Ep. 9: Shinobu doubts Arata while he substitutes in a team match
Shinobu, having returned to her former weight, assumes Arata’s long absence from karuta means he can no longer defeat her. She plans to attend the Birdman Rally on Lake Biwa, claiming that forming teams is only for those who lack true passion for the game. Meanwhile, Komano and Sumire continue scouting opponents during the second round. Arata attempts to approach Chihaya but hides when he sees her arguing with Retro. His friend Shoji Kawauchi, who attends Fukui West, persuades Arata to substitute for his team, which is short a player due to traffic delays. Although Arata ensures his participation does not influence the match result, Kuriyama discovers him and warns that he may be disqualified from the individual tournament because substitutions are prohibited. The Birdman Rally is ultimately cancelled due to rain.
Episodes
- 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.
- Ep. 13 · Chihaya battles Megumu while Mizusawa team improves under coach's guidance