Girls' School, including Megumu Ousaka, the western queen finalist, Taichi discovers the Chiba players are actually native Japanese speaking incorrect English. He confronts them about this deception. Since the Chiba roster consists entirely of beginners, Mizusawa defeats them without difficulty. The losing team acknowledges their growth and vows to return stronger for the following year's tournament. Concurrently, as Arata travels to Oumi Jinguu to support Chihaya and Taichi, Shinobu intercepts him before he can arrive.
Episodes
- Ep. 4 · Harada and Shiranami Society members observe the Mizusawa semi-final match against Homei.
- Ep. 5 · Nishida learns of sister's relationship while Hokuou faces unfair match expectations
- Ep. 6 · Chihaya pursues Amakasu as Hokuou secures victory through strategic card splits and final card tie.
- Ep. 7 · Chihaya and Chitose navigate clubroom arrangements and personal ambitions before the nationals
- Ep. 8 · Komano and Taichi select Tsukuba as their starter against Chiba International High School
- Ep. 9 · Shinobu doubts Arata while he substitutes in a team match
- Ep. 10 · Rain Drying Delay and Shinobu's Threat to Arata's Participation
- Ep. 11 · Mizusawa advances using Komano's data while Arata faces restrictions and Chihaya plays Megumu
- Ep. 12 · Summer's sole indication as semi-finals pit Mizusawa against Akashi and Hokuou against Fujisaki.